Summer weather is FINALLY here!
It feels so good to finally be able to enjoy the outdoors, while still respecting social distancing. Now is the time to replace old sunscreen and restock for the coming hot summer months. Sunscreen is essential to keep skin protected from the dangers of sun exposure (sunburn, sun damage and melanoma) and to minimize the aging effects of UV rays.
5 TIPS FOR SUN PROTECTION:
1. Ensure that you use a BROAD SPECTRUM SPF sunscreen to protect against harmful UVA ("A" for aging, skin damage and the more harmful forms of skin cancer) , UVB (“B” for burn) and blue light (from computer screens and devices).
2. A higher SPF does not mean that you can spend longer in the sun. The difference of SPF protection between SPF15 and SPF50+ is marginal.
◦ SPF 15 blocks approximately 93% of all UVB rays
◦ SPF 30 blocks approximately 97% of all UVB rays
◦ SPF 50 blocks 98% (an almost complete UVB block)
3. Reapplication of sunscreen is KEY. Apply 15 minutes before heading outdoors and then reapply at least once every 2 hours. Make sure to always reapply after swimming.
4. Stay out of the sun during peak UVA and UVB hours (10am to 4pm). Wear protective clothing (hats, long sleeves and sunglasses). and remember that even on overcast days you are exposed to UV exposure.
5. Chemical sunscreens are absorbers. They filter/absorb UV rays. Through a chemical reaction, they convert UV rays into heat, then release that heat from the skin. We recommend using physical (mineral) sunscreens, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide which are reflectors that act as physical blockers. The minerals form a protective barrier on the skin and reflect harmful UV rays before they make contact with the skin’s surface.
These are our favourite sun protection products for the face and body from Coola, Josh Rosebrook, Eminence Organics, Ilia, Living Libations, and Laurel:
COOLA Daydream Mineral Primer
This SPF Primer is a weightless, multi-tasking cream for radiant-looking skin all day long. The lightweight formula offers mineral broad spectrum SPF 30 (non-nano Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide) and is water resistant for 40 minutes.
While nourishing the skin, it offers a photo-reflective appearance to blur fine lines, even out skin tone and minimize pores to create a smooth finish. Use alone or as a primer for a flawless makeup application. Vegan, and water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.
Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30 (regular or tinted)
We call this our serum, moisturizer + SPF30 in one. It is an antioxidant rich, lightweight moisturizer that offers a semi-matte finish. with no heavy white cast and is ideal for all skin types, including sensitive.
It contains non nano zinc oxide, shea butter, aloe vera, evening primrose, grape seed, chamomile, green tea and calendula. The Tinted Nutrient Day Cream SPF30 contains a colour adjusting formula to support the appearance of an even skin tone.
EMINENCE Lilikoi Light Defense Face Primer SPF23
This is an ultra lightweight illuminating primer rich in Vitamin C that illuminates the skin while offering SPF23 to protect the skin from harmful sun damage as well as blue light exposure from personal electronic devices.
It contains non nano and reef safe zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It can be used after your moisturizer and as a protective base before you apply your foundation or tinted moisturizer. Leaves the skin glowing and radiant!
EMINENCE Lilikoi Mineral Defense Moisturizer SPF33
Protect your skin from the sun with this lightweight, antioxidant rich SPF 33 mineral sunscreen moisturizer.
The easy-to-apply formulation shields your skin from the damaging effects of pollution and harmful sun rays. Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide offer mineral sun protection without leaving a white cast on the skin. The Lilikoi (Passion Fruit) Seed Oil contains Vitamin C and antioxidants to help support and strengthen the skin.
A translucent talc-free organic SPF 20 powder with a built-in brush. The blend of organic powders and healing oils nourish the skin and add luminosity while reducing shine and providing SPF20 protection.
Housed in a seamless Flow-Thru compartment that clicks to open and close, this handheld powder also offers a ‘buff’ setting for even more control, and a removable brush for easy cleaning. Apply the SPF powder over makeup, for touch-ups, or throughout the day while on-the-go.
EMINENCE Mineral Powder Sun Defense SFP30
This easy to apply brush applicator sunscreen offers your skin a weightless physical layer of micronized zinc oxide and titanium oxide SPF 30 sun protection. It is water resistant for 40 mins, anti-inflammatory and suitable for acne or rosacea skin. It's convenient for reapplying on the go and is available in 6 shades.
BONUS: Receive a complimentary carrying case with each sun defense purchase. ($10 value)
EMINENCE Rosehip + Lemongrass Lip Balm SPF15
Our lips need protection too! While we are diligent about protecting our skin from the harmful effects of the sun, we often forget to protect our lips.
This lip balm will keep your lips protected from harmful sun exposure while moisturizing and restoring dry lips. Rosehip oil, rich in Vitamin C + E soothes the lips while improving their moisture, tone and texture. Comfrey and yarrow, rich in Vitamin E heal while Zinc Oxide provides broad spectrum provides SPF15.
COOLA Rōsilliance SPF30 BB CREAM
A mineral broad spectrum SPF 30 skin perfecting tinted moisturizer that boosts a naturally luminescent glow while supporting healthy, radiant skin. It offers a lightweight, sheer tinted coverage to even out skin tone while smoothing, moisturizing and replenishing your skin's natural resilience. It contains 70%+ certified organic ingredients including titanium dioxide and is water resistant for 80 minutes. Vegan and reef safe.
Available in 2 shades: Light/Medium and Medium Dark.
LIVING LIBATIONS Everybody Loves the Sunshine with Zinc
This moisturizer combines four moisturizing oils along with fourteen super sun and skin-loving essential oils to strengthen and support the skin. The blend of jojoba, red raspberry seed + seabuckthorn oil contain natural sun protection properties which along with 20% non-nano particle uncoated zinc oxide offers mineral sun protection for the skin.
Apply and reapply every two hours to the face and body.
LAUREL Sun Serum and LAUREL Day Balm
While it is important to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, it is equally important to support, strengthen and nourish your skin to reduce inflammation, which causes secondary related symptoms, including pigmentation and loss of elasticity.
Although Laurel Sun Serum and Day Balm are not SPF products, they contain red raspberry, jojoba, carrot seed, and cranberry seed oils that help prevent sun damage from occurring and help repair UV damage.
Coola Sport Citrus Mimosa Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF30
Protect your body with this ultra nourishing SPF 30 mineral sunscreen featuring a natural, refreshing Citrus Mimosa scent.
It contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which offer broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Infused with organic beeswax and oils, it soothes and softens skin, balances moisture and reduces inflammation. Water and sweat resistant for 80 minutes.
EMINENCE Mineral Defense Sport Sunscreen SPF30
This lightweight, non-greasy and fast absorbing sunscreen provides up to 40 minutes of water and sweat resistance for your face and body. It contains non-nano zinc oxide for natural sun protection against harmful UV rays, is reef-safe and doesn't leave a white cast on the skin. High in Vit C & E it helps protect the skin against environmental stress, brightens and evens skin tone. The raspberry seed oil helps to reduce inflammation.
This ultra sheer, non-greasy, quick-absorbing broad spectrum SPF30 spray is water and sweat-resistant for 80 minutes. It contains 70%+ certified organic ingredients as well as antioxidants and skin-nourishing ingredients.
The non-aerosol bottles utilize air-compression allowing a continuous spray-on application that is safe to use on and around the face.
Available in three tropical varieties: Citrus Mimosa, Tropical Coconut and Pina Colada.
COOLA Sunless Tan Dry Oil Mist
Enjoy a healthy sun-kissed tan without exposure to harmful UV rays. This 70%+ organic Sunless Tan Dry Oil Mist offers a buildable, natural-looking glow that lasts up to 3 days. It is lightweight, quick-drying, streak and transfer-free. It contains a sugar beet-derived DHA and is enriched with a blend of Argan Oil, Vitamin C, Hibiscus and Chamomile Extract. Vegan. Reef Safe/Reef Friendly.
The Mist DOES NOT contain sun protection so please apply sun protection when heading outdoors.
DO NOT FEAR THE SUN just be respectful of it. Our bodies need Vitamin D. The use of sunscreen and avoiding the sun can reduce our Vitamin D levels. Skin produces 90-95% of our Vitamin D when exposed to UVB rays, while the remaining 10% is from dietary sources. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and other health conditions.