Staying Safe in the Sun

The sun is key to your health…but is your sunscreen?

BY KAT MOTTRAM

Our bodies need sunlight. The UVB rays convert cholesterol found in our skin into vitamin D, which is required by every organ system in our body to function. It helps to keep our immune system strong, build strong bones, prevent chronic disease, and much, much more.

However, harmful UVA rays and overexposure to UVB rays can kill skin cells and cause major damage. Just a small sunburn destroys the top layer of our skin, similar to being burned with a hot iron, which is why wearing sunscreen is so important.

Supermodel Christie Brinkley once said, oxide is the most effective.

• Longer Lasting Protection. (Chemical sunscreens lose their efficacy in a shorter amount of time.)

• Better For Sensitive Skin. (Chemical sunscreens can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.)

Multiple chemical sunscreen ingredients have been identified as potentially harmful including oxybenzone, octocrylene, octinoxate, retinol palmitate, PABA, octyl-methoxycinnamate, benzophenone-3, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, nano or micronized mineral particles and homosalate. Additionally, fragrances can often contain dozens to hundreds of unlisted chemical components, some of which are hormone disruptors and/or possible carcinogens.

• Safer for the environment. (Chemical sunscreens are harmful to marine life, particularly coral reefs, which can have long-term consequences on the ocean ecosystem.)

• Better For Your Health. (Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that interfere with hormone function and create free radicals.)

Overall, natural sunscreens are a healthier and more effective choice for sun protection. However, it’s important to note that not all natural sunscreens are created equal. Below are three brands you can feel confident about using based on the quality of the ingredients and the formulations.

NATURAL SUNSCREEN PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Kabana Organic Skin Care | https://kabanaskincare.com

Kabana’s clean sunscreens are created with ingredients that are the identical biochemicals that your body uses as its building blocks. They are nearly universally food grade certified organic. FEATURES: UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection. Non-nano particle zinc oxide based. Cruelty-free. Never tested on animals. Ecosystem approved. Dermatologist recommended. Soy-free. Gluten-free. Corn-free. Dairy-free.

Kabana Body Wash +UV $14.95

Easy way to boost your overall daily UV protection level and/or for times you’ll only have minimal sun exposure.

Green Screen® D Organic Sunscreen SPF 35

Original $6.89

Family-safe, even for pregnancy and babies under 6 months of age. Made with only 6 certified organic ingredients.

Bali Bloc SPF 30 Pure Vanilla Sunscreen

Stick $22.49

Complies with the 80 Minute Immersion

Very Water Resistant standard; perfect for water play/sports. Made with only four 100% organic ingredients.

In 2019 and again in 2022, the federal Food and Drug Administration which governs sunscreen safety deemed only two ingredients as effective and safe to block UVA and UVB rays: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients can be found in natural sunscreens and of the two, zinc

HEALTH & WEALTH sunsreens

Sun Shield Liquid SPF 30 - Light/Medium and Medium/Dark $27.99 each

Sheer tinted, oil-free formula that blends seamlessly giving skin a glowing matte finish.

Replenishing Solar Defense Body Lotion SPF 50 | $32.99

Water resistant for 80 minutes; it helps prevent premature aging and maintain essential moisture balance.

Sun Shield Clear Spray SPF 30 | $21.99

Continuous spray that goes on quickly and evenly for up to 80 minutes of water resistant protection.

MyCHELLE | www.mychelle.com

The original innovator of clean skincare, creating effective, eco-friendly products that are science-driven and help to get real results for all skin types.

FEATURES: UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection. Zinc Oxide based. PETA certified cruelty-free. Leaping Bunny certified. Reef Safe. Vegetarian. Founding member of the Environmental Working Group’s “Verified for Your Health” program.

ALL GOOD | www.allgoodbodycare.com

All Good is a mission-driven, certified B Corporation, creating ethically made, premium mineral sunscreens for nurturing, protection and everyday luxury.

FEATURES: UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection. Nonnano zinc oxide based. Hypoallergenic. Leaping Bunny certified. Reef friendly. GMO free. Gluten free. Water resistant for 80 minutes. Made in the USA.

1. Mineral Sunstick SPF30 – Sport | $10 Made with organic oil and minerals, this is not only a sunscreen but a skin moisturizer.

2. SPF 30 Tinted Mineral Sunscreen $20 Tinted face and body sunscreen blends in seamlessly with most skin tones.

3. SPF 30 Sport Mineral Sunscreen Lotion | $17 All plant-based ingredients that are lightweight, non-greasy and also hydrate and repair skin.