By: Lauren Levin, Embody Wellness Company Integrative Holistic Health Coach
As we get older, protecting our skin and face from the sun has become a top priority. So is choosing, clean nontoxic sunscreens free of chemicals like Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Homosalate, Avobenzone & Octocrylene. The main concern is that these ingredients get absorbed into your skin and can cause irritation and disrupt your body’s endocrine system.
At Embody we opt for mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, ingredients that @environmentalworkinggroup deems as the safest options. Our general tips for selecting a sunscreen are to choose a mineral sunscreen labeled with “non-nano particles” which means the risk of your body absorbing the ingredients is lower. Additionally, look for a broad spectrum UV coverage – one that protects against UVA and UVB rays – with an SPF of 30-50. And make sure to check labels to avoid harmful ingredients like parabens, propyl glycol, sulfates, fragrance, retinyl palmitate and sodium benzoate.
Embody approved favorite sunscreens safe for the whole family picks ☀️:
Favorite Sunscreens for Children
* Earth Mama Baby Mineral Sunscreen. This brand is clean and their sunscreen is no different. It is a little thick to rub in due to the high concentration of Zinc Oxide, but that’s hard to avoid with mineral sunscreens. They also have a face stick which is easier to rub on.
* Badger Baby Mineral Sunscreen. This is another clean, broad spectrum favorite. We opt for the fragrance-free version.
*Sunbiologic Kids Sunscreen Stick. This is a great face stick option that goes on less thick than the others. It is made with organic ingredients and tested for impurities so you can feel confident using it on your kids.
*Erbaviva baby Sunscreen SPF 30. This also goes on less thick than the first two options and includes essential oils and jojoba to make it hydrating.
Favorite Sunscreens for Adults
While we wind up using a lot of my kid’s sunscreens out of convenience, we also love the brand @Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen for Body SPF 30: This is 20% non-nano zinc oxide, which protects from both UVA and UBV rays & hydrates your skin. It is little thick and goes on white, but it’s moisturizing, not greasy & has a nice citrus scent. CT friends, check out Organachs Farm to Skin in Westport CT (and online!)–they carry the whole line.
Favorite Facial Tinted Moisturizers w/ Sunscreen
* @suntegrity 5-in-1 Natural Moisturizing Tinted Face Sunscreen and their “Impeccable Skin” Medium Coverage CC Cream: we use this when laying out or at the beach. It offers nontoxic sun protection and evens out the skin tone–plus has Vitamins C + E and Blue Light Protection. Win, Win. It may be too thick for some to use every day, but it comes in 5 shades so it’s a great option for everyone. For every day use, we enjoy @marieveronique tinted moisturizer w/ sunscreen , Saie slip tint which is super hydrating but has the least amount of coverage and Ilia tinted super serum with SPF 40 (this is Christine’s go-to along with Suntegrity–it produces a glowy look from the hyaluronic acids and other skin perfecting antioxidant-rich ingredients).
For more clean non-toxic beauty/living support, get in touch. We have experts on our team that can help you clean up you and your family’s toxic load with specific brand recommendations and education on the health benefits!
With Gratitude and Love,
Embody Team