Sunscreen products are the best at taking care of your skin during summer and not only. Using them during the whole year is a great way of protecting your skin.
What you need to pay attention is the ingredients used in these products. Some may not be so healthy and beneficial for your skin.
Avobenzone-free sunscreen is an example of a healthy product. This type of sunscreen may lack other chemicals (besides avobenzone) such as fragrances and parabens.
Using avobenzone-free sunscreen can have some great benefits for your skin.
Benefits of using avobenzone-free sunscreen
No strong chemicals on your skin
Sunscreen products are essential for a healthy skin.
Yet, some ingredients used in them are not so beneficial for a healthy skin.
Avobenzone is not a toxic chemical, but it has been linked to certain allergic reactions.
Just think of you going to the beach, relaxing and suddenly starting to experience an allergic reaction on your skin. It can really unpleasant.
Going for an avobenzone-free sunscreen can help you avoid such situations.
It’s like choosing a natural face wash for sensitive skin. You pick a product which is suitable for your skin type and it also provides the results you want.
Great for protecting your skin
As I’ve said earlier, these products may lack one or more chemicals. This does not make them less effective.
An avobenzone-free sunscreen can do a great job of protecting your skin during all seasons of the year.
Besides taking care of your skin, an avobenzone-free sunscreen does not usually leave stains on your clothes. You probably know the stains (white, yellow) you find on your clothes when you wear sunscreen.
In order to be 100% sure of this fact, you may want to test the product at first. Apply it on your skin and see how it behaves.
What you need to know about avobenzone
Avobenzone is an active ingredient used in many sunscreen products. It absorbs the ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn (UVB).
Other active ingredients you may find in these products are:
- homosalate
- octisalate
- octinoxate
- octocrylene
- oxybenzone
Avobenzone is not a toxic chemical. The problem with it is that it breaks down really fast when it’s exposed to the sun, meaning it becomes less and less effective.
When you are sunbathing, your skin is exposed to UVB and UVA. The second ultraviolet rays are responsible for damaging the skin and leading to an accelerated aging.
If you’re interested in this topic, you may also want to check anti-wrinkle eye cream.
Other chemicals used in sunscreen that you may want to avoid
Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is another active ingredient used in sunscreen products.
It does pretty much the same thing as avobenzone, but the problem is it’s more toxic than the previous chemical.
Oxybenzone has been linked to skin allergies, hormone disruptions, and cell damage.
In fact, pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised not to use products containing this ingredient.
Fragrances
Fragrances are a common ingredient used in sunscreen products. They are the ones that give these items their smells.
The problem with fragrances is that they are endocrine disruptors they can mimic human hormones, which may lead to the body receiving false signals.
For example, they can mimic estrogen, a hormone which has been linked to different types of cancer such as breast cancer.
If you’re interested in this topic, check out estrogen-free water bottles.
Parabens
Parabens are the chemicals which give products their long shelf lives. They make sure bacteria does not develop in them.
Just like fragrances, they are endocrine disruptors.
Tips on how to take care of your skin during summer (and not only)
Using an avobenzone-free sunscreen is one thing to do to take care of your skin.
Here are a few additional tips to help you in this direction.
Always use sunscreen when it’s necessary
You don’t have to wait for summer to start using sunscreen.
If you live in a region where it’s sunny and warm during many seasons, you should use sunscreen on a regular basis.
You may not feel it, but the sun is really powerful and it may affect your skin in time.
Adapt your makeup routine
You may not use the same amount of makeup during summer, as you do in winter.
You may want to let your skin breathe and go for a more ‘light’ makeup in the hot periods.
Choosing fragrance-free makeup can be a wonderful option for your skin.
Drink plenty of water
You hear this almost every day.
Drinking enough water is crucial for a healthy skin. It helps it look fresh, firm, and prevents it from becoming dry and flaky.