The Secret of… Natural Sunscreens

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Spring is here (finally!) and warmer weather means more exposed skin, longer time out in the sun, and a greater need for sunscreen. There are many options when it comes to protecting your skin in a way that is best for you and the environment- the list of ingredients to look for seems to change every year! So, how do you navigate the dos and don’t’s of natural sunscreen? Never fear, the Garden Gal is here to help!

What to Look For in a Sunscreen

It is important to keep in mind that most natural sunscreens use UV blockers/reflectors, which means that the product sits on top of your skin, versus needing to soak into it, creating a physical barrier against long-term sun exposure. The best sunscreens will contain no dangerous artificial chemicals or chemical fragrances, be paraben-free, and have an SPF of 30 or higher, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Along with ingredients promoting sun protection, a good sunscreen should also include one or more of the following: sunflower oil, lecithin, coconut oil, jojoba oil, Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Eucalyptus oil, and green tea extract. It’s no secret that keeping your skin moisturized is especially important during the summer months and we carry a variety of natural sunscreens that will keep your skin happy and healthy all summer long. At Garden of Eden, we have you covered for whatever your level of sun exposure:

Sunscreens that specify protection from UVA and UVB rays, or that say multi-spectrum or broad-spectrum

Reviva Sun Protective Moisturizer

Reviva Sun Protective Moisturizer SPF 25

This sheer, greaseless facial cream provides protection against the sun’s damaging rays, as well as wind, heat, or cold. It is a customer favorite– people often buy two or more at a time! Not only is it a superb moisturizer and sunscreen but it leaves your skin looking dewy fresh while leaving no oily residue.

 

Kiss My Face All Natural Spray On Oil Sunscreen SPF 30KMF SPF 30 Sun Spray Oil

An easy to apply sunscreen that is paraben-free, fragrance free, and provides UVA and UVB protection. It’s also water resistant, which makes it the perfect sunscreen for those who play hard and enjoy the outdoors!

 

 

Naked Bee Daily Facial MoisturizerNaked Bee Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 30: This 70% certified organic moisturizer contains organic aloe vera and vegetable glycerin enriched with Vitamin C. Specifically designed for the face, the formula will help improve skin density & elasticity while protecting it from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. All that and an amazing Orange Blossom Honey scent!

 

Naked Bee Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30Naked Bee Face and Body SPF 30: A certified organic Vitamin C enriched all-over body sunscreen that moisturizes and nourishes skin while providing broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Made with vegetable glycerin, organic aloe vera, sunflower seed oil and Naked Bee’s signature Orange Blossom Honey scent.

 

KMF Hot SpotsKiss My Face Hot Spots 30: This compact sunscreen is perfect for all those delicate facial areas that need extra protection from the sun- ears, brow, lips, nose and cheeks. Made with natural and organic ingredients including beeswax, coconut oil, aloe and wild-crafted Shea butter, in a convenient unscented, water-resistant stick. Biodegradable, gluten free, paraben-free, phthalate free, SLS free, no animal testing, and no artificial ingredients.

 

Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Defensive SPF 50+Kiehl's super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+

An oil-free, ultra-lightweight daily sunscreen, that one customer described as “Glides on like silk and never feels greasy.” Formulated to help fight up to 90% of skin aging, including lines and wrinkles and uneven texture and tone while providing a long-lasting broad-spectrum protection to deliver outstanding efficacy against UVA & UVB rays on the skin’s surface.

 

Sunscreens containing the safe active sun blocking agents, Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide

KMF SPF 30Kiss My Face All Natural Oat Protein Sunscreen SPF 30 (with Hydresia)

This remarkably effective sunscreen is made with oat protein and betaglucans that moisturize and help fight the signs of aging. Now enriched with Hydresia, an oleosome from safflowers for improved moisture and easy absorption. Quick and easy to apply, it is water resistant, and free from parabens, artificial colors and fragrances.

 

Kiss My Face Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 (with Hydresia)KMF SPF 40

A new Hydresia-enriched natural mineral formula that blends in clear. The water resistant formula helps reduce irritation, fight the signs of aging and provides broad spectrum SPF 40 protection.

 

 

Avalon Organics Baby SunscreenAvalon Organics Baby Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 18

An unscented sunscreen cream made with organic jojoba and sunflower oils protects vulnerable skin with an effective, broad-spectrum, reflective barrier. This cream gives the skin a slight chalky appearance because the active ingredient is a mineral (titanium dioxide)- a safer alternative for children and adults with sensitive skin.

 

Sunscreens that are specifically formulated for the face

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 15Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 15

This moisturizer is readily absorbed, leaving your skin soft and nurtured. Formulated with broad spectrum SPF 15 protection, your skin will be protected against sun damage which can cause premature aging.

 

Kiehl's Facial Fuel SPF 15Kiehl’s Facial Fuel SPF 15

Another great Facial Fuel product designed specifically for men, this facial moisturizer will refuel, re-energize, revitalize…and moisturize your skin all-in-one! This vitamin-enriched and energizing non-oily moisturizer wakens and uplifts dull, fatigued skin while providing SPF protection. Another customer must-have, many keep a spare tube in the refrigerator for the perfect pick-me-up.

 

Kiehl’s Cross-Terrain UV Face Protector SPF 50Kiehl's CrossTerrain-UVFaceProtector_r01

This small but mighty moisturizer is perfect for throwing in a bag or purse when you’re on the go! It provides optimum UVA/UVB broad-spectrum protection against sunburn in even the most extreme weather conditions. Used by many athletes as year-round protection for outdoor activities.

 

Do you want to have a sunny glow without spending too much time outdoors? Try one of our sunless tanning products including Kiehl’s Sun-Free Self-Tanning Formula, TanTowel Towelettes, and TanTowel On The Glow Moisturizer.

Kiehl's Sunless Self-Tanning FormulaTanTowel ToweletteTanTowel Moisturizer

Remember, your body needs daily sun exposure to produce Vitamin D. Keep yourself covered with one of our natural sunscreens and go soak up the sun! Visit us online or stop by the store today.

Sources:

http://www.prevention.com/beauty/beauty/how-find-best-natural-sunscreen

http://healthfulmama.com/2013/04/top-picks-for-natural-safe-sunscreens/

http://chikii.com.au/natural-sunscreen-and-sun-safety/