Soil and Spirit's Guide to Sunscreen: SPF Made Simple
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I don’t know about you, but I’ve always hated putting sunscreen on. It’s as if claustrophobia was skincare? It makes sense to me…maybe you get what I’m saying. Or, maybe you don’t. Either way I feel like we will either love or hate applying sunscreen. Let’s try to love it.
As I’ve gotten older, I’LL ADMIT: MOM WAS RIGHT. Sunscreen is so important. Did anyone else’s parents try to make sunscreen fun by getting those neon-colored zinc sunscreens when they were kids? My parents did. And yes, they did make it more fun. But as adults, maybe not as practical for every day? Depends on who you ask, I guess!
So, I’m here to tell you: wear your sunscreen. Options are better these days. You’ll find your perfect match!
Can’t decide which sunscreen to use this sunny season? Here’s a little guide to help you break down your options.
PHYSICAL/MINERAL SUNSCREEN:
Reflects the sun's UVA + UVB rays off our skin like a mirror.
Typically leaves a whitish slick, offering a protective, physical barrier.
Active ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
“CHEMICAL” SUNSCREEN:
Absorbs the sun's UVA rays into our skin and reflect UVB rays, bouncing heat off our skin.
Typically absorbs into the skin, not offering a protective, physical barrier.
Active ingredients (not an exhaustive list): avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octosalate, octinoxate.
Did you know: A 2015 study showed approximately ONE DROP of oxybenzone-containing sunscreen in 6.5 Olympic-size swimming pools could cause damage to a coral reef? Hawaii became the first state to ban the sale and distribution of oxybenzone and octinoxate-containing sunscreens. The law went into effect in January 2021.
UVA + UVB Rays:
UVA - Think: Aging.
UVB - Think: Burning.
Broad Spectrum SPF protects against UVA and UVB rays.
Keep in mind: products are not a one size fits all. The market offers tinted options, but these products don’t work for all complexions. Unfortunately, we have a LONG way to go regarding accessibility for all skin. If you’re looking for an option that is a physical/mineral sunscreen but goes on without the white slick, try Badger’s clear zinc line.
My favorite SPF Brands (all mineral/physical!):
Before purchasing your products, check return policies to see if you can make a return or exchange before making your purchase. This is trial and error at its finest, and you want to protect yourself financially!
Searching for products and scouring ingredient lists is no small task, and if we can be a resource for each other, let’s do it. If you want to overhaul your skincare/personal care product routine, I offer consultations to help guide you.
Stay safe in the sun this year!