Your Natural Sunscreen Guide

At Intentionally Natural, protecting our skin from the harsh sun is a must, especially with New Zealand’s intense UV rays. Whether you're basking in the sun on a beach day or running errands on a cloudy day, wearing a high-quality broad spectrum SPF natural sunscreen should be a non-negotiable part of your daily skincare routine.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about natural sunscreen. From how it works, how to apply it and how to choose the best one for your skin needs and the environment.

What is Natural Sunscreen?

Natural sunscreen, also known as mineral sunscreen or physical sunscreens, provides a physical barrier that protects your skin from harmful UV rays. These sunscreens contain minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays, unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb into your skin and disperse the UV rays internally. This method of protection makes natural sunscreen a healthier option for your skin and the environment.

Chemical sunscreens can contain potentially harmful ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which may lead to hormonal disruption and are harmful to marine life. By choosing natural sunblock, you avoid these risks and enjoy effective sun protection without absorbing unwanted chemicals.

Common Sun-Related Skin Issues

Being proactive about sun protection can help prevent several skin issues. Here are some common conditions caused by sun exposure:

Sunburn

Sunburn occurs when your skin becomes inflamed due to overexposure to UV rays. The pain, redness, and peeling can be a sign of severe damage to the skin. Consistently using natural sunscreen can help you avoid these painful burns and protect your skin from long-term damage.

Freckles

Freckles may look cute, but they are an indication of sun-induced melanin overproduction. Natural sunscreen can help reduce the number of new freckles by shielding your skin from harmful UV rays.

Melasma

Melasma is a condition characterized by brown or gray patches, often caused by a combination of hormonal changes and sun exposure. A high-quality natural sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF protection can prevent melasma from worsening.

Age Spots (Sun Spots)

Sun spots are flat, dark patches on your skin caused by chronic exposure to UV rays. Wearing a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen can help reduce the appearance of these spots and prevent new ones from forming.

Skin Cancer

Perhaps the most serious consequence of sun exposure is skin cancer, including malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Using natural sunscreen every day is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.

Why Choose a Natural Sunscreen?

You may wonder why it’s important to choose a natural sunscreen over a chemical one. The answer is simple: it's safer for your skin and the planet. Recent studies have shown that up to 70% of chemical sunscreens contain harmful ingredients like oxybenzone, which may disrupt hormones and contribute to coral reef damage. On the other hand, natural sunblock uses ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are recognized as safe by the FDA and the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

Choosing a natural sunscreen ensures you're protecting your skin from damage without introducing toxic substances into your body. Moreover, you're helping to preserve marine life by opting for a reef-safe sunscreen.

Health Benefits of Natural Sunscreen

There are many health benefits to using natural sunscreen. For one, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the active ingredients in physical sunscreens, are not absorbed into the skin. This means they are less likely to cause hormone disruption or other health issues compared to chemical sunscreens, which can penetrate the bloodstream.

Furthermore, our organic and natural sunscreens contain no nasty ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrances, making them a healthier option for people with sensitive skin, allergies, or those who want to avoid potentially harmful ingredients.

Environmental Benefits of Natural Sunscreens

The benefits of natural sunscreens extend beyond personal health—they're better for the environment too. Scientists estimate that around 14,000 tons of sunscreen end up in oceans each year. Many conventional sunscreens contain harmful chemicals like:

• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• Benzophenone-1
• Benzophenone-8
• OD-PABA
• 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor
• 3-Benzylidene camphor
• Octocrylene

These chemicals damage coral DNA, disrupt their reproductive cycles, and slow coral growth. They contribute significantly to coral bleaching and damage the overall marine ecosystem.

Reef-safe sunscreens—those free from these harmful chemicals—are crucial for protecting marine life. However, it’s important to remember that terms like "reef-safe" and "reef-friendly" are unregulated, so it’s essential to check the INCI label to ensure the ingredients are truly safe for the environment.

When choosing a natural sunscreen that won’t harm marine life, look for mineral-based options with non-nano Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide as active ingredients. Non-nano particles, unlike nano particles, are larger and settle quickly, becoming part of the natural sea floor sediment. In contrast, nano particles can be ingested by marine life, affecting them at the cellular level.

How to Choose the Best Natural Sunscreen

When selecting a natural sunscreen, there are a few key factors to consider. Here’s what to look for to make sure you're getting the best protection:

Look for Mineral Sunscreen

The best natural sunscreen options are mineral sunscreens, as they use natural ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect your skin. These minerals sit on top of the skin, reflecting UV rays, rather than absorbing into your body like chemical sunscreens do. Look for physical sunscreens that are clearly labeled with these active ingredients.

Opt for Broad-Spectrum Protection

It’s essential to choose a natural sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, which shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are responsible for skin aging, while UVB rays cause sunburn. Using a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen ensures comprehensive protection from sun damage.

Check for Reef Safe Sunscreen Ingredients

If you're passionate about protecting the environment, make sure your natural sunscreen is labeled as reef-safe sunscreen. However, don’t rely solely on this label—always check the ingredients list for chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. Non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the safest options for both your skin and the environment.

How to Apply Natural Sunscreen

Proper application is key to maximizing the benefits of natural sunscreen. Always apply your mineral sunscreen liberally at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. This allows the product to form a protective barrier on your skin. Be sure to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.

Your Natural Sunscreen Guide

When it comes to protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, choosing a natural sunscreen is essential for maintaining your skin’s health. Finding a natural SPF that provides the protection your skin needs can be overwhelming. So we thought we would help with our favorite award-winning natural sunscreens.

Frankie Apothecary Natural Sun Defence SPF40

Frankie Apothecary Natural Sun Defence is a New Zealand-made sunscreen that offers high protection with a luxurious, lightweight feel. This award-winning broad spectrum SPF40 sunscreen is thoughtfully formulated with native New Zealand botanicals like Kawakawa and Calendula, known for their soothing properties.

Thanks to its mineral-based formula, it provides broad-spectrum protection, blocking out 97.5% of harmful UVB rays. Plus, it’s reef-safe, making it a responsible choice for the environment. This sunscreen has been a family favorite for over a decade in my own home, especially for my little ones. It’s easy to apply, leaves no white cast, and the kids love being able to use it themselves.

Vanessa Megan Vitamin A+B+C Daily Face Cream + SPF15

Vanessa Megan’s Vitamin A+B+C Daily Face Cream + SPF15 is a lightweight moisturizer combines natural sun filters with potent antioxidants to deliver protection while improving your skin’s texture and radiance. Featuring a rich blend of vitamins from natural sources like Kakadu plum, Emu apple, and Raspberry seed oil, this cream hydrates, firms, and fights environmental damage all day long.

With 20% Zinc Oxide providing SPF15 broad spectrum protection. The lightweight, mattifying formula ensures no greasy residue or white cast, making it ideal for layering under makeup or applying to sensitive skin types. Not only does it protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, but it also works to stimulate collagen production, brighten your complexion, and combat free radicals.

In Closing

Choosing the best natural sunscreen is a crucial step in protecting both your skin and the environment. By opting for mineral sunscreens that contain natural, safe ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, you not only shield your skin from harmful UV rays but also avoid the risks associated with chemical sunscreens. Additionally, by selecting reef-safe sunscreens, you help preserve marine ecosystems and prevent coral bleaching.

Remember, applying natural sunscreen correctly is just as important as choosing the right one. Apply it generously and reapply often to ensure you’re protected throughout your time in the sun.

Now that you’re equipped with all the essential information, it’s time to make the switch and experience the benefits firsthand. Pick your perfect award-winning natural sunscreen and enjoy healthy, radiant skin all summer long!

FAQs About Natural Sunscreen

What makes natural sunscreen different from chemical sunscreen?

Natural sunscreen uses minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect UV rays off the skin, while chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and disperse UV rays internally.

Is mineral sunscreen safe for sensitive skin?

Yes! Mineral sunscreen is often gentler on sensitive skin compared to chemical sunscreens, which can cause irritation and allergic reactions. Natural sunblock ingredients like zinc oxide are hypoallergenic and less likely to cause irritation.

What is reef-safe sunscreen?

Reef-safe sunscreen refers to sunscreens that do not contain harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can damage coral reefs and marine life. Always check the ingredients list to ensure your sunscreen is truly reef-safe.

Can I use organic sunscreen on my face?

Yes, many organic sunscreens are formulated specifically for facial use. They are gentle, non-greasy, and often contain additional skincare ingredients like antioxidants to nourish your skin while providing sun protection.

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