With summer just around the corner, we’re excited to be spending more time outdoors. We can already smell the fresh-cut grass and lemonade.
More sun exposure comes with the possibility of sunburn and skin damage. While using sunscreen may be a no-brainer, deciding which type of sunscreen to use can be confusing. Read on to discover healthy sunscreen solutions that will protect your skin with clean, non-toxic ingredients.
Chemical vs. Mineral Sunscreen
If you’ve perused the sun care aisle of your local pharmacy and been overwhelmed with the number of options, you’re not alone. Other than marketing differences, many of these sunscreens function in the same way.
A large majority of the sunscreens found in your everyday grocery and drugstores are made with chemical sun shields. These ingredients (like octinoxate and oxybenzone) work by absorbing the sun into your skin and filtering out the damaging rays.
Mineral sunscreens are typically made with two ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These two naturally-derived ingredients physically block the sun’s rays instead of absorbing them into your skin. This is why mineral sunscreen is sometimes referred to as “sunblock.”
Benefits of Mineral Sunscreen
Mineral sunscreens are a great option for natural, non-toxic sun safety. They also:
- Offer full broad-spectrum protection from UVA & UVB rays
- Don’t damage oceans and wildlife as they’re typically considered reef-safe
- Provide immediate sun protection (no waiting period after applying)
Interested in mineral sunscreens but don’t know where to start? Here are a few of our tested favourites.
Best For Body - Matter Company’s Unscented Sun Care Cream offers SPF 30 in a scent-free, soothing formula. With the addition of shea butter, sesame seed oil, and jojoba oil, this mineral sunscreen nourishes skin with every use.
Best For Face - Salt and Stone understands that the last thing you want is a product that feels too rich for daily use, especially in the summer. That’s why they created the Lightweight Sheer Daily Sunscreen SPF 40; it provides invisible protection and a light-as-air feel.
Best Tinted - Looking for a facial sunscreen and tinted moisturizer hybrid? LASPA’s SPF 20 Fluid Tinted Sunscreen is just that. Coming in 5 inclusive shades, this tinted mineral sunscreen protects you from the sun while offering a sheer wash of tone-balancing colour.
Ingredients To Avoid In Sunscreen
Although we talk about the benefits of mineral sunscreen, the reality is that not all sunscreens are created equal. We always recommend that you check ingredients on any sun care item before purchasing. Here are our top ingredients to look out for when scanning ingredient lists.
Fragrance
This common ingredient doesn’t seem threatening at first glance. Unfortunately, fragrance is the number one cause of allergies in beauty and skincare products.
Silicones
Silicones create a barrier on the skin and can help to seal in moisture with their velvety texture. However, silicones can also trap dirt and other impurities leading to acne and irritation.
Are you ready for your fun in the sun? If you have additional questions or would like a specific recommendation for your skin, reach out to us on Instagram @thetruthbeautycompany or visit us in store for a free consultation.
