Our Guide to Natural & Sustainable Sun Protection

Do we really know what's in our conventional sunscreen and how it affects our own healthy and our planet?

As the weather is heating up, we are spending more time outside it is essential to make sure you are catching rays responsibly. UV rays are incredibly important for our overall health and wellbeing. Catching rays keeps our immune system healthy, our bones strong, and boosts serotonin levels, which lowers anxiety and stress levels – something we all need right now. So it is key to make sure you get daily exposure while making sure you are careful of burns and protecting your skin. 

We all know how important it is to protect our skin from the UV rays, pollution, and other environmental factors. But do you really know what is in your conventional sunscreen and how it affects our planet? 

If you do, you’re in the minority as most people who wear sunscreen buy commercial brands that are filled with chemicals, such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate (to name just a few) that are destroying our oceans. When you wash off your sunscreen at the end of the day, it ends up back in the ocean. Of course, when you’re swimming or beachside, the chemicals wash off directly into the ocean. These chemicals bleach, damage, and can even kill coral, decrease fertility in fish, kill shellfish, stunt algae, and more. 

Along with damaging sea life, these chemicals aren’t good for us either. Remember everything you put on your skin gets absorbed into the bloodstream! There have been multiple studies that have shown these chemicals can cause internal damage. Luckily, these commercial sunscreens can easily be avoided.  There are some incredible natural, chemical-free sunscreen brands on the market that make protecting our skin in an environmentally friendly and health friendly way. 

Sun & Earth Natural SPF

Created in Australia, Sun & Earth protects and nourishes the skin while providing a sheer tint. Formulated with wonderful natural, plant-based ingredients, all of their sunscreens are a mix of skincare and sun protection. Olive oil, coconut oil, and cacao oil are blended with zinc oxide to provide a natural UV shield and a treatment for sensitive, inflamed or damaged skin. 

Even if you can’t see the sun, it still has the ability the effect your skin. In the winter months, the ozone layer that operates as a sun shield for Earth by shielding harmful rays is actually at its thinnest. You don’t have to get sunburnt for the sun to damage your skin!  The Sun & Earth products are to be used year-round and since they only contain a small tint, you can use your natural makeup on top. They also have been made in a solar powered factory, and come in plastic free packaging and rather in an aluminium tin that is easily recyclable! 

Living Libations

 Zinc Lotion is another amazing clean sunscreen that contains five moisturizing plant oils that are blended together to harmonize the sun’s rays with our skin to provide a light and cooling shield. This formula feels wonderful and hydrating on the skin, both on the body and the face. 

For days when I’m out in the sun in the morning or the late afternoon, when the sun’s rays aren’t too strong, I love using the Sunshine Oil from Living Libations. It contains high concentrations of sun-friendly flavonoids and carotenoids, which help protect the skin from free radical damage and the sun’s rays.

Tio Y Tia Handmade Sun Hats

On top of your natural zinc sunscreen, do your skin and outfit a favour and wear a hat. It is an added layer of protection that is both chic and practical. Tio Y Tia hats are an amazing eco-friendly choice as all of their materials are ethically sourced, and they are handmade in America. If you’re spending the day out gardening (like us) or in nature, make sure to pop on your hat to prevent premature aging and damage to the skin by simply covering it up in a stylish way. 

Organic Aftercare

It is always important to keep your skin hydrated but if you’ve caught some sun, it is essential to rehydrate the skin and aid in the healing process. If you want to help maintain a tan or soothe red skin, the organic body oil by By Sarah London will deeply hydrate the skin and bring down any irritation. The rose facial oil by Shiva Rose hydrates the skin beautifully without ever clogging the pores. It is wonderful for when your skin is feeling sensitive and irritated – the perfect after-sun oil.