What is Natural Organic Sunscreen?
Natural organic suncream is a sun protection product that relies on naturally derived ingredients to offer broad-spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays without the use of synthetic chemicals.
This type of suncream typically contains minerals such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which work by sitting on top of the skin to physically block and scatter UV rays. In contrast, chemical suncreams absorb and dissipate UV radiation through a chemical reaction within the skin. The difference lies in how they protect the skin from sun damage.
Why Choose Natural Organic Sunscreen?
Selecting natural organic sun cream provides effective sun protection while being gentle on sensitive skin and friendly to the environment, offering benefits such as being reef-safe, cruelty-free, vegan, and paraben-free.
What Are the Benefits of Using Natural Organic Sunscreen?
The benefits of using natural organic sunscreen include protection for all skin types, the presence of antioxidants, and additional moisturizing properties, which help prevent prickly heat and irritation.
One of the key advantages of natural organic sunscreen is its role in protecting the skin from harmful UV rays while also nourishing it with powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants play a crucial role in neutralising free radicals, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall skin health.
Natural organic sunscreen is suitable for a wide range of skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. Unlike chemical sunscreens, it is less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions, making it a gentle option for those with delicate skin.
Along with its protective benefits, organic sunscreen also provides deep moisturization, helping to keep the skin hydrated and supple throughout the day. This can be particularly beneficial in preventing dryness and maintaining a healthy skin barrier, reducing the risk of sensitivity and skin conditions.
What Are the Risks of Using Chemical Sunscreens?
Chemical sunscreens pose risks such as potential irritation for sensitive skin and adverse effects on marine life due to the presence of harmful chemical-laden ingredients.
When individuals with sensitive skin apply chemical sunscreens, the ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate can lead to skin irritation, redness, and allergic reactions, making it uncomfortable and painful. These chemical compounds have been found to disrupt hormones and potentially cause long-term health issues.
On the environmental front, the chemicals in these sunscreens can harm coral reefs and marine ecosystems. Studies have shown that oxybenzone, in particular, can bleach coral and reduce their resilience to climate change. As the sunscreen washes off into oceans, it poses a threat to various aquatic organisms, disrupting their natural habitats and survival.
How to Identify Natural Organic Sunscreen?
Identifying natural organic sunscreen involves looking at the product’s ingredients list, certifications, and reviews from trusted sources and consumers to ensure it meets the required standards for an organic product.
What Ingredients Should You Look for in Natural Organic Sunscreen?
When choosing a natural organic suncream, look for ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, plant stem cells, aloe vera, and sea buckthorn, known for their protective and nourishing properties.
These ingredients work synergistically to provide effective protection against harmful UV rays. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide act as physical blockers, forming a barrier on the skin’s surface to reflect and scatter UV radiation.
Plant stem cells possess potent antioxidant properties, helping to combat free radicals and prevent premature ageing. Aloe vera soothes and hydrates the skin, reducing redness and inflammation caused by sun exposure.
Sea buckthorn is rich in vitamins C and E, enhancing skin rejuvenation and promoting a healthy complexion. Together, these ingredients create a powerful shield against sun damage while nourishing and revitalising the skin.
What Ingredients Should You Avoid in Sunscreen?
Ingredients to avoid in sunscreen include chemical-laden substances such as parabens, which can cause irritation for sensitive skin and harm marine life.
Parabens, along with other chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, have been linked to disrupting hormones in the body, which can lead to various health issues.
Aside from their impact on human health, these substances have been shown to accumulate in aquatic environments, posing a threat to coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
Therefore, it is crucial to opt for sunscreen options free of such harmful chemicals to protect both yourself and the environment.
How to Use Natural Organic Sunscreen?
Using natural organic sunscreen effectively involves applying the recommended amount, choosing the right SPF (such as SPF 30 or SPF 50), and ensuring it is water resistant for prolonged protection, as advised by dermatologists like Elizabeth K. Hale, M.D..
What is the Recommended Amount to Apply?
The recommended amount of suncream to apply for adequate protection is about a teaspoon for the face and a shot glass worth for the body.
Applying suncream in the right quantity is crucial to shield the skin from harmful UV rays. Using insufficient amounts may leave areas vulnerable to sun damage. For the face, a mere dab won’t suffice; a teaspoon can well cover the face, neck, and ears. In terms of the body, more is definitely better – think in terms of a shot glass full.
The significance of this precision lies in safeguarding the skin against premature ageing, sunburns, and reducing the risk of skin cancer. With proper application, the lasting effects can be truly transformative, ensuring skin health for years to come.
How Often Should You Reapply?
You should reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating to maintain effective sun protection, especially if the sunscreen is not water resistant.
For individuals spending extended periods outdoors, frequent reapplication of sunscreen is crucial for shielding the skin from harmful UV rays. Dermatologists recommend opting for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and diligently reapplying it every two hours, even on cloudy days, as UV rays can penetrate through clouds. Those with sensitive skin should take extra precautions, as their skin is more prone to sun damage. To ensure comprehensive protection, it’s advisable to combine sunscreen application with protective clothing and seeking shade whenever possible.
What Are the Best Natural Organic Sunscreen Brands?
The best natural organic sunscreen brands, as identified through consumer surveys and testing by Beauty Lab and the Good Housekeeping Institute, include Green People and Baie Soleil, known for their effective and environmentally friendly products.
What Are the Key Features of Each Brand?
Green People and Baie Soleil offer natural and organic sunscreen products that feature innovative ingredients like plant stem cells and Kakadu Plum, which provide enhanced sun protection and skin benefits.
Green People’s sunscreen range is specifically formulated with plant stem cells known for their rejuvenating properties, which not only shield the skin from harmful UV rays but also help in revitalising and repairing damaged skin cells. On the other hand, Baie Soleil stands out for its use of Kakadu Plum, a powerful antioxidant-rich ingredient that provides a natural barrier against sun-induced ageing and skin damage.
What Are the Customer Reviews and Ratings?
Customer reviews and ratings for natural organic sunscreen products highlight their effectiveness, pleasant formulations, and eco-friendly credentials, with many top-rated brands emerging from consumer surveys.
Consumers often praise the superior sun protection offered by these organic sunscreens, with SPF levels meeting their expectations for prolonged outdoor activities. The lack of harsh chemicals in these products is another key selling point, catering to individuals with sensitive skin or allergies. The lightweight and non-greasy textures of these sunscreens receive favourable comments, as they allow for comfortable wear throughout the day.
Are There Any DIY Natural Organic Sunscreen Recipes?
DIY natural organic sun cream recipes allow you to create effective and environmentally friendly sun protection at home using cruelty-free and paraben-free ingredients.
What Ingredients Do You Need?
To create a DIY natural organic suncream, you need ingredients like zinc oxide, aloe vera, and coconut oil, which provide effective sun protection and skin hydration.
- Zinc oxide is a mineral that acts as a physical barrier, reflecting and scattering UV rays away from the skin. It is known for its broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, making it a key ingredient in suncreams.
- Aloe vera is renowned for its soothing and cooling properties, which help to calm irritated skin and reduce inflammation caused by sun exposure. It aids in moisturizing the skin, leaving it soft and supple.
- Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants and provides natural SPF, offering additional protection from harmful sun rays while deeply nourishing the skin.
How to Make and Use the Sunscreen?
To make and use DIY natural organic suncream, mix the ingredients thoroughly and apply it generously to exposed skin before sun exposure.
- First, gather the necessary ingredients such as zinc oxide, shea butter, coconut oil, and essential oils.
- Next, melt the shea butter and coconut oil together in a double boiler.
- Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the zinc oxide powder until well combined.
- Add a few drops of your preferred essential oil for a pleasant scent and added benefits.
After ensuring the mixture is well blended, pour it into a clean, airtight container for storage. Remember, do a patch test on a small area of skin to check for any allergic reactions before applying it more widely. Apply the suncream liberally at least 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Natural Organic Sunscreen?
Natural Organic Sunscreen refers to sunscreen products that are made with natural and organic ingredients. These ingredients are plant-based and are free from harsh chemicals, making them gentle and safe for use on the skin.
Why should I use Natural Organic Sunscreen?
Natural Organic Sunscreen is a safer and healthier option for protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. It is free from chemicals and toxins that can harm your skin and the environment. It also nourishes and hydrates your skin while providing sun protection.
How does Natural Organic Sunscreen work?
Natural Organic Sunscreen works by using natural minerals, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, to create a physical barrier on your skin. This barrier reflects and scatters the UV rays, keeping them from penetrating your skin and causing damage.
Is Natural Organic Sunscreen suitable for all skin types?
Yes, Natural Organic Sunscreen is suitable for all skin types. The ingredients used are gentle and non-irritating, making them suitable for sensitive skin as well. However, it is always recommended to patch test a new product before using it on your entire face.
Can Natural Organic Sunscreen be used on children?
Yes, Natural Organic Sunscreen is safe for children to use. However, it is best to choose a sunscreen specifically formulated for children, as their skin is more delicate and may require a milder formula.
How often should I reapply Natural Organic Sunscreen?
It is recommended to reapply Natural Organic Sunscreen every 2 hours, or more frequently if you are swimming or sweating. This will ensure that you maintain adequate sun protection throughout the day.