BEAUTY: Protect Your Skin with Healthy Sunscreen

The most important thing you can do for the beauty of your skin this summer is protect it from the sun. Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen as one of those protective measures. That being said, even purchasing sunscreen needs to be done carefully as most sunscreens on the market use ingredients that can only be described as scary.

Watch out for the ingredients octinoxate, oxybenzone, homosalate, octocrylene, retinyl/vitamin A  palmitate, and Paraben preservatives. They have all sorts of nasty side effects including cell mutation, disruption of hormones, premature aging, and can even lead to skin cancer. Don’t worry though, it’s possible to get sun protection without having to use those ingredients. Fashion IQ made a thorough search of the best products out there, and here’s what we found:

FashionIQ_Sunscreens

 

SkinCeuticals: Physical Fusion Sunscreen SPF 50 

A particulary good option for pale and sensitive skin types, Skin Ceuticals broad spectrum sunscreen protects you from UVA & UVB rays using the key ingredients of Titanium Dioxide & Zinc Oxide. These ingredients are typically good for sensitve skin types, but still use with care. Although these nanoparticals reside on top of your skin, webmd warns that broken skin could absorb the nanoparticals into the bloodstream. If you have eczema, acne, or any other skin disorder that opens the skin, you might want to avoid these ingredients as well.

Skin Ceuticals: Phloretin CF

In addition to using a great sunscreen, it’s not a bad idea to get even more protection by using an antioxidant first. One of our favorites is Skin Ceuticals Phloretin CF. While the sunscreen protects your skin from UVA & UVB rays, the antioxidant formula of phloretin, ascorbic acid, and ferulic acid protects skin cells from free radicals while evening skin discolorations. Even better, the product is absorbed and lasts for 72 hours before it needs to be reapplied.

Josie Maran: Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47

A dual moisturizer and sunscreen, this product has some great benefits that go beyond just minimizing the effects of UV rays. While the main ingredients of Titanium Dioxide & Zinc Oxide protect you from the sun, the other ‘skin-loving’ ingredients of aragon oil, jojoba oil, and green tea nourish the skin. The nice feel of the product is good for those who worry about getting a sunscreen that feels and looks oily, and it also has a universal tint for just that little bit of coverage.

Lavanila: Sport Luxe SPF 30

This sunscreen is a good choice for the active person. Again using the active ingredients of Titanium Dioxide & Zinc Oxide, this sunscreen also uses antioxidants to replenish the health of your skin while you’re wearing it. This lighter version SPF can be used on the body & the face to protect from UV rays even when you sweat, but it may not be the strongest option for paler skin types.

MD Solar Sciences: Mineral Creme SPF 50

A high SPF mineral cream that is good for people that need more protection when being active or swimming, including children over 6 months and adults with pale or sensitve skin. MD Solar Sciences claims the cream’s main ingredients Titanium Dioxide & Zinc Oxide make it water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. In addition to all this, the sunscreen is full of antioxidants that are great for your skin including Vitamin C, green tea, cranberry, and pomegranate extracts.

Although most dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen, they also recommend you take other precautions to protect your skin from the sun. Keep in mind that even cloudy days and being in doors requires caution. UV rays can penetrate through clouds and through windows so make sure to put on sunscreen even when you plan to be indoors or out on a cloud day. Hats, especially long-brimmed hats, are another great way to protect your sensitive facial skin from the sun, and a great addition to any look too!

 

Words by Lindsey Alexander

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