Protecting your skin from the sun is something you need to pay attention to on a regular basis. Indeed, during the hot seasons, the sun has a greater strength and you need to be a bit more careful.
Sun protection means wearing light clothes, limiting sun exposure during the height hours and wearing healthy sunscreen. While the first two refer to actions we can do, the last one is directly related to products we need to use.
Sunscreen products are effective in protecting our skin from the sun rays. Whether we use it because we have to walk during peak hours or we want to go to the beach, these items are really beneficial for our skin. They keep it protected and also allow us to get a beautiful uniform tan.
But have you ever wondered what ingredients are used to make these items? We can divide sunscreen products into two categories: regular and healthy. The first category may use certain substances which are really beneficial for the skin, while the second type of sunscreen may go for natural eco-friendly components.
This difference can have some effects on our skin. Let’s look closer at the components of regular sunscreens.
Regular sunscreen ingredients
Sunscreen ingredients may be difficult to read and understand, especially if you are not a specialist in the field. Some of the components you may find are:
- oxybenzone
- avobenzone
- octisalate
- octinoxate
- homosalate
- octocrylene
Oxybenzone is widely used in this type of products. This ingredient has been linked to skin allergies and endocrine disruptions. Children and pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised not to use products which contain oxybenzone.
This chemical can have some damaging effects on the environment as well. As we use sunscreen, some of it is absorbed into our skin and the rest is washed when we enter water or take a shower. When it reaches oceans, it contributes to coral reef pollution.
Other ingredients such as octinoxate, octisalate and octocrylene can also cause skin allergies and irritations.
What’s more, sunscreen components have been named hormone disruptors.
Although some of these side effects may not appear immediately after using sunscreen or affect everybody, in the long run, they may start making their presence known.
Healthy sunscreen benefits
Healthy sunscreen uses other types of ingredients and promises to have great benefits on your skin.
Natural ingredients
Most healthy sunscreens are produced using natural ingredients. Yet, in order to be 100% sure, always check before buying. Some may use organic ingredients (check the companies that use this label).
Natural ingredients mean no allergies*, skin irritations and hormone disruptions. They can represent a safer option for you and can offer the results you want.
*Always check the ingredients list to see if they contain ingredients you are allergic to.
Eco-friendly
Healthy sunscreen products do not use harsh chemicals. This is a benefit for your skin and the environment as well.
The marine flora and fauna suffer little to no harm because of these products, which contributes to environmental protection.
What you need to know when choosing a healthy sunscreen
Besides paying attention to the ingredients, there are other aspects you need to know when choosing a healthy sunscreen.
You may want to see if the product is rated or recommended by a certain authority such as Environmental Working Group (EWG). This can help you make a better decision and can offer you additional information about the product.
Next, you want to look at what type of protection the product offers. UVA and UVB protection is greatly recommended.
The SPF is another element you need to consider. Going for a healthy sunscreen with minimum SPF 15 is a smart decision. The higher the SPF, the greater protection your skin will get.