Practicing Safe Sun
We love the sun. Vitamin D deficiency is REAL like REALLY REAL for all of us in the Northern Hemisphere. If you don’t know about it read my in depth article here. A recommended 20 minutes of unprotected sun is great for Vitamin D absorption, but as we get older we realize the damaging effects the sun can have on your skin specifically the YOUTHFULNESS. Insert early onset wrinkles and sun spots. No thanks.
We still love soaking up some sun and nourishing our skin with the best source of Vitamin D, but now we are more conscious about how we protect our skin.
Tips & Tricks
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Protective layers while in the sun
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Baby sunscreen SPF 50-non-nano lotion form
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Bluestone sunshield, DUH.
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Supergoop setting mist for face sunscreen reapplication over makeup
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Badger Damascus Rose face sunscreen
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Colorscience sunscreen powder always in my purse
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Valley eyewear sunnies in DB are my fave.
Let's Talk Sunscreen!!!!!!
1. You want a sunscreen that’s broad spectrum.
You need broad spectrum sunscreens that protect against both UVB and UVA rays. UVA rays are the more deeply penetrating, skin cancer causing. When sunscreen states their SPF they are only talking about their ability to block UVB rays, which is why you want to get broad spectrum sunscreen that helps to block both UVB and UVA.
2. The SPF (sun protection factor)
Never buy sunscreen above 50 SPF. Sunscreens generally overstate their SPF (Sun protection Factor) and you might be paying for more “coverage”, but don’t actually receive it. The SPF is based off of how long the sunscreen formula will protect over a period of time. Generally 30-50 are good SPF to aim for.
3. The Ingredients
You want to protect your skin, the best thing to do is wear layers of clothing. If you’re like me and love to run around in your swimwear you will have to resort to sunscreen. Keeping in mind that whatever sunscreen you choose your skin will end up absorbing. The cleaner the sunscreen ingredients the better. Then why are hormone/endocrine disruptors and known carcinogens listed on the ingredients in most sunscreens?
You might have heard of one of the major culprits in sunscreen, Oxybenzone which has been banned in the ingredients list for sunscreens in Hawaii along with Oxtinoxate. Both are known endocrine disruptors in humans and killers of sea creatures. There is a HUGE SCROLL of other horrible ingredients approved by the FDA that make it into every day recommended sun protection that are known hormone disruptors and carcinogens. The best place to check and make sure your sunscreen is safe is searching it on EWG.org they have an entire section designated to sunscreen ingredients search. A good rule of thumb with everything your body “consumes” is the less ingredients the better.
4. Application
If you are using sunscreen the best way to apply it is in a lotion form. A lot of people prefer sprays because they are quick and efficient, but they are not good for your health or the environment. Companies shrink down the ingredients to nano sized particles to get them to their spray form. The more nano particles the higher the SPF of the sunscreen, but the less UVA coverage, aka they can list a high SPF, but you will still get burnt because you aren’t protected from UVA (need broad spectrum for that). Along with misleading protection, the nano particles, when inhaled get trapped in your lungs and can get into your bloodstream. This is where the buildup of these chemicals can cause cancer as these nano particles like titanium dioxide pass through the blood brain barrier. It’s scary to think about when I see parents on the beach unknowingly spraying their children with cancer causing toxins. Conclusion, stick to lotions or sticks when choosing your sunscreen
The best thing to do is stay in the shade, or make it with a fabulous Bluestone Sun shield or umbrella at the beach. Layers of clothes are next in line of protection and as a last resort, sunscreen.
If you already hit the sun too hard and are looking for relief Lavender oil, CBD topical and Manuka honey will help heal the burns and restore your skin along with Fresh aloe of course!
To get more in depth on sunscreen and it’s protective qualities (or lack thereof) this is a great article from Dr. Mercola.
Check out our sunny days shopping list...
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