Summer is here! As all good Floridians know, it is important to protect your skin from the sun’s brutal rays. But do you know what is in your sunscreen? Here are some tips when it comes to considering sunscreens:
Mineral or Chemical?
Mineral sunscreens typically include ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients help to naturally protect your skin by acting as a barrier from both UVA and UVB rays. While these sunscreens are not only best for sensitive skin, little ones, and our oceans, they sadly are not always the consumer go-to. Most broad-spectrum sunscreens found in the U.S. include the chemical oxybenzone. Chemicals, like oxybenzone, can be absorbed through the skin, leading to skin irritation, and hormonal disruption. Additionally, oxybenzone has been linked to bleaching and poisoning coral reefs.
SPF?
SPF = sunburn radiation dose with sunscreen / sunburn radiation dose without sunscreen
SPF stands for sun protection factor. The SPF of a sunscreen tells you how long the sun’s UV radiation would take to burn your skin when using that sunscreen versus the amount of time without the use of any sunscreen. Regardless of the SPF, it is important to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and to reapply it every two hours.
Why use Sensible Bee’s Mineral Sunscreen?
Our sunscreen is natural and safe for sensitive skin, children, and our oceans! It is made from ingredients shown to protect and moisturize skin: Almond Oil, Coconut Oil, Zinic Oxide, Shea Butter, Carrot Seed Oil, and Red Raspberry Seed Oil.
Zinc Oxide is used as a skin protectant and works as a sunscreen by reflecting and scattering UV radiation. Our sunscreen is approximately a SPF 20 and should be reapplied after swimming and in accordance with standard practice.
No sunscreen protects you completely.
While there are many things to consider when purchasing sunscreen, the most important thing is to remember that no sunscreen protects you completely! Avoid overexposure to the sun when outdoors and wear protective clothing and a hat when in direct sunlight.
Bee Sensible!