Summer is here and many of us are spending more time outside. It doesn’t matter if the sky is blue or if it is full of clouds, the rays can penetrate and burn your skin. The best way to protect yourself, other than wearing a hat and sunglasses, is to lather up.
Do I really need to use sunscreen?
Wearing sunscreen is one of the best — and easiest — ways to protect your skin’s appearance and health at any age. Used regularly, sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, skin cancer and premature aging. Even when it’s overcast, up to 80% of the sun’s rays are still being absorbed by your skin. However, with all of the unhealthy chemicals in so many products, you will want to use mineral-based sunscreen if possible. Read labels and do your best to keep it as natural as possible. You may have to pay a little more but it is totally worth it.
Is all sun protection the same?
Not all sunscreens are alike. Sunscreen can be a topical cream, lotion or spray that can be applied to skin to protect against sunburn. There is also a difference between Sunscreen and Sunblock. The main difference in sunscreen and sunblock lies is the way they protect the skin from UV rays. Sunblock is so named because it literally blocks UV rays by forming a physical shield, while a sunscreen contains chemicals that absorb UV rays before your skin can.
Sunscreen is a chemical defense, penetrating the skin and absorbing the UV rays before they reach and damage the skin. Some sunscreens include avobenzone, oxybenzone, and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which are ingredients used to absorb the sun’s rays.
Whereas Sunblock is a physical way to defend against ultraviolet (UV) rays. It sits on top of the skin and acts as a barrier. Typically, sunblock includes zinc oxide or titanium oxide. Sunblocks are often opaque and noticeable when applied to the skin.
what’s in my bag?
Sun Bum 30SPF
Why I love it: broad Spectrum UVA / UVB Protection, Hypoallergenic, Reef Friendly / Oxybenzone Free & Octinoxate Free, Cruelty Free, Vegan, Oil Free, Paraben Free, Gluten Free, PABA Free, Water Resistant and it smells amazing.
This moisturizing sunscreen formula will protect your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays while enriching your skin with Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals, which are the main cause of premature skin aging.
Sun bum 50SPF (for faces)
Why I love it: broad Spectrum UVA / UVB Protection, Hypoallergenic, Reef Friendly / Oxybenzone Free & Octinoxate Free, Cruelty Free, Vegan, Oil Free, Paraben Free, Gluten Free, PABA Free, Water Resistant and the Zinc Oxide goes on clear.
Apply 15-20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours.
blue lizard 30SPF
Why I love it: broad Spectrum UVA / UVB Protection, Hypoallergenic, Reef Friendly / Oxybenzone Free & Octinoxate Free, Paraben Free, Mineral Based, Water Resistant and Smart Bottle Technology
Designed by dermatologists, this Zinc Oxide based sunscreen protects skin from 97% of the sun’s burning rays. Watch the bottle turn blue in harmful UV light as a reminder to stay sun safe wherever you are. Various formulas available: babies, kids, adults and sensitive.
zinka colored nosecoat
Why I love it: broad Spectrum UVA / UVB Protection, 25% Zinc Oxide, Water Resistant and Fun Colors
This colorful nosecoat is fun for kids and adults alike. Apply a liberal enough amount so the color is visible on your skin. It’s best not to rub into the skin as you would with sunscreen. This is a favorite of mine because it reminds me of the 80’s when I was a kid spending my summers at the pool, lake and beach. We had neon colored zinc oxide and I actually liked wearing it. The white stuff….I wouldn’t touch it.
Zinc Oxide is all-natural, occurring as the mineral zincite, but it can also be produced synthetically. Unlike most sunscreens on the market, Zinc Oxide protects against both UVA and UVB rays and because of the chemical make-up and blocking ability of Zinc Oxide, there is no waiting period after application. You can apply and go in the sun immediately. The main complaint of people (especially kids) who use Zinc Oxide is that it goes on white and leaves a ghost- like film on the skin.
dōTERRA Baby Diaper Rash Cream
OK, so it’s not technically a sunscreen but it works like one. Infused with CPTG Lavender, Carrot Seed, and Tea Tree essential oils, this unique blend helps balance and soothe the skin while rich Muyao Shea Butter works to moisturize, leaving skin soft and smooth. Non-nano Zinc Oxide creates a barrier to protect from UVA/UVB rays. This is a calming blend of essential oils with a light clean scent. It’s made for baby butts but it works wonderfully as a sunscreen.
If you plan to be outside for any length of time, especially during the summer months, you would benefit from using some sort of sun protection. Using an SPF of 15 or above will help with the following:
Reduce the Risk of Sunburn
Prevent Signs of Aging
Reduce Risk of Skin Cancer
Prevent Skin Discoloration
Reduce Inflammation
Lather up y’all!
