Shocking SunCare News!
According to a survey on the Advanced Dermatology Blog, a survey of 2,015 Americans uncovered shocking news. 40% said that they rarely or never wear sunscreen and that more than 70% only wear it in the summer. Of those, 77% said that they use sunscreen only for certain activities on sunny days. Wise up! Skin cancer is not a joke. A cancerous lesion the size of a dime could be fatal! So, before you step out this Summer, here are some novel, natural, safe sunscreens to consider:
What Kind Of Sunscreen is Best?
Choosing skincare products is a highly personal choice. Any sunscreen is probably better than none. However, according to the Environmental Working Group natural safe sunscreens with mineral active ingredients zinc dioxide and titanium dioxide are what they suggest, because these are the only two ingredients the FDA recognized as safe or effective in their proposed draft rules.
When I wrote my advicesisters 2016 SunSafe article with Tips, I mentioned that a cancerous lesion the size of a dime can be lethal This isn’t to scare anyone, but what you can’t see really can hurt you. “Nuff said, let’s get to those natural, safe mineral sunscreen reviews!
Babo Botanicals:
On the left-hand side of my photo there is Babo Daily Sheer Spf 30 tinted sunscreen for the face (6% Titanium Dioxide and 6% Zinc Oxide).
On the opposite side there Mineral Sunscreen for Face SPF 40 (5.9% Titanium Dioxide and 3.3% Zinc Oxide). In the middle is a travel-sized Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 for face to tote with you (19.7% zinc Oxide). Also shown is a Lip Tint SPF 15 in Crimson Rose (2.3% Titanium Dioxide and 29% Zinc Oxide).
I didn’t love the tinted SPF because of the “bloom” on my skin and a very obvious sheen, but it did protect well, and that is first and foremost. I did also like the consistency which dries fast and non-sticky. I loved the Daily Sheer SPF 40 which went on fast and easy and was less obvious.
Lips & Hair:
My favorite product is the Babo Lip Tint SF 15 (several colors are available). The fragrance-free, beautiful, natural color and moisture in a tote-able swivel up stick is a plus. The only drawback of lip products these days is for mask wearers, as it can transfer. In most situations, it will be your “go-to” for protection and beauty benefits.
Babo also has a really nice sulfate and tear-free “Swim & Sport” Shampoo & Wash with Soothing Cucumber & Aloe Vera (photo on the mini unicorn). It purifies & hydrates while it removes chlorine and minerals. Kids will especially like it because it won’t sting their eyes. It’s hypoallergenic, too. Unicorn is not included! https://www.babobotanicals.com/collections/sunscreen
I’m excited to share that Love Sun Body, offers a variety of SPF 30 and SPF 50 mineral and reef safe sunscreens. June 2020 sees the arrival of a 100% Natural Origin Moisturizing Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30.
What’s special about Love Sun Body natural safe sunscreen products is that they are Cosmos Natural certified facial sunscreens. The COSMOS-standard is a new cosmetic certification developed to create one standard that is internationally recognized for natural and organic cosmetics. The non-nano zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection will also keep your skin water-resistant for up to 80 minutes in the water.
The actives ingredient is a big 20.4% Zinc Oxide. It’s reef safe and vegan. as well. A bottle I received doesn’t say specifically that this is a facial sunscreen so I used anyway on face/body product. A fragrance-free formula has almond and sunflower oil to give your skin some additional benefits. However, it’s relatively thick (shake well before opening the cap to mix it). Get Love Sun Body sunscreen at LoveSunBody.com, Amazon, and other skincare retailers.
Project Sunscreen:
Project Sunscreen is reef-friendly, environmentally-friendly, 100% mineral-based, natural safe sunscreen collection that is water-resistant up to 80 minutes naturally-derived sunscreen with no chemical UVA/UVB filters. It’s family-friendly as it is suitable for all ages, tones, and all skin types.
These products don’t contain fragrance, dyes, oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, PABA, retinyl palmitate, formaldehyde, glycol, petroleum, phthalate, sulfate, talc or mineral oil.
The eye-catching graphics and rollerball applicator plus carry top makes it ideal for all ages and may encourage teens and kids to use it. A cute touch is a blank space on the back in which you can write in the “owners” name.
I tried three Project Sunscreen products: Festival sunscreen SPF 40, SPPFU SPF 50, and For All SPF 50. All are effective, and fun to use. The Street Art SPFU packaging is cool enough for teens.
If there’s a downside it’s that mineral sunscreens can leave a “bloom” on darker skin. Mostly, these go on white and dry clear, but I did see a little residue. For more information visit https://projectsunscreen.com/
CBMe Beauty Melaninum Moisturizer:
Real Housewife/actress Denise Richards launched her new skincare line in May 2020. The line has a variety of products (partnering with Canavation Product Group) to include a variety of cannabis-derived active ingredients, like hemp oil and CBD.
The line has six products ranging from $25 to $60 — probiotic cleanser, cream-oil moisturizer, retinol serum, mineral sunscreen, neck & décolleté treatment, and eye cream.
My sample is labeled “Melanin Moisturizer SPF 30.” It has actives of 10.9% Titanium Dixoide and 4% Zinc Oxide. It’s a multi-tasking moisturizer that also protects against UV rays. Anti-oxidant and Anti-Pollution protection provided through Vitamins B, E, and two forms of Vitamin C.
For my readers who simply won’t wear sunscreen, this is a good choice. These are new products, however, my label has ingredients listed as: ” formulated with a blend of vitamin C and E, proprietary peptides and other key ingredients.” No mention of Hemp or CBD is there, but the name of the product implies it. It’s not clear.
I want you to know what you would be putting on your skin, so I asked. The company says that the product is ” moisturizing and Skin Soothing through Hemp Oil, Phospholipids, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramides, and Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids. Treatment boosted with Arbutin, Licorice Extract, Yeast Extract, a special Rice/ Yeast/ Probiotic complex, and a patented Peptide.”
For more information on these products visit: https://cbmebeauty.com/
Some Final Thoughts:
Wearing an SPF of 30 or above is better than no sunscreen, no matter what brand you choose. As with most things, how much and how often you use products should be based on a variety of factors.
If there is a downside to natural safe sunscreens, it’s that many of the products with Zinc Oxide looks white to white-ish on your skin. Many dry sheer, still leave a sheen on your skin. If your skin tone is light that’s not a big issue. However, for those with tans or deeper skin tones, even the best sheer Zinc Oxide sunscreens may “show.”
Remember: If you’re sitting by a window, UVA and UVB rays can penetrate the glass. Additionally, when you use sunscreen you have to use enough and re-apply it at least every two hours to stay effective. Furthermore, protect your skin by covering up with clothing, hats, and sunglasses. Check out more product reviews and safe suncare suggestions on advicesisters.com.
