The scorching sun and the rising temperatures have made sunscreen an essential part of everyday life. One can’t ignore the damages that UV rays cause and can’t skip using sunscreen.
Having known the importance of using natural sunscreen cream, we still find it difficult to pick the right one. We often get confused when looking at the label and end up buying the wrong product.
We have made a checklist for you with details of the ingredients that you must look for and also the components that must be refused while buying a natural or mineral sunscreen:
1. Cream-based or Sprays?
Go for basics for the best results. Applying a cream or gel-based mineral sunscreen gives you better coverage and more safety from damage caused by UV rays.
Sprays or mists usually have chances to leave out areas from sunscreen application, leaving some parts exposed to sun damage. There is also a possibility of inhaling composition because of sprays and mists that can cause irritation and other health problems. These are not eco-friendly as well and contribute to the carbon footprint.
2. Study the Ingredients
Natural sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as their core ingredient for sun protection. You can find either of them or both of them in a mineral sunscreen.
Look out for sunscreen with both the oxides as their combination works wonders on the skin.
A big no-no to these ingredients:
- Oxybenzone
- Octinoxate
- Retinyl Palmitate
- Homosalate
- Octocrylene
- Paraben
- Artificial fragrances and preservatives
- Sulphate
- Irritants like essential oils, Vitamin A
Embrace active ingredients:
- Natural zinc oxide
- Natural titanium dioxide
- Other natural and organic ingredients
3. Look for Broad Spectrum
Broad spectrum means protection against both UVA and UVB rays, which is provided by zinc oxide. Titanium dioxide works well on UVB rays only but enhances the effectiveness of zinc oxide. Therefore, look for the combo for broad spectrum.
4. Check label reading Mineral Sunscreen
A natural sunscreen is labelled with ‘mineral sunscreen’ written on it. Check for the impression. That simple!
5. Consider SPF 30 – SPF 50
Sun Protection Factor or SPF states the numerical factor up to which the sunscreen will protect the skin.
A sunscreen with SPF 30 or more is considered best against suntan, skin damage, and sunburn. Anything below SPF 30 will not give you the required protection from tan or UV rays.
A higher SPF does not really mean more sun protection. Higher SPF gives incremental protection only. SPF requirements change according to regions, altitudes, weather conditions, exposure to reflective surfaces, and also depending on skin types.
Usually, a sunscreen from SPF 30 to SPF 50 is good enough to protect from possible suntan and skin damage and suits most healthy skin types.
6. Go for Water-Resistance option
Your natural sunscreen comes with water-resistance features too. The product will tell you the duration of water resistance, like 40 minutes or 80 minutes. Pick the one with the highest water resistance time, indicating less reapplying when sweating or swimming.
7. Look for Cruelty-free and Eco-friendly sunscreen
The growing environmental concerns call for using products with the least carbon footprint and adverse effect on both plants and animals.
Choose organic sunscreen as they are cruelty-free skincare product made with natural and organic ingredients that do not harm the ecosystem and helps in conserving nature.
8. Buy separate sunscreen
Many times people buy a face cream or moisturiser with SPF, and they think it is sorted. A small amount of SPF in the cream or moisturiser does no good to the skin. Sunscreen should be used as a separate product for shielding against the sun.
A natural sunscreen is gentle on the skin and shield from harmful UV rays. It also protects us from the harmful effects caused by the prolonged use of chemical sunscreen.
For happy and healthy skin, always use natural sunscreen because they have a long-lasting positive effect on the skin, body, and nature as well.