So many choices exist for sunscreen. What does it all mean?
How important is it? Really important đ.
What is the best choice for my child? The one they will put on easily and re-apply.
Is there an all natural one? Excellent question and there sure is.
So, back to what does it all mean? From Real Simple âŚ
1. Active ingredients. These are what absorb and/or reflect rays, as opposed to the ingredients that soothe skin or enhance the texture of the product.
- Avobenzone: A common active-chemical ingredient, it penetrates the skinâs surface and helps absorb harmful UVA rays. If Avobenzone is on the label, also look for ingredients such as Octocrylene and Octisalate, which stabilize avobenzone so that it remains effective longer. Some sunscreens contain Helioplex, a fancy name for a technology that stabilizes avobenzone.
- All natural tip from Alive Magazine: Make sure to reach for sunscreens that donât use chemical UV filters such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, since they can be absorbed into the skin and may disrupt the bodyâs natural hormone regulation. Instead, look for mineral sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. 6 tips for choosing a natural sunscreen from Alive âĄď¸ https://www.alive.com/beauty/6-tips-for-choosing-a-natural-sunscreen/
- Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide: These âactivesâ are physical compounds. Rather than absorbing rays, they reflect them away from the skin.
- 2. Water resistance. According to the FDA, a product thatâs labeled âwater-resistantâ maintains its SPF protection for at least 40 minutes of swimming or sweating. (Even if the label says so, experts maintain no sunscreen is 100 percent waterproof.) âVery water-resistantâ or âvery sweat-resistantâ products protect for at least 80 minutes.
3. Broad-spectrum coverage. This term means the product protects against both types of rays: UVB and UVA. UVB rays burn skin, and UVA rays can cause age-related damage. Both kinds have been linked to skin cancer.
4. SPF. This number refers to the relative amount of protection youâre getting from UVB raysânot how much longer you can stay in the sun than you could without protection. To put it in perspective: An SPF 15 product protects skin from about 93 percent of UVB rays; an SPF 45, about 97 percent. There is no sunscreen that blocks 100 percent.
Thrive Takeaways?
- Read the labels. Take the time, itâs worth it.
- No sunscreen is 100% waterproof.
- Both UVB & UVA rays can cause cancer.
- SPF does not directly relate to how long you can stay in the sun, you MUST re-apply.
- All natural solutions do exist and they are good solutions.
Womenâs Health has done a complete round up of the best all natural sunscreens.
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/g27432505/best-natural-sunscreen/
So get out there and enjoy after you find the best natural sunscreen solution for you and your family, but donât forget to grab a hat, seek out the shade and slather up!