The weather is heating up, and the season to begin applying sunscreen has officially started. In all honesty, the season to apply sunscreen is all year round. Even on cloudy days and driving in your car, the UV rays still abound and penetrate your skin.
Sunlight rays contain both UVA and UVB rays. Both of which have the potential to be harmful to the skin. Though the UVB rays are typically responsible for your sunburn, it's the UVA rays you should be more concerned about.
UVA rays can damage your skin more stealthily by suppressing the immune system and aging the skin over time. Additionally, and what's more concerning, is the fact that being overexposed to UVA rays can promote the development of skin cancer in some cases.
Understanding UVA & UVB rays is essential to take proper precautions if you're going to be out and about.
It's essential to keep in mind that not all sunscreens are created equal. Many mainstream sunscreens on the market contain harsh chemicals that are harmful to your health. Oxybenzone, for instance, is a common ingredient in conventional sunscreens. It penetrates the skin, gets into the bloodstream, and proceeds to act like estrogen in the body. Additionally, it's a known endocrine disruptor and a skin allergen for many people. It's nasty stuff, and you don't want to be putting yourself in harm's way.
With this in mind, the state of Hawaii has just passed legislation banning sunscreens containing two harmful petrochemicals, avobenzone and octocrylene.
This bill follows a 2018 law banning oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreens. Studies show that all four of these petrochemical sunscreens are toxic to human health, coral reefs, and marine species.
“This is great news for our imperiled coral reefs and marine life,” said Maxx Phillips, Hawai‘i director and staff attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. “People can protect their skin without harmful petrochemicals while Hawai‘i protects public and environmental health.”
Why Ingredients Found In Nature Matter
Organic sun care products are usually made with healthy, natural, and skin-boosting ingredients. The Essance Sun Factor Creme Sunscreen includes the following ingredients that not only are good for your skin but ingredients that you can pronounce:
Organic Aloe Juice
Organic Chamomile Hydrosol
Organic Lavender Hydrosol
Orange Blossom Hydrosol
Organic Peppermint Hydrosol
Rose Hydrosol
Organic Shea Butter
Organic Vegetable Glycerin
Vegetable Emulsifying Wax
Organic Sweet Almond Oil
Palm Stearic Acid, Zinc Oxide
Titanium Dioxide
Vitamin C
Non-GMO Vitamin E
Leucidal Radish Root Extract
Xanthan Gum
Citric Acid
Geranium Essential Oil.
Compare that to some chemicals that make up the bulk of conventional sunscreens: oxybenzone, retinyl palmitate, retinyl linoleate, avobenzone, octocrylene, and homosalate.
Top Suncare Tips for Summer
Here are a few extra sun care tips to help protect your skin this summer.
- Apply a dime-sized dollop onto the desired area and gently rub to apply- You don't need to slather it on like conventional sunscreens
- Apply 15 to 20 minutes before heading outdoors
- Apply to clean, dry skin
- Our sunscreen will also protect your face, no need for a separate facial sunscreen.
- Although many natural sunscreens are water-resistant, it's always best to reapply after swimming
- Don't forget to apply sunscreen to your feet, ears, and behind your neck
- Always wear a hat and sunglasses for further sun protection
- Sun Factor Creme is also safe to use on children since it does not contain harsh and hard-to-pronounce chemicals.
Now that you understand the benefits of natural sunscreen, make sure you add our all-natural sun creme to your backpack, diaper bag, or purse for use during all outdoor activities! This creme is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants to protect and repair the skin from the sun damage that occurs with any outdoor lifestyle or activity.