Mineral Sunscreen Recommendations
Why Choose Mineral Sunscreen?
During sunny months, we should be applying sunscreen daily all over our bodies. Everything that we put on our skin will be absorbed into our bloodstream, and some ingredients commonly used in sunscreens, such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octisalate, have been shown to have long-term negative health effects. Most sunscreen products are meant to be used every day throughout most of the year, thus any harmful ingredients will have a steady presence in the body. However, when you use a mineral sunscreen with minimal ingredients that are also non-nano particles (too large to be absorbed through the skin), these are a much better option for long-term use.
Read More: Summer Skin Care Tips
Mineral sunscreens will often use ingredients including zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. These minerals reflect UVA and UVB rays while sitting on top of the skin rather than being absorbed into it. This is what usually makes the sunscreen appear white on the skin and more difficult to rub in. Although these are very effective and contain safer ingredients than chemical sunscreens, the white tint and thicker consistency of these sunscreens can be a turn-off for many people. Below we offer a few recommendations for easier-to-apply, mineral-based sunscreens that have come a long way from the extra white creams of your childhood. And the EWG is an excellent resource to check your go-to sunscreen ingredients and see if you’d like to up-level your chemical sunscreen to a mineral-based sunscreen.
Read More: EWG’s Guide to Sunscreen
Mineral Sunscreen Recommendations:
For sunscreen recommendations for darker skin tones, read more here.
Sunscreens will generally more several ingredients to make the final product, and those with more sensitive skin may react inconsistently to various products. If you need more personalized recommendations for skin health and sunscreens for any season, consider making an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors who can point you in the right direction
Read More: Skin Care Tips with Dr. Ferreira