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With the Victoria Day weekend coming up, I know most of us are hoping to spend some time outside, which is a good idea because being outside in nature has so many health benefits.
One thing that isn’t among those benefits, though, is a sunburn. Not only are they painful, but they can also increase your risk of skin cancer. As someone who has had skin cancer once already, I’m pretty adamant about the need cover up (hats, long sleeves, sunglasses, etc.), but both the impending summer heat and upcoming summer fashions mean that there will be times when skin will be exposed to the summer sun. Luckily, we’ve got sunscreen to keep us covered when our clothing doesn’t.
I’ve already talked about the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens on the blog, as well as what I look for in a sunscreen. Personally, I tend to be a fan of mineral sunscreens because 1) they tend to have more natural ingredients and 2) they act as physical sunscreens, so you don’t have to wait between application and sun exposure before you’ll get maximum effectiveness.
That said, there are a lot of mineral sunscreens out there, and some of them are cleaner – and nicer to use – than others. And “what sunscreen should I buy?” is probably the most frequently asked question I get every year as the weather warms up.
So without further ado, here are some of my favourites.
Best for Sport (or a Day at the Beach): COOLA Sport Mineral SPF 35 Citrus Mimosa. (Note: There is a cream and a spray product with very similar names. The one I'm recommending is the cream.) This is my go-to sunscreen for an active day outside. It’s thick, but still goes on smooth, and it’s pretty darned water-resistant, thanks to the beeswax. It even holds up pretty well when I go for a run. (But you still need to reapply after swimming or sweating, no matter how good your sunscreen is!) Also, over 70% of its inactive ingredients are certified organic and it smells pretty darned good too.
Best for Face: Cyberderm Simply Zinc Sun Whip.You wouldn’t use body lotion as a face cream, right. Well, the same goes for sunscreen. The delicate skin on your face deserves a sunscreen that is specifically designed for it. Mineral-based sunscreens can have a slight whitening effect, which is another reason why it’s often worth it to invest in a separate face sunscreen, since formulas designed for the face tend to be lighter, and have almost no whitening effects. Joy actually recommended this one to me. It’s practically invisible and goes on silky smooth. Prefer something with a bit of a tint? Check out Consonant’s Perfect Sunscreen.
Best for Budget: Green Beaver SPF 40 Adult Body Lotion. Mineral sunscreens with certified organic inactive ingredients can be pricey, but this Green Beaver one is cheap enough to use every day without breaking the bank.
Best Lip Balm: Hurraw! Sun Protection Balm SPF 15. Yes, your lips can get sunburned, so you’ll want to protect them with a sunscreen that’s clean enough to eat, because you’ll probably end up eating at least a little bit of if by accident. It can be tough finding a lip balm with zinc that doesn’t leave you looking like a corpse and that doesn’t taste like a chemical factory. This lip balm goes on almost clear and tastes like oranges, and its ingredients are all organic and either raw, cold-pressed and/or wildcrafted.
Did I miss your favourite sunscreen? Let me know in the comments if you think there are any other sunscreens that should be on my list!
Thanks so much for this helpful guide! I was wondering if you can also share your recommendations for the best natural and clean bug repellents. Especially ones that are safe for kids. Thanks!!!
ReplyHi Aleisha, I have to admit, I don't really use bug repellent. (They just don't seem to like me as much as other people.) My husband as had good luck with B12 supplements. I'll ask around and get back to you. Kate - Joyous Health Team
Thanks for these tips. Do you have any recommendations for kids?
ReplyHi Jennifer, Coola makes a baby formulation that I like so much I often use it myself. Kate - Joyous Health Team
Arbonne has a new sunscreen out that I am loving! It is a mineral based sunscreen and it is so light weight and mess free when applying! http://www.arbonne.com/Pws/homeoffice/store/AMUS/product/Arbonne-Mineral-Sunscreen-Broad-Spectrum-SPF-30-For-Body-8919,7723,255.aspx
ReplyHi! First, I love this site, a definite go-to for great health and wellness tips. :) Swiss formulated and California, USA-produced company Arbonne just released mineral sunscreen aptly named Liquid Sunshine. It is an entire line, including SPF 30 for body, one for face, an SPF 15 lip balm and mineral sunless (and streakless) tanner!! It provides UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection from the sun’s harmful rays in a non-whitening, moisturizing lotion. Allergy- and dermatologist-tested, certified vegan and gluten free! You can't get better than that. :) Check us out at www.arbonne.com THANKS!
ReplyI question how "clean" Arbonne products are. I think they have a great marketing team rather than great products...just sayin'
Hi Kate where do you find the cyberderm facial sunscreen? Can it only be bought online or in health stores as well?
ReplyHi Melissa, I found it at the Toronto location of the Detox Market. Kate
Great tips! Each summer i try a different brand. But you made the search easier ! Thank you so much
ReplyI also like to try different ones. Each time I run out, I pick up something new. The ones in the article are some of my favourites so far. Kate - Joyous Health Team
Hi Kate, The post came at the right time. Where can I buy these products esp. the Coola, Cyberderm and the LipBalm? Thanks,
ReplyHi Vaishali, You'll want to check each company's website. They should have store locator sections where you can check and see if their products are available in your area. Some of the sites will even let you order their products online.
Paula's Choice has some great mineral sunscreens for the face, with added antioxidants and no fragrance. And they're not quite as expensive as the Cyberderm sunscreen. www.paulaschoice.com
ReplyI would like to add that a rich diet in carotene can boost up the skin protection products against the bad UV.
ReplyThank you so much for your advices, it’s really helpful, and I was sorry to hear about your cancer. In fact I’m planning to spend a week in a little village near the beach in Morocco, where the heat can reach 38 degrees, what can you type of sunscreen would you recommend ? Again you have my thanks.
ReplyHi Lorraine, You'll probably want to look at sports-type sunscreens like the Coola one mentioned in this post. They often have ingredients that make them a little more sweat-resistant in hot weather (although you'll still need to reapply regularly). Kate - Joyous Health Team
What would you recommend for children?
ReplyHi Kate, My friend swears by applying coconut oil as sunscreen. Now we know that coconut oil is popular for applying to the skin as a moisturizer or in the hair as a conditioner. Mind you, my friend is not the beach-type, but she does spend considerable time in her backyard in the summertime and while she hasn't gotten sunburned, her tan comes out very dark. It begs the question...doesn't rubbing coconut oil on my skin make me a roasted chicken of sorts baking in the sun? I may come out smelling delicious, but does coconut oil suffice as sunscreen? What are your thoughts?
ReplyWatsthe easy way to buy a medicine an put
ReplyHey David! Do you mind just clarifying your question? I'm not quite sure I understand but would be happy to help :) Rachel - Joyous Health Team
Hi We would like to know what is best sunscreen for kids/toddler?
ReplyI really love Green Beaver Kids, it's a Canadian brand. Badger Balm is another clean brand of sunscreen. Coola is an awesome breand well. Hope that gives you some options!