The best ways to keep your skin safe and healthy this summer
You don’t need a high SPF label
This is WHY:
There are a few reasons why, however, I feel the important ones are staying in the sun longer and not re-applying. Typically, anything higher than SPF 50+ tempts people to stay in the sun longer; you may not burn, yet your skin becomes damaged. Stick to SPFs between 15 and 30 and reapply often.
A great place to go and learn more about sunscreen safety is here. I appreciate how this article speaks about what to do for your skin before you get out in the sun, nutrition and hydration, and protection. It also touches base on tanning beds – which, to be completely honest, I didn’t realize people still used. If you use a sunbed, read this article and might want to change that habit.
The Sunscreen TRUTH
Unfortunately, sunscreen is one of the most toxic products we put on our skin. It is also so so great for our planet (check out this recent article in Popular Science that says why Hawaii is banning some sunscreens).
This is WHY:
• mimics estrogen ( synthetic estrogen*) creating an endocrine dis-balance which may end to a myriad of hormonal issues like fertility (in men and women), advanced puberty, PCOS, breast cancer, anxiety to name a few.
•oxybenzone (a leading sunscreen ingredient) is now directly correlated with killing coral reef
- replace oxybenzone for products with zinc oxide, 3 percent avobenzone or Mexoryl SX as they protect skin from harmful UVA radiation.
The Products I Use:
Beautycounter’s sunscreen is the highest percentage of zinc-oxide you can find and made of non-nano particles that protect against UVA and UVB. My daughters use the facial stick as it is easy and small and goes on smooth.
The Environmental Working Guide gives it a 1 out of 10 for safety. This is the best score any brand can obtain ( do you have their Healthy Living app? if not, check it out here).
Have you read my free ebook on Safer Skincare: Top Chemicals to Avoid? If not, check it out here.
xx
