Well, it’s officially time to write the sunscreen blog, even though (in Vancouver anyway) the golden orb has been a bit of a no-show so far. London Drugs has a huge variety of sunscreen choices, and talking to a Beauty Advisor will get you way more info than can be listed here. But I wanted to feature a few alternative options to consider if living a little greener is one of your summer priorities.
What are Mineral Sunscreens and why are they becoming more popular?
Most sunscreens work by being absorbed into the skin, where their chemicals then absorb UVA and UVB rays. Mineral sunscreens don’t get absorbed the same way. They stay on the skin’s surface, creating a barrier (of zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide) to reflect the sun’s rays. Some people prefer the idea of surface protection, and others may find mineral formulas less irritating to sensitive skin. An additional benefit is that mineral sunscreens work as soon as you apply them – you don’t have to wait for them to soak in.
Nature’s Gate Mineral Kids SPF 20
Pediatrician tested and specially developed for children’s sensitive skin, this fragrance-free formula offers UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection. It’s also paraben free. All the ingredients are listed on their website, which we at What’s the Green Deal always appreciate.
Badger SPF 30 Lightly Scented and Unscented
These formulas have 18.5% uncoated, non-nano zinc oxide as their active ingredient. Totally natural and chemical-free, the Badger website says they are naturally water resistant, safe for children of all ages and block both UVA and UVB rays. Extra Green Deal points for their 50% post-consumer-recycled #2 plastic packaging as well.
Burts Bees Sunscreen with Hemp Seed Oil
The Burts Bees website calls this a ‘chemical-free’ sunscreen, as its active ingredient, titanium dioxide, occurs naturally as the mineral rutile. Like all BB products, it’s also paraben-free and petrochemical free.
Hawaiian Tropic Island Sport 30 Biodegradable
It’s important to note that just because chemical sunscreens get absorbed, that doesn’t mean they are bad. And some, like this biodegradable Hawaiian Tropic product, can be considerably better for sensitive environments. When chemicals from regular sunscreen wash off into the ocean, they may interact with marine creatures, including coral reefs. For this reason, Mexico allows only biodegradable sunscreen. Sport 30 comes in a recyclable bottle with a nifty interlocking 60ml size, which unfortunately uses more plastic in its manufacture. But if you refill the smaller bottle, at least it’s convenient and reusable. Fish may thank you.
But none of this matters if you don’t apply it enough.
Almost all research drives this point home. Most of us apply our sunscreen too little, too late and forget to reapply after 2 hours. (Yes, every 2 hours!) So whether you choose mineral, biodegradable or chemical sunscreen, keep slapping it on. Or you will be the real RED deal.
