Summer Lovin' with Organic Sunscreen
Photo: Angelo Pantazis
Dear Friends and Readers!
I never quite believe that summer has arrived until July 4th has come and come and gone and then I know we are really in it!! Usually I know that summer is here when my basset hound Chloe marches in the Novato July 4th Parade followed by friends and well wishers joining us in the park for a BBQ. But this year is different - summer seemed to creep up on me unnoticed especially because most of summer’s rituals have been cancelled due to staying safe measures- until I realized - DAMN we are in the thick of it!
So I wanted to write again about organic sunscreen or sunblocks- a bit mundane I know - but no less important a blog post! I am putting two old favs and one newbie on the list for you to think about adding to your beauty arsenal. And if there is a sun screen that is healthy and that you are partial to - please let us know! Remember the sun’s harmful rays don’t take a break for Covid - and neither should you! And please remember: you can get UVA and UVB rays when it is cloudy outside - the sun doesn’t take a break - always wear your organic sunscreen. Winona Ryder and Dita von Teese wear it everyday - and they look amazing for almost 50!!!
Lots of people ask what are the best sunblocks out there and the answers are: one that you will actually use EVERY DAY.
Some new information on sunscreen: currently the FDA is proposing some big changes to sunscreen regulations. Currently only physical sunscreens with the active ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide at this time are considered safe. More conclusions will be coming out at the end of 2020.
Terminology:
SPF: (sun protection factor) is a relative measure of how long a sunscreen will protect you from ultraviolet (UV) B rays. The chief cause of reddening and sunburn, UVB rays tend to damage the epidermis, skin's outer layers, where the most common (and least dangerous) forms of skin cancer occur. - From www.consumerreports.com
UVA Rays: Sun rays that can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots, and can pass through window glass.
UVB Rays: Sun rays that are the primary cause of sunburn and are blocked by window glass. Can lead to skin cancer.
Broad Spectrum Sunscreen: Protects from both UVA and UVB rays
Two Different Types of Sunscreen: Chemical and Physical
Chemical: Chemical sunscreens work like a sponge, absorbing the sun’s rays. They contain one or more of the following active ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate.
Physical: Physical sunscreens work like a shield, sitting sit on the surface of your skin and deflecting the sun’s rays. They contain the active ingredients zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Opt for this sunscreen if you have sensitive skin.
From the American Academy of Dermatology: The United States Department of Health & Human Services and the World Health Organization’s International Agency of Research on Cancer have declared UV radiation from the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds and sun lamps, as a known carcinogen (cancer-causing substance). There is no safe way to tan. Every time you tan, you damage your skin. As this damage builds, you speed up the aging of your skin and increase your risk for all types of skin cancer.
And more info on sunscreen: Make sure the brand you choose offers broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection, has an SPF of 30 or higher and is water-resistant.
The kind of sunscreen you use is a matter of personal choice, and may vary depending on the area of the body to be protected. Available sunscreen options include lotions, creams, gels, ointments, wax sticks and sprays.
Creams are best for dry skin and the face.
Gels are good for hairy areas, such as the scalp or male chest.
Sticks are good to use around the eyes.
Sprays are sometimes preferred by parents since they are easy to apply to children. Make sure to use enough of these products to thoroughly cover all exposed skin. Do not inhale these products or apply near heat, open flame or while smoking.
Current FDA regulations on testing and standardization do not pertain to spray sunscreens. The agency continues to evaluate these products to ensure safety and effectiveness.
There also are sunscreens made for specific purposes, such as for sensitive skin and babies.
Below is my current list of organic sunscreen favs - I mix and match most days using either the KariGran or MD Solar in my morning routine and then follow up with a quick touch up with Coola. Quick Tip : I keep my Coola where my keys are and a small can in the car so that I can continually touch up ( or spray up) as I am going in and out of the house (especially the backs of hands and my decollatage) - and I don’t have to look for it because it’s right there!!!
Kari Gran Essential 28…..$75.00 This product is an old time favorite and one that I have worn consistently over the years for sun protection. Even though this says 28 on the bottle there is still a lot of protection in there. But remember with most sunscreens for protection throughout the day - reapply every 2 hours - especially if you are sweating or swimming! This light yet highly moisturizing face SPF also helps to improve overall skin health and hydration. This nourishing organic sunscreen is a moisture-rich formula made to prevent damage associated with daily sun exposure whether we’re at the beach or just going about our daily business. A mineral-based, natural SPF is a vital component of any skincare routine. - From Karigran website. Active ingredient: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide 17%, and raspberry seed oil. This is product is kinda greasy - so be prepared for a little bit of shine….Love this stuff use it most days -rain or shine!
Coola….$25.00 The particular sunscreen that I use from this brand is the classic body organic sunscreen spray with an SPF of 70. Love this for a quick spray before leaving the house to walk the dog or before running errands in the car - particularly like this for a spray on the backside of the hands that get a lot of sun exposure while driving. Leaves no residue just a clean scent! Our highest protection yet, this organic sunscreen with natural Peach Blossom scent is designed for long active days in the sun but light enough for everyday use. This Farm to Face® formula features our antioxidant-rich Plant Protection complex that helps fight free radicals and nourish skin. Spray on the ultra-sheer formula for water-resistant broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection any time, anywhere! - From Coola website. Active sunscreen ingredient: Avobenzone 2.9% Octisalate 4.9% Octocrylene 9.5%. Reef and Coral SAFE.
MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme Broad Spectrum SPF 50……$30.00 This is a new addition to my sunscreen group! I found out about it from reading Dita Von Teese’s Book, “Your Beauty Mark” - where she raves about this product to keep her porcelain skin healthy and free from sunburn while spending afternoons at the flea markets in and around L.A. What I love about it: this is more of a lotion that seems to instantly dry down to a matt/non-existant finish - that doesn’t look like you are wearing sunscreen. Our exclusive “barely there” formula leaves a matte finish that is perfect to wear both under and over makeup. Naturally derived and safer Eco-cert zinc oxide helps reduce the risk of photo aging and skin cancer. Non-irritating and oil-free, this water-resistant sunscreen won’t clog pores, is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types and suitable for kids 6 months and older. - From MDSolarSciences website . Active ingredients: 2% Titanium Dioxide / 17% Zinc Oxide along with Vitamin C, green tea and cranberry and pomegranate extracts. EWG certified along with being Skin Cancer Foundation recommended.
As always please take precautions when in the sun! When applying sunblock don’t forget the thin skin that is on your neck and chest and apply liberally there if not wearing a scarf. Wear a hat, and don’t forget your peepers with a good pair of sunglasses!
An article from the American Academy of Ophthalmology on How To Choose Sunglasses!
Stay Safe and Healthy!!
“In a thousand years, archeologists will dig up tanning beds and think we fried people as punishment”