Sunscreen: Mineral (natural) VS Chemical
Top reasons why using natural mineral sunscreen is safer and better than the chemical stuff…
First off – product labeling can be very misleading! When you’re standing in the aisle with an army of sunscreens staring you down and making it difficult to choose, you might start to reach for the one that says “organic” first (isn’t anything labelled “organic” naturally better for you?). After all, you care about your loved ones’ health and safety – that’s why you’re going to buy the best and safest organic sunscreen, right?
If you want to avoid the nasty chemicals by getting the organic sunscreen, make sure you read the rest of the label first since chemical sunscreens are most often termed “organic” because they contain carbon compounds.
The safe natural sunscreen you are actually after is often called “inorganic” since the active ingredients that provide protection are minerals. Some mineral sunscreens, like Eli and you’s SPF40+ Natural Sunscreen, are labelled “organic” because they also contain organically produced ingredients which provide great health benefits for your skin!
With that cleared up – let’s get to why the mineral sunscreen is naturally better…
- It’s safer for the whole family
Mineral sunscreens, also called physical blockers, and chemical sunscreens, known as chemical absorbers, work in completely different ways to protect your skin from being damaged by the sun’s UV (ultra-violet) rays.
Mineral sunscreens have an active mineral ingredient, zinc oxide in our case, which works by forming a protective shield on top of your skin that deflects and scatters the dangerous UV rays AWAY FROM your skin.
The good news: Zinc oxide is the only sunscreen ingredient approved by the FDA for babies and is naturally one of the most effective broad spectrum protectors against both UVA and UVB rays.
On the other hand: most sunscreens (which are chemically based) give protection by absorbing the sun’s rays and UV radiation INTO your skin and through a chemical reaction converting the energy into heat that is dispersed in your skin.
The problem? Chemicals – called UV filters – get absorbed by the skin and penetrates into your body and according to the Environmental Working Group, are linked to allergic reactions, hormone disruptions, and cell damage. Because these chemicals break down quickly from sun exposure, they are combined with preservatives and even more chemicals. More toxins not meant to be in your body and especially not in young children…
A few especially objectionable chemical ingredients in popular sunscreens include:
Oxybenzone: It acts like oestrogen in the body and has been associated with endometriosis in women. High allergy alert!
Homosalate: It disrupts hormones, including oestrogen, androgen and progesterone. It is suspected that it releases harmful compounds when it breaks down.
Octinoxate (also known as Octylmethoxycinnamate): Has also been linked to hormone disruptions.
Eeek!
- It’s gentler
Mineral sunscreen is less irritating for sensitive or problematic skin, where chemical sunscreen has a much bigger chance of irritation and stinging (even more on dry or damaged skin) because of numerous ingredients that are combined to create broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
- It works immediately and lasts longer
While we recommend always reapplying your sunscreen every two hours, mineral sunscreen lasts longer when exposed to the sun, because the mineral protective ingredients don’t decompose in the sun like the chemical UV filters do. And where chemical UV filters need around 20 minutes to start working after you’ve applied chemical sunscreen – mineral sunscreen protects your skin as soon as you apply it. Score!
- Contains no harmful additives (not if it’s a good one)
Less is in fact more and especially when it comes to additives like preservatives, synthetic fragrances and parabens. Mineral sunscreens in general contain less additives than chemical sunscreens, as chemical UV filters need to be stabilised. Eli and you Natural Sunscreen is a pure mineral sunscreen with NO preservatives or harmful ingredients.
- But please remember…
As essential as using a safe and natural mineral sunscreen on a daily basis is – always be vigilant when you and your family are spending time in the sun. Wearing protective clothing and hats and limiting sun exposure is still vital in the hot summer sun.
With that said – have fun and stay safe!
Eli and you Natural Sunscreen is a safe and highly effective broad spectrum natural mineral sunscreen for the whole family. With SPF 40+, UVA and UVB protection, it is an essential summer companion!
Buy it from our online store and at selected health shops and retailers.
Comments are closed
