Protect your Skin, Protect the Planet
We always mention the importance of using sunscreen all year round, but it’s even more important during summertime when the days are longer, the sun is stronger and you’re probably spending more time outdoors than any other season.
Whether you are on the shores of a sandy beach or just enjoying the outdoors, make sure you protect your skin from the strong sun.
What type of sunscreen you should be looking for that is good for you and the planet? Definitely the mineral sunscreens.
There are two types of sunscreen: chemical and mineral.
Chemical sunscreens absorb UVA and UVB light, while mineral sunscreens physically block them with active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. The mineral sunscreens don’t include oxybenzone (an ingredient that can affect hormones and allergies in humans and has been found to cause coral bleaching and coral death). It’s very important to use reef safe sunscreens otherwise, once you wash these chemicals off will eventually make their way out to the ocean.
While you can find chemical sunscreens that don’t have those environmentally-concerning ingredients, experts recommend choosing a mineral sunscreen instead.
David Andrews, a senior scientist at the nonprofit Environmental Working Group says that there’s some conflicting evidence on this topic, but the best available information indicates that some of the mineral products like zinc oxide (also used in baby cosmetics and skin recovery formulas) seem to be the least damaging to coral reefs.
Top three reasons why we must apply sunscreen every single day:
- It Protects Your Skin from UV Rays
- It Lowers Your Skin Cancer Risk
- It Prevents Premature Aging of the Skin
We have put up together a list of options but please consult first with your dermatologist, each skin is different.
Keep in mind that if you opt for a mineral sunscreen, you will need to apply it more often and work harder to blend it into your skin, but it’s completely worth it.
☀️Supergoop PLAY 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 30 with Green Algae Available in Supergoop
A lightweight 100% mineral SPF 30 face & body lotion that's blendable, fast-absorbing & gentle on the most sensitive skin — perfect for active days! It's water- and sweat-resistant with broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Made with sensitive skin in mind, this non-nano zinc oxide formula features clean ingredients that gently nourish skin from head to toe and are reef friendly.
"Supergoop has become my favorite sunscreen. Lightweight, fast absorbing, and coral friendly. Good for my health and good for the planet" shared Gaby, one of Greena co-founders.
☀️Solaris Natural Sunscreen Milk from Atinge organic
Atinge chose to bring together the most natural organic oils and a mineral SPF active ingredient - zinc oxide ( non nano) and sits as a natural barrier against UV rays. Unlike the synthetic solar formulas that absorb the rays, zinc oxide reflects them, thus keeping the skin well protected.
They have added a very powerful mix of carotene cocktail and antioxidants organic oils to protect skin during sun exposure: Carrot , Sea Buckthorn seed, Raspberry seed oils and CO2 extracts. Organic Cocoa butter, Coconut and Wheat germ oils nourish and fortify the skin, adding extra SPF factors to the formula. The organic Wild Carrot seeds essential oil is renowned for its skin protective and nourishing qualities.
☀️Natural Mineral Sunscreen Lotion from Salt & Stone
An ultra lightweight SPF 30 lotion formulated to be water and sweat resistant. This non-greasy, reef safe formula sinks into the skin effortlessly with no white residue. Hyaluronic Acid and Ashwagandha soothes and moisturizes the skin while Non-Nano Zinc Oxide blocks UVA + UVB rays.
☀️Fresh sunscreen from Ringana available in their website. A waterproof and nano-free sun protection with SPF 20 that relies solely on the natural mineral sun protection filter, zinc oxide. Ideal for anybody who wants to avoid synthetic UV filters.
Other tips to protect yourself and the planet:
- Avoid spray cans.
Craig Downs, executive director of the nonprofit Haereticus Environmental Laboratory (HEL) who’s co-authored studies on sunscreen’s impact on coral reefs, recommends against aerosol or spray cans because they don’t guarantee even or sufficient application, especially outside.
“The wind can drive as much as 90 percent from the can to the surrounding environment,” he says. “And that spray can travel at least a quarter of a mile away.”
If it’s not getting on your skin, it’s getting into your surroundings. “This is a source of environmental contamination,” Downs says.
- Wear a hat, clothes with built-in UV protection and seek the shade.
Let’s protect our skin but also the planet by avoiding harsh chemicals.
Take care of yourself ALWAYS.
Gaby & Zeina