It should be immediately said that the sun is our friend. It’s fundamental to the climate and habitability of our planet and essential to life. It provides warmth and light and sends all kinds of positive signals to you.
Sunlight helps your body create serotonin, which has been linked to improved mood and mental health. It also assists with the production and regulation of melatonin, supports circadian rhythms, and improves sleep cycles.
Anything overdone (sugary foods and over-exercise are great examples) can have harmful effects if you aren't smart about it. Exercise is just one foundation of keeping and maintaining good health. Like air and water, sunshine gives us life.
But too much sunshine exposure at one time is a classic example of how you can sometimes have too much of a good thing. No one likes sunburn. Sunlight helps you synthesize vitamin D, which promotes calcium absorption (leading to stronger muscles and bones), and can even support proper immune responses—among other health benefits.
So how can you be sun-smart and enjoy the natural, life-giving benefits of sunshine? And do it without the harmful toxic ingredients found in sunscreens and sunblocks on the market?
I created the Smart Suncare Guide to help you better understand the 3 Keys to Safe and Natural Suncare. (Simply click the image to get your free copy.)
Keep reading because I'm going to give you the low down now.
If you were to google sunblock you would likely see questions like, "what is the difference between sunblock vs. sunscreen". It's. valid question right? One blocks rays, one absorbs them.
The real concern and question you should be asking is "what is the difference between mineral vs. chemical sunscreens"?
The two primary types of sunscreen—chemical and mineral—work differently, though both protect the skin.
Chemical sunscreens are designed to absorb UV rays, while mineral sunscreens reflect UV rays. A sunscreen’s active ingredients determine if it’s chemical or mineral.
Chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV rays, usually require 20 minutes for the ingredients to be effective and can be problematic. Mineral sunscreens are effective immediately upon application to the skin.
Some chemical sunscreen filters eventually degrade when exposed to UV rays, thereby generating free radicals. Others can penetrate through the skin and can be found lingering in the bloodstream long after the wearer’s time in the sun was over!
Certain active ingredients in chemical sunscreens can also act as hormone disruptors and cause skin allergies or other concerns. Mineral sunscreen filters won’t absorb into the skin and serve as a physical barrier, reflecting UV rays for broad-spectrum protection.
Unlike chemical sunscreens, Mineral sunscreens don’t degrade when exposed to UV rays. Since they act like a physical barrier, mineral sunscreen is effective immediately.
The main mineral sunscreen filters are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These are both recognized as generally safe for all skin types. Now that you understand the different types of sunscreens, let's unpack some ingredients you should look for in your sun protection to help nourish the skin and keep it looking beautiful.
For nourishment to the skin look for ingredients like:
- Tocopherol—more commonly known as vitamin (It is extremely nourishing)
- Bisabolol (reduces redness and irritation, calming the skin).
- Turmeric extract (anti-inflammatory properties when used topically)
- Raspberry seed oil
- Avocado oil
- Jojoba esters
- Shea butter
- Coco butter
- Coconut oil
The following ingredients are perfect for after sun products due to it's deep hydration benefits:
- Aloe vera
- Red algae extract (rich in proteins, antioxidants and vitamins)
- Arnica montana flower (natural anti-inflammatory)
- Hyaluronic acid
Pure essential oils like lavender, ylang ylang and frankincense are extremely calming to the skin. Peppermint essential oil offers a cooling effect in an after sun care product.
Helicrhrysum (a natural SPF), frankincense and peppermint are perfect for anti-inflammatory and healing benefits if you got too much sun.
You can certainly make your own mineral sunscreen, but from personal experience, it can be messy, costly and leave a residue. I now use a line that is not only natural and safe, it is super effective, perfect for all skin types, environmentally conscious, clean and green.
No matter your skin type it is a nourishing formula, antioxidant rich and offers intense hydration, safe, water-resistant and non-irritating.
Environmentally conscious means it's vegan friendly, reef-safe and cruelty free to help keep our underwater ecosystems healthier and happier.
Clean and green means products that are free of harsh, synthetic ingredients--including oxybenzone, parabens, phthalates and more.
Check out the doTERRA Sun Product Line here. You can choose from :
- Face and Body Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
- Face and Body Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 40
- Body Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
- After Sun Soothing Body Spray
I do receive a commission when you purchase. But that is not the reason I recommend them. I recommend them because they are safe, nourishing and super effective and the bonus is they are not harmful to our bodies or our environment.
I can get behind that!!!!!
Please let me know if you have any questions about sunscreen or the doTERRA Sun products.