The Secret to Summer Sunscreen
- Here’s a quick guide to finding the most effective and safest sunscreen for your whole family — and the planet!
It’s summertime, the weather is hot, and you are naturally driven to spend more time outdoors. Increased sun exposure calls for extra protection, but choosing the right sunscreen can be daunting!
Opt for a mineral-based sunscreen and try to avoid chemically based ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, homosalate and octinoxate.
What is the difference? Mineral sunscreens completely block the sun’s rays, while chemically based sunscreens filter the sun’s rays and absorb into the skin. Mineral sunscreens are also safer for the coral reefs, which may be poisoned by chemicals like octinoxate and oxybenzone.
Take a quick look at the percentage of titanium dioxide in your mineral sunscreen.
We recommend a sunscreen with less than 20% titanium dioxide.
Zinc oxide is the way to go!
The best mineral ingredient for sunscreen is zinc oxide. It does leave a white cast on the skin, however. Try a tinted zinc oxide-based sunscreen, or mix in a bit of your favorite foundation to create your own personalized tinted sunscreen.
To spray or not to spray?
Spray sunscreens can be great for convenience but can be easily inhaled. Try out a lotion this year. Lotion is more affordable and extra safe for the little ones.