Here comes the sun – and all of the fun that comes with the summer season, too! But as we soak in the sun, let’s not forget the essential requirement for radiant skin health: sunscreen.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and the main cause of this devastating disease is exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays. Each year, about 6.1 million adults are treated for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. But the good news is that most skin cancers can be prevented by wearing sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor, or SPF. SPF protects our skin, shielding it from the harsh UV rays and ensuring it stays healthy, fresh, and glowing even under the summer sun.
Sunscreen comes in two types: mineral and chemical. Think of mineral sunscreens as your sun reflector, bouncing harmful UV rays away with ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Conversely, chemical sunscreens act more like a sponge, soaking up UV rays and converting them to heat using ingredients like avobenzone and oxybenzone. While both types of sunscreen protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, mineral sunscreens are the healthier option for several reasons.
Chemical sunscreens typically contain harmful compounds like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate. These common ingredients can disrupt hormones. In fact, oxybenzone has been linked to thyroid tumors in animal trials. And chemical sunscreens don’t only pose a threat to health, they have also been known to damage coral reefs and harm marine life. Instead, opt for clean sunscreens made with safer, eco-friendly ingredients.
Here are my current favorite clean sunscreens for summer:
EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 ($43)
Ideal for acne-prone, hyperpigmentation, and rosacea skin types, this sunscreen boasts natural mineral zinc oxide and a blend of beneficial ingredients like niacinamide (Vitamin B3), hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid. Lightweight and silky, it doesn’t leave any residue and can be worn with or without makeup.
Supergoop! Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30 ($38)
A 100% mineral sunscreen that shields your skin while also prepping it for makeup? Yes, please. This product also filters harmful blue light with its zinc oxide formula, so it’s perfect to wear before a long day at your computer. Squalane and aloe leaf juice also offer moisturizing benefits without leaving a greasy residue.
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 ($48):
This award-winning clean skin tint offers light coverage, powerful skincare, and SPF protection with a dewy finish. It improves the skin’s appearance over time and contains non-nano zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. This product is vegan and safe for sensitive skin, so I recommend it to all my clients.
Kosas DreamBeam SPF 40PA++++ ($40)
This mineral sunscreen is a power-packed product that moisturizes, smooths, and brightens, so it makes an ideal makeup base. Its key ingredients include peptides for skin firming and hyaluronic acid for hydrating and locking in moisture. Kosas’ fragrance-free product is also free of silicones and parabens, and I just love how dewy (and not oily!) my skin looks after applying this sunscreen.
COOLA Classic Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 ($32)
This organic face sunscreen protects against the sun and elements while feeling magnificently moisturizing. Providing broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, it hydrates the skin and does not contain harmful substances such as Octinoxate and Oxybenzone. Coola also makes non-toxic body sunscreens so you can avoid body burns and harmful chemicals all at the same time.
First Aid Beauty Weightless Liquid Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide SPF 30 ($36)
This luxuriously lightweight mineral sunscreen offers an ultra-sheer tint that blends seamlessly into the skin. It’s suitable for sensitive skin and free from drying alcohols, artificial colorants, fragrances, and more. I recommend this to skin issue-prone clients since this formula is non-irritating and ultra soothing.
Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen ($32)
This 2-in-1 mineral sunscreen offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30 protection and light-medium coverage. It’s formulated with passion fruit extract, white sage extract, and aloe leaf extract to help soothe and calm the skin while offering hydration and protection from environmental stressors. Its formulation is free of silicones and fragrance and is suitable for sensitive skin.
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Remember to be sun-conscious this summer. Regularly reapplying sunscreen and coupling it with protective gear like sunglasses and hats, while seeking out shaded areas will ensure a skin-friendly summer. Need more guidance on holistic products? Don’t sweat it! Book a one-on-one consultation with me now.
