Why Choose a Natural Sunscreen?

 

UV Radiation and the Skin 

There are two types of UV filters: natural mineral sunscreen filters and the synthetic variant. Let's first explain what UV radiation does to your skin. It's delightful to soak up the first rays of sun, but what exactly does all that sun power do to your skin? There are two types of UV radiation that can damage the skin and potentially cause skin cancer: UVA and UVB radiation. About 5% of UV radiation is UVB, which causes your skin to burn faster and increases the risk of skin cancer. However, it also has positive effects, as your skin can produce vitamin D from it, which is very important for our health. UVB radiation cannot penetrate glass. The remaining 95% of UV radiation is UVA, which penetrates deeply into the skin and can damage it even after you've been out of the sun for a while. It can accelerate skin ageing and cause skin cancer. UVA radiation can also damage your skin through clouds and glass. So even if you work in an office, it's important to protect your skin well. 

What Exactly Does Sunscreen Do? 

Sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from excessive UVA and UVB radiation from the sun. Creams with synthetic filters have the ability to penetrate your skin, where they absorb UV radiation and protect the skin from sun damage. This is also why you need to apply synthetic sunscreens well before sunbathing; it gives the filters time to penetrate the skin.

The skin consists of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis).  

The epidermis is mainly composed of keratinocytes, which can be seen as a wall of bricks with sebum acting as the cement. The sebaceous glands ensure that there is an oily layer around the keratinocytes, making it difficult for water and other substances to penetrate. Despite this protection, the epidermis still allows substances to pass through to a limited extent, which can reach the capillaries in the dermis. Through the blood, the substance enters the body, where it can have a positive or negative effect. So, what should you use? We recommend a natural sunscreen. Natural filters are made from minerals such as zinc and titanium dioxide. Mineral filters do not penetrate your skin but form a layer on it. This layer reflects the sun's rays before they can negatively affect the skin. You apply natural sunscreen with mineral filters at the moment you start sunbathing, as they are not absorbed by your skin. 

Natural Mineral Sunscreen Filters Versus Synthetic Sunscreen Filters

Mineral sunscreen filters have the significant advantage of not penetrating your skin and providing immediate protection once you apply the cream. In the past, mineral filters left a white cast on the skin, which many people found bothersome, but thanks to nanotechnology, this is a thing of the past.  This technology reduces the size of the mineral molecules, making the cream more transparent and easier to apply. A downside of these nanoparticles is that they can also penetrate the skin, but this depends on their form, how they react to sunlight, and the extent to which your body can break them down. Nanoparticles based on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can be used as long as they are coated. Zinc oxide is preferred over titanium dioxide because the latter can sometimes cause allergic reactions, which may be mistakenly attributed to sun allergy. For the connoisseurs among us: Nanoparticles that can hardly penetrate the skin include Tinosorb M (Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol) and Tinosorb A2B (Tris Biphenyl Triazine). The range of natural sunscreens continues to grow and offers an excellent alternative to 'regular' sunscreens with synthetic filters. Choose a broad-spectrum natural sunscreen, which protects the skin against both UVA and UVB radiation. 
 
Synthetic sunscreens contain various filters that can penetrate the skin. Which substances should you avoid in sunscreen?

The INCI list, which stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients, provides a clear overview of the internationally standardised names for all substances used in cosmetics. We have created a list for you with INCI names of the burdensome sun filters. You won't find these substances on the label of your healthy sunscreen.

Check the INCI List  

 

Sunscreen Without Toxins and the Environment

So far, we've discussed the impact of sunscreen on your body, but what about the environment? By choosing a natural sunscreen without toxins, you help not only your health but also the environment. You can imagine that the tons of sunscreen that end up in the sea each year do not positively contribute to the flora and fauna of our oceans. Research shows that synthetic UV filters like oxybenzone disrupt the ecosystem, contributing to coral reef death. Before going on holiday to an exotic location, check which sunscreen is allowed. Some countries, such as Hawaii and Thailand, have banned the use of sunscreens with these synthetic UV filters to protect the coral reef.  

What to Use Instead of Sunscreen? 

But what if you don't like applying sunscreen, natural or not? If you find it sticky or sweaty, or worse, if it literally makes you itch? Don't worry, you can still soak up your daily dose of life energy from the sun.  
These tips provide a super healthy foundation for everyone, with or without sunscreen, here they come: 

• Take a 20-minute walk around noon when the sun is high to get your daily dose of vitamin D. 
• Seek shade and only go into full sun after 4:00 PM. 
• Wearing a sun hat or cap is a great way to protect your face from the sun.

Good to Know

Natural sunscreen (without toxins) is the smartest choice for protection against harmful UV radiation. Synthetic sunscreen can contain unpleasant ingredients that you would prefer not to have on your skin, while natural variants form a protective layer without penetrating the skin. This is not only good for you but also for the environment. So choose wisely and enjoy the sun without worries! 
 

TIP: Apply your natural sunscreen generously and reapply regularly, especially after swimming, sweating, or towel drying. Even if the sunscreen is water-resistant, it's important to reapply it regularly for maximum protection.