Natural and Effective SPF Protection

Sun worship without worry

Most things aren’t either all good or all bad, and that certainly can be said about the sun. Outdoor activities that involve sunshine are a healthy aspect of living we all need to thrive. Being outside is the best way to get our daily dose of vitamin D, but too much sun can easily turn into a bad thing.

Vitamin D is actually a hormone we produce when exposed to UVB sun rays. We rely on Vitamin D for many things, like bone strength and a healthy immune system. But without the right sunscreen with SPF (Sun Protection Factor), the skin is vulnerable and therefore likely to burn. And unfortunately, too many sunburns as a child can mean a greater possibility of having to deal with skin cancer as an adult.

SPF acts as a shield against harmful sun rays that cause premature aging like wrinkles, sun spots, rough skin, hyperpigmentation and worst case, melanoma, which is what happens when the pigment-producing cells become cancerous.

The SPF rating is indicated with numbers to determine how long it takes to absorb ultraviolet rays. For instance, wearing SPF 30 means it will take 30 times longer to get sunburn than if you don’t wear sunscreen. The higher the number, the longer the protection lasts. But wearing a much higher SPF sunscreen doesn’t mean you should risk longer exposure without reapplying the sunscreen. Also keep in mind that a cloudy day can be just as damaging as a bright sunny day, since UV rays can break through clouds and bounce off surfaces like water, snow and sand. Source: https://www.cancer.org/healthy/be-safe-in-sun/uv-protection.html

All sunscreens are not created equal

While no sunscreen offers complete protection, it’s better to wear some as opposed to none. But not all sunscreens on the market are created equal. Because both UVA and UVB rays can do damage, it’s best to wear SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen with “broad spectrum” protection. Don’t stop at the front of the label to determine which brand is best. It’s all about the ingredients.

‍Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen

Mineral sunscreens (known as reflectors) are said to be safer for sensitive skin and children, as opposed to chemical sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for the purpose of physically blocking UV rays.

Chemical sunscreens (known as absorbers) don’t block UV rays. Instead, they create a chemical reaction to protect you from burning after the damaging rays have already been absorbed. The ingredients that make this possible--like avobenzone and oxybenzone--are considered toxic to both people and the planet. Therefore, natural sunscreens containing minerals are your best bet.

Shopping for sunscreen

When it comes to taking care of the largest organ of the body, you owe it to yourself to use only the most natural products. Natural Body Spa & Shop carries the following products that handle your skin and the environment with care.

1. Éminence Bright Skin Moisturizer SPF 40  
A brightening daily moisturizer complete with Natural Hydroquinone Alternative and SPF 40 all mineral protection to target the appearance of dark spots and help prevent sunburn. For normal to combination skin types.

2. Éminence Red Current Moisturizer SPF 40
A mattifying daily moisturizer complete with Youth Shield Antioxidant Complex and SPF 40 all mineral protection to help prevent the signs of aging and sunburn. For normal to combination skin types.

3. Éminence Tropical Vanilla Moisturizer SPF 40
‍A tropical day cream formulated with vanilla, shea butter and SPF 40 all mineral protection to revitalize skin and help prevent sunburn. Suitable for all skin types.

Visit your Natural Body Spa & Shop location or visit your location online to shop Éminence sunscreens online.

Beware of the Blue Light

Blue light has been known to cause free radical damage, redness and inflammation, collagen, elastin deterioration and hyperpigmentation. We tend to go from the screen of the cell phone to the computer screen to the TV screen at varying intervals all day long, which is a sign of the times, and a difficult habit to break. But just like we block the sun rays, we can also stop blue light in its tracks.

Since most sunscreens offer no protection against blue light, look for products that contain iron oxide, as well as vitamin C and antioxidants. Not only do such ingredients act as a shield, they also have healing properties that repair damage created by other enemies of the skin.

Researchers have discovered that certain natural ingredients like cocoa seed extract blocks blue light, boosts collagen and elastin, and protects against free radicals. Source: https://eminenceorganics.com/us/blog/2019/03/05/blue-light-harmful-your-skin

To learn more about how to optimize your skincare routine, Natural Body’s team of certified estheticians would love to help guide you. To learn more about how to create a greener beauty routine, Natural Body’s team of certified estheticians and massage therapists would love to help guide you. Visit one of Natural Body Spa & Shop’s  locations in Georgia or Tennessee today.