National Sunscreen Day

This Sunday is National Sunscreen Day!  Let's dive into the power of UV & blue-light protection for our skin and how to select a safe, natural sunscreen without chemical filters. 

While many associate sunscreen solely with summer beach days, it's importance extends far beyond preventing sunburn. In this article, we'll shed light on the reasons behind celebrating National Sunscreen Day, highlighting the importance of physical sunscreens, discussing the necessity of sunscreen on cloudy days, and exploring the role of sunscreen indoors to combat blue light damage.

What Is National Sunscreen Day:
National Sunscreen Day serves as a reminder of the crucial role sunscreen plays in protecting our skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays. It's an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of integrating sunscreen into our daily skincare routines, regardless of the season or weather.

Beyond Sunburn Prevention: Cloudy Day Protection:
Contrary to popular belief, clouds do not block out UV rays entirely.  Up to 80% of UV radiation can penetrate through cloud cover, which means our skin is still susceptible to damage even on overcast days.  Therefore, it is crucial to apply sunscreen in your daily skincare routine, regardless of the weather conditions, to safeguard our skin from the long-term effects of UV exposure, such as premature ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer.

Shielding Against Indoor Threats: Blue Light Damage:
In today's digital age, spending long hours in front of screens has become the norm. However, many are unaware of the potential harm posed by blue light emitted by electronic devices. Prolonged exposure to blue light can lead to skin cell damage, resulting in premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, and an uneven skin tone. By incorporating a sunscreen with blue light protection into our skincare regimen, we can shield our skin from these harmful effects while going about our daily activities.

Why You Should Use Physical (Zinc) Sunscreen: 

1. Broad-spectrum protection: Physical sunscreens, such as zinc oxide, provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.  They act as a physical barrier, reflecting and scattering the sun's rays away from the skin. This helps to prevent sunburns, premature ageing, and reduces the risk of skin cancer.

2. Immediate effectiveness: Physical sunscreens start working as soon as they are applied to the skin. There is no need to wait for them to absorb or activate, making them a convenient choice for immediate protection.

3. Gentler on sensitive skin: Physical sunscreens are generally well-tolerated by individuals with sensitive or reactive skin.  Zinc is naturally healing, calming and a fantastic anti-inflammatory mineral.  Physical sunscreens are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions compared to chemical sunscreens (Ensure you check all the ingredients on the back of the label to ensure the sunscreen is free from chemical filters and common irritants)

4. Stability in sunlight: Physical sunscreens are photostable, meaning they do not degrade or break down when exposed to sunlight. They provide consistent protection throughout sun exposure, maintaining their effectiveness for longer periods.

5. Environmentally friendly: Unlike some chemical sunscreens, physical sunscreens do not contain ingredients that are harmful to coral reefs and marine life. Therefore, using physical sunscreens can contribute to the preservation of our oceans and ecosystems.

Why You Should Avoid Chemical Sunscreen: 

1. Skin sensitivity: Many people have sensitivities or allergies to chemical UV filters and the synthetic ingredients they are formulated with. They are more likely to cause skin irritation, redness, or trigger allergic reactions. 

2. Absorption into the skin: Chemical sunscreens are designed to be absorbed into the skin to provide protection. This absorption can be a concern for individuals who prefer to minimize the presence of certain chemicals in their body or have specific medical conditions.

3. Heat sensitivity: Certain chemical sunscreen ingredients, such as avobenzone, can become less effective when exposed to high temperatures or sunlight, potentially reducing their protective abilities.

4. Endocrine disruption: Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone, which have been shown to have the potential to disrupt the endocrine system. These substances can mimic or interfere with the body's natural hormones, leading to hormonal imbalances and potential health risks.

5. Hormonal effects: Some studies suggest that certain chemical sunscreen ingredients, particularly oxybenzone, may have estrogenic effects in the body. This means they can act like the hormone estrogen and potentially disrupt normal hormonal function, which can have implications for reproductive health and hormone-related conditions.

6. Environmental impact: Chemical sunscreen ingredients can also have adverse effects on the environment. When washed off in oceans, rivers, or lakes, they can accumulate and contribute to coral bleaching, disrupt aquatic ecosystems, and harm marine life. This environmental impact has led to the banning or restrictions of certain chemical sunscreen ingredients in some regions to protect sensitive marine environments.

What's the best natural face sunscreen?

Find more information on our new, all natural physical zinc sunscreen especially formulated for the face, neck, chest and hands. All ingredients have been carefully selected to support sensitive and breakout prone skin.

Your most important anti-ageing & protective face care product.