Best Summer Sunscreens
No one should be without their sunscreen in summer. With so many options it can be difficult and confusing to know what to choose. Here is a brief run down of what to look for in a sun screen and some of my favorites, plus some tips to make your skin glow!
Zinc, a physical sunscreen, is the best form of sun protection. It is good for your skin, mineral, and very calming. Thanks to advances in technology, Zinc is made transparent as to not leave the skin white or too matte. SPF in the 30s is the best option and reapply through out the day as needed, if you are out doors. But if you plan to be indoors all day, with no sun exposure, then save your sunscreen for your sun filled afternoons, and instead apply a moisturizer that benefits your skin in other ways, with anti-aging ingredients, and antioxidants which also help to fight sun damage.
In order to produce high numbered sunscreens, you have to add chemicals, which can be irritating to sensitive skins and toxic to our skin and body. Research has linked some sunscreens ingredients with skin cancers due to the chemicals used to protect the skin from the sun. Even if you see that your sunscreen has Zinc, you need to check the other ingredients to make sure that they didn't include additional sources of UVB protection that may not be as good for you or that the overall list of ingredients that make up the formulation are not bad for your skin. In other words, make sure the ingredients are natural, even better that it is organic.
Titanium dioxide is another physical sunscreen that you'll usually find mixed in with zinc in many sunscreens. Its a better option than chemical sunscreens. Some research claims it is a safe choice and some research shows its not. I say just stick with Zinc based only sunscreens if your uncertain, as the list of chemicals with UVB protection is long and most have research with mix reviews. Keeping this article short, I won't go into details about chemical sunscreens. Again, Zinc, and an all Organic or at least natural based sunscreen ingredient list is really the safest and best way to go.
We know that a lower SPF UVB sun protector may not block enough UVB rays to protect you, therefore you may still tan or burn. SPF in the 30s has been deemed the safest and most effective, with re-applying, no mater what level of SPF you decide to use, or even if it is waterproof. It all comes down to formulation. I have tried SPF 20s and 30s that work better than an SPF 50. It varies with different products and what other ingredients they put in their products, as to how well it works and how safe it is. Again, the key is the right over all formulation of the product and it's ingredients, the SPF number, and re-applying often.
Eminence is one of the few skincare lines that truly is Organic. Handmade products, sourcing majority of all their ingredients, with clinical studies, and certifications to back their claims, and an excellent reputation within the industry. Since I'm not a scientist, but I have looked into many skincare lines, I like to play it safe and stick with a line where I've seen the results, and if nothing else, I at least know their products are all organic and safe to use. With that being said, I do choose to use their SPF products. They have quite a few impressive options for the picky consumer, like me.
Here are some of my favorite Sunscreens, mostly Eminence, and how I like to use them.
Rhonda Allison Day Time Defense SPF 30
It uses Zinc and has many natural ingredients, although its not organic. It is practically priced, and great for people who just want a zinc based, practical moisturizer to protect and hydrate the skin. Great to also use at the beach or when out doors a lot. Popular choice for men.
Eminence Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 25
Vanilla latte for light skins and Coco latte for darker skins- I've tried many tinted moisturizers, This, hands down is the best! But its very light. I like to put a moisturizer underneath and then apply it on top. This will also help to create a more dewy complexion for drier skins. Even though it is sheer it really leaves your skin tone even, doesn't clog your pores, and your skin will look flawless. Its great for workdays, when your sun exposure is limited and your mostly indoors but still need some sun protection, tinted moisturizer that will replace your foundation, and lightly, hydrate your skin all in one.
Eminence Mineral Defense SPF 32
This mineral powder comes in a wand for easy travel and application. Why I love it is because you can sweep it all over your face and eyes, spritz a toner on top, it becomes water proof! Who says you can't look good while working out! Great for runners or anyone who sweats. It stays on and doesn't run in your eyes. It also is tinted, leaving the skin nice. It is also great at hiding any redness on the skin. If you have a moisturizer you love, but it doesn't have sun protection, this Mineral powder is great to have on hand to use for sun protection or just as a makeup powder.
Tip: if you open the powder wand and mix some of the powder with Biodynamic Facial Oil, your skin will look flawless and have an amazing glow!
Eminence moisturizers with SPF 32
Tropical Vanilla Sun is great for drier skins, smells good, hydrates and protects. They also have for the body.
Red Currant SPF moisturizer is great for combination skins. Rich in vitamin c, its anti-aging, hydrating.
Persimmon and Cantaloupe SPF moisturizer for oilier skins. Very light feel, wont break you out.
*With so many options that work, you can see why I just mainly stick to Eminence.
Australia's Blue Lizard Sun Screen
Comes in various formulations and SPF. They use mainly zinc and titanium dioxide for sun protection. This product is great for the consumer who just wants a good, protecting, sunscreen, and not so worried weather it has some chemicals or not, they just want it to work. It does work, but its not all Organic or all natural. Its a practical sunscreen if your going to be out doors a lot and want something you can put on your face and body with out the big price tag. Not my choice as a daily moisturizer with SPF, keep it for the beach and great out door adventures, where sun protection is all your looking for.
