I remember growing up in Alushta and snickering at tourists rubbing this white gooey looking paste on themselves at the beach. We didn’t know any better. No one taught you about sun damage…. Now, I can talk about sunscreen like a professional. I know which type is better for me and which ones I should probably avoid.
Why I like Mineral
Mineral sunscreen is just what it sounds, it uses minerals like Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide as active ingredients.
They are physical blockers, they deflect sun rays instead of absorbing them. Both of these ingredients occur naturally, although they can also be created synthetically as well.
There is no wait time after applying it. Unlike chemical sunscreen (Homosalate, Avobenzone etc) which absorb the rays.
Also remember there are two types of rays UVA (ones that penetrate deeper into dermis- the skin’s thickest layer) and UVB (ones responsible for sunburn). And since mineral sunscreens create a barrier on your skin they protect from both types of rays unlike the chemical kind, because the chemical absorbs them and the rays get a chance to penetrate deeper causing long term damage.
The mineral sunscreens sometimes are called physical because they literally create a physical barrier, don’t irritate my sensitive skin unlike other types. The only downside is more noticeable white cast, especially on darker skin tones.
Why Chemical Sunscreens are dangerous
The active ingredients in chemical sunscreens, ( Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene) are effective because they absorb the sun’s UV rays. Then, through a chemical reaction, the sunscreen dissipates the UV rays. This means that your skin is protected because the UV rays never actually hit your body. However, before these chemicals can offer any UV protection, your skin has to absorb them. This can cause irritation and discomfort, especially for children with sensitive skin.
Additionally, trace amounts of the chemicals found in chemical sunscreens can trickle into your bloodstream. Once in your bloodstream, they can filter into other bodily fluids, such as breastmilk. A study published by a team of scientists, led by Dr. Margret Schlumpf of the University of Zurich, found trace amounts of at least one sunscreen chemical in the breast milk of 76.5 percent of the women they tested.Octinoxate was detected in a whopping 64.7 percent of the sampled women’s breast milk.
Three other FDA-approved sunscreen chemicals—oxybenzone, octocrylene, and padimate O—were also found in significant amounts. This raises serious questions about breastfeeding safety.
So why are chemical sucncreens STILL available for purchase?
If research found that these chemical compounds might negatively affect your health, why did the FDA approve them? The short explanation is that the FDA approved these chemicals when they first began regulating sunscreen in the late 1970s.
At that time, most of these chemicals had already been used in sunscreens for years. As such, they were approved without having to go through the strict approval process. In other words, they were grandfathered in.
Although recent research suggests that some of these chemicals are potentially harmful, the research is not yet conclusive. Scientists are still trying to understand the effects of the ingredients in chemical sunscreens. The FDA would need unquestionable evidence in order to reverse its approval and ban any single chemical from being used in sunscreens. That’s why they remain on the market today.
My Sunscreen Favorites
Garden Goddess are Biodegradable, Vegan, Reef Safe and is full of beneficial Organic plant oils which are good for sensitive skin. The Adult version is a little more runny and baby a tiny more sticky but it rubs in very well. Plus it has all 20% of Zinc Oxide -aka more sun protection! They are available on Amazon. I wore both in the city setting (so did my little man in 85F/30C) and we were fine.
Pipette is my absolute new go to! Found it when pregnant with my daughter when I was on the search for non irritating and non pore clogging facial sunscreen. (My skin got very sensitive)
It literally gives you nice understated glow! (No filter here!) And for being mineral doesn’t leave a white cast once absorbed! It’s also a perfect base for make up but when I wear it I’m almost tempted to go without! (Though my dark circles convince me otherwise!)
Not to mention safe to use for baby and toddler!
Another one we love is Mustela! I use many products from them and the sun protection is no exception. It is very gentle and has incredible moisturizing power, yet easy to spread! The stick is sooo convenient for a toddler and my little man loves to do it himself. (He is very generous with his application!)
Other favorite! Badger Baby– an oil based and very minimal white cast. (My husband loves it!) I Really love the shine and it’s non irritating. (Tested on babies!) It’s also very effective despite being slightly less SPF.
You must try Think Baby! It smells so lovely. (Light citrus!) gentle on baby skin and very moisturizing! Don’t be alarmed it looks very white when first applied but it rubs in very well. (Not noticeable on pale skin)
Reapplying
Easy to do on your body right. But how about face…? When you wear makeup… Imagine removing everything in the mid-day just to re-apply sunscreen and then do it all over again! No one wants to go through that. But if have to spend time outside like me you need a solution. That’s why I love cushions! The sponge really is a game changer in sunscreen application!
When shopping for cushions make sure to check the ingredient list as some contain Salicylates (not recommended in pregnancy and breastfeeding). As well as parabens – I always avoid them, they are endocrine disruptors.
I keep my extras sunscreens in the fridge to preserve the effectiveness of the ingredients btw.
And DO NOT forget sunscreen is for year round!
What Sun protection products are your favorites? Do you prefer mineral too?
