The Best Sunscreen is Good AND Eco-Friendly!
In this article:
- When it’s NOT good to wear sunscreen
- Top 5 Easy Ways of Avoiding Sunburn – without Sunscreen
- Best Sunscreen – my recommendations for the best products
When (and Why) it’s NOT always good to wear sunscreen
We’re all obsessed with covering ourselves with sunblock or sunscreen these days. That’s good – kind of.
But it has caused another problem – Vitamin D deficiency.
A 2009 study showed that 75 percent of Americans had too little vitamin D. Yes, 75 percent!
If we get too little sun, we don’t have enough vitamin D. And that, astonishingly, places us at risk for malignant melanomas – more so than outdoor workers, according to recent research.
Office workers have a higher risk of malignant melanomas than outdoor workers – crazy, isn’t it?
Vitamin D offers vital protection against many cancers. We get it from a balanced diet and from sunshine.
But many people work long hours in offices, commute in closed-in transport, and spend evenings indoors too. Kids also spend less time outside now, preferring to spend time in front of a computer or TV.
And when we do go out into the sun, we cover ourselves in sunblock!
Get Vitamin D Safely
Now don’t get me wrong. I’m NOT advocating that you run outside and get sunburnt!
But we do need sunshine in our lives.
As long as you don’t burn, sunshine helps prevent ill-health, and it makes us feel good too!
If you’re in normal health, you should try to get more vitamin D, which means spending a little time in the sun, without sunblock, and without getting burned.
Should we use sunscreen?
Yes. But in my opinion, it should NOT be your first line of defence against sun damage.
Why? Because sunscreens – even “natural” sunscreens – can be harmful to our health.
(Remember also that many facial moisturisers also contain sunscreen).
Use sunscreen, yes, but not as your only defence against the sun. Do these things first, then slop on the block.
Top 5 Best Ways to Avoid Sunburn (Without Sunblock)
The very best sunscreen is a hat and a shirt. Yes, it’s true!
Start Gradually – there is some evidence to suggest that if you live in a winter climate which gets little sun, a gradual re-introduction to sunlight and warmth is beneficial – a few minutes or so a day without sunsblock may benefit you when it is time for a summer holiday with lots of sun.
Wear Clothes – Shirts, hats, shorts and pants shield your skin from the sun’s UV rays. A long-sleeved surf shirt is a good start. A wide-brimmed hat is a great idea. Loose-fitting but densely-weaved garments are ideal.
Remember Sunglasses – they protect your eyes from UV radiation, a cause of cataracts.
Be Shady – picnic under a tree, read beneath an umbrella, take a canopy to the beach. Keep infants in the shade – they lack tanning pigments (melanin) to protect their skin.
Don’t be a Mad Dog! – As per Noel Coward, only “mad dogs and Englishmen” go out in the midday sun. UV radiation peaks at midday, when the sun is directly overhead. Sun-tan in the early morning or late afternoon.
Use these tips as your first defence. Then, consider sunscreen for when you will spend a longer time in the sun.
What’s the Difference?
You can find out the difference between sunscreen and sunblock. Sunblock vs Sunsceen.
Best Sunscreen – My Recommendations:
I’ve done tons of research into finding the best sunscreen. Here are my recommendations:
Best General Sunscreen
I recommend Badger SPF 35 Clear Zinc Sport Sunscreen Cream – Unscented.
It rates a very safe 1 on the EWG Skin Deep rating system.
It’s reef-friendly and climate pledge friendly. There is no fragrance, no GMOs and no parabens.
It’s a safe, broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers water and sweat resistance for at least 80 minutes. It’s also suitable for sensitive skin.
Best Sunscreen for Kids and for Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, or you need a good sunscreen for babies and young children, I recommend this: Badger SPF 40 Baby Sunscreen Cream
It scores a very safe 1 on the EWG Skin Deep rating which is great!
It contains zinc oxide, and is tested hypoallergenic, gluten free, and good for sensitive skin.
It is reef-friendly, cruelty-free, and manufactured using clean solar power.
It is GMO-free, used mostly organic ingredients and has antioxidants too.
Tips for Sunscreen Use
Remember these quick tips:
- Choose lotions instead of sprays or powders. Why? Sprays and powders put sunscreen in the air, meaning you can breathe it into you – not all ingredients are tested for ingestion.
- Ensure your chosen sunscreen protects you from UVA and UVB rays.
- Apply sunscreen properly – most people apply too little, and don’t re-apply often enough. Always re-apply after you sweat, swim or towel.
- Look for eco-friendly products – for example, those with fewer harmful chemicals, recycled and recyclable packaging, and bio-degradable ingredients.
- If you feel yourself starting to burn, go indoors – you have stayed out too long already!
There’s really useful information here – share it with your friends and family – buttons on the right. Thank you!
Warm and sunny regards from
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