During the summer months, sun protection is something that cannot be ignored. The harmful effects of the sun’s rays can have long-lasting, detrimental health implications. Your risk of melanoma doubles if you have had more than five sunburns. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime and nearly 50% of Americans who live to 65 will have skin cancer at least once.
There are many simple steps that you can take to greatly lower your risk of getting skin cancer. Wearing a broad-brimmed hat and keeping your body covered in clothing reduces your risk by 27%. Find a shady spot to sit under when outdoors to limit your exposure to the sun. Avoid being in direct sunlight during the hours of 10am and 4pm, when the sun’s rays are the most powerful. And, most importantly, wear sunscreen. Regular daily use of SPF 15 or higher reduces the risk of melanoma by 50%.
Choosing the right sunscreen can be confusing. Sun protection means blocking not only UVB radiation, but UVA radiation too. Many sunscreens contain chemicals and additives that are counterintuitive to our health. Manufacturers of sun lotions have heard the requests of health-minded consumers. A wave of non-toxic, natural sunscreens have recently hit store shelves. These are some of the top-rated sunscreens that meet Environmental Working Group’s eco standards for a more natural alternative.
Purple Prairie SunStuff Natural Sunscreen – SunStuff mineral lotion offers protection from UVA and UVB rays with 20% micronized zinc oxide, which equates to SPF 30. Organic shea and cocoa butters moisturize and are included for purported natural sun protection properties. SunStuff is unscented, 100% natural, biodegradable and environmentally safe. It meets the rigid standards for sunscreen allowed in the protected coral reef lagoons of Mexico.
Solbar Zinc Sun Protection Cream – An excellent base for makeup, Solbar Zinc sunscreen cream is specially formulated to provide high protection from UVB and UVA radiation. Transparent zinc oxide enhances and extends protection in the UVA spectrum. This sunscreen is hypoallergenic and does not irritate skin or eyes.
Earth’s Best Mineral Sunscreen – The organic, chemical-free formula is gentle on delicate skin and fragrance- free. Hypo-allergenic and paraben-free, the SPF 30 formula is safe and effective for use on babies or adults with sensitive skin. It’s enriched with oat oil, marigold extract and vitamin A and calendula extract that not only protects the skin from sunburn but also soothes it.
Beyond Coastal Natural Sunscreen – This healthy, natural sunscreen provides shelter from UVA rays with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. SPF 30+ effectively blocks 97% of UVB rays, which cause sunburn. This ultimate skin care for the whole family is moisturizing and water resistant. Beyond Coastal Natural Sunscreen contains aloe vera, shea butter, and vitamin C, to nourish, repair and hydrate your skin.
Badger All Natural Sunscreen – Badger provides broad spectrum protection from UVA & UVB rays using the safe mineral zinc oxide. This sunscreen is free of oxybenzone, octinoxate and all other chemical active sunscreening agents. It is water resistant for at least 40 minutes and is lightly scented with organic Bulgarian lavender. It also offers the added benefit of the antioxidant properties of sea buckthorn and sunflower.
True Natural Cosmetics All Natural Sunscreen – This high performance sunscreen is the perfect companion for all your sports and outdoor activities. The non-whitening formula for face and body is invisible on your skin and is biodegradable, nano-free, and gluten-free. Made in the US following all the new sunscreen regulations, application is made simple with the stick applicator.
Soleo Organics Sunscreen – Formulated for all skin types, Soleo is ideal for sensitive skin and suitable for the entire family-children of all ages and adults. Soleo is made from completely natural and organic ingredients. It contains no chemical UV absorbers or synthetic preservatives. This sunscreen is highly water resistant and is biodegradable.
The Honest Company Sunscreen Lotion – Honest Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 provides broad spectrum sun protection without using any synthetic chemicals. The formula is non-whitening, water resistant and hypoallergenic. Free of PABA, gluten, parabens, phthalates, fragrances, petrochemicals, dyes and synthetic chemical sunscreens, this is a great choice for babies and young children.
Beautycounter Protect Sunscreens – Created with the entire family in mind, this lightweight, water-resistant sunscreen is formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, so it blends seamlessly into skin without leaving white streaks, protecting you against both UVA and UVB rays. Aloe helps hydrate skin, while antioxidant-rich green tea and blood orange extracts fight free radicals.
Episencial Babytime Sunny Sunscreen – This broad spectrum, lightweight, non-greasy, moisturizing sunscreen is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Safe minerals work to protect the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays, while aloe and green tea extract keep skin cool and protected from IR damage. Petroleum, fragrance, harsh chemical and gluten free, Episencial sunscreen is non-allergenic and is never tested on animals.
Safe summer fun begins with protecting your skin. These natural options offer you the protection you need without any potentially harmful chemical additives. Always remember to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you head outside, and re-apply every 2 hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. Be safe and enjoy your summer!