Sun Protection: Sunscreen Information I Wish I Knew When I Was Younger

Organic. All Natural. Mineral-Based. When you’re walking down the sunscreen aisle, you may find bottles with these labels. Upon first glance, they appear to be healthy and safe. Sadly, though, many still contain harmful chemicals and substances that outweigh their “natural” nature.

Given the sheer number of sunscreen brands, it can be hard to settle on one – especially if you don’t know what to look for. I myself have struggled over the years to find a sunscreen to best fit my needs.

Thankfully, news of dangerous sunscreen chemicals has become widespread, and more information is available as to what sun creams you should and should not be purchasing. With the help of websites like Branch Basics, I’ve been able to narrow down what types of sunscreens work best.

Let’s take a closer look at what constitutes healthy and unhealthy sunscreens.

Non-Toxic Sunscreen

When you’re picking out sunscreen, you want to make sure it’s chemical-free. Sticking with mineral sunscreens is always a safe bet.

However, if mineral sunscreens aren’t available to you or if you’re simply not a fan, you can find creams that contain specific ingredients and avoid others.

What Should I Be Keeping an Eye Out for With Sunscreens?

Safe Ingredients and Qualities

• Titanium Oxide and/or Zinc Oxide are helpful substances for sun blocking. They are approved by the FDA and will be found in the most effective sunscreen products.
• A quality sunscreen should offer a broad spectrum of protection against UVA and UVB rays. Make sure the company you are buying from has some mention of this.
• If you’re planning on using your sunscreen on a baby or another individual with sensitive skin, purchasing a specific formula of sunscreen is a safe bet. While mineral sunscreen is good for most, some with irritable skin may struggle with the natural products found in effective sunscreens.

Unsafe Chemicals

• There are a variety of chemicals you want to avoid when sunscreen shopping. EWG does a great job at breaking down these substances and their unhealthy characteristics. You can find an extensive list of theirs at https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/.

No Spray Sunscreens

It can be hard to avoid spray sunscreens. The spraying method is easier and quicker than applying with your hands, and I myself even use a bit of spray from time to time.

However, for the most part, you should try to steer clear of spray sunscreens.

What’s Wrong with a Little Spray?

Respiratory Issues

• While Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide are great substances in non-spray sunscreens, they can be dangerous in spray format. Studies have found that inhaling the oxides can cause respiratory issues.
• Even if they don’t contain Zinc and Titanium Oxides, spray sunscreens are still dangerous. Regardless of the chemical, any nano-particle sized mineral is unhealthy when inhaled. Unfortunately, these tiny particles are the main components of spray sunscreen.

Beneficial Sunscreen Brands

There is no one right sunscreen to buy. There are various brands out there that work great at preventing sun damage. It’s all about finding the one that works best for you.

My Recommendation

• My family has always been very picky when it comes to certain textures and creams. However, PCA’s Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum (SPF 45) has worked well for all of us.
• This product contains both Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. Additionally, it is neither greasy nor oily, which worked well for my family’s sensitive skin.

 Branch Basic’s Recommendation

• If my recommendation doesn’t work well for you, you can also find a list of other great, healthy sunscreens at https://branchbasics.com/blogs/healthy-living/favorite-non-toxic-sunscreens.

DIY Sunscreens

If researching sunscreens is too stressful, or you’re a crafty person looking for a new project, you can also try making your own sunscreen. Branch Basic’s provides a healthy recipe you can make at home with just a few ingredients: https://branchbasics.com/blogs/founder-favs/simple-diy-personal-care-product-recipes.

Don’t Fear the Sun!

Over-exposure to sun rays has been proven to damage your body. However, if you have the proper sunscreen protection, you shouldn’t have to worry about the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays.

Plus, the sun can be helpful! Our Earth’s natural skylight is a great source of vitamin D, so taking a stroll outside can be beneficial to your body.

If you’d like more in-depth information on certain sunscreens, make sure to check out the links previously mentioned and listed below.

Resources:

https://branchbasics.com/blogs/founder-favs/simple-diy-personal-care-product-recipes

https://branchbasics.com/blogs/healthy-living/favorite-non-toxic-sunscreens.

https://www.pcaskin.com/sheer-tint-broad-spectrum-spf-45.html

https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/