Monday, June 16, 2014

Sunscreen's, part 1: let's get physical

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Ok, so I've got a lot of information on sunscreens (because it is that time of year, after all) but I'll be honest: I've been really hesitant about posting it because it's a lot of information. So I'll just forewarn you now that I've got three different posts about this topic, so hang in there with me- I think it's worth it :)

Did you know there are two types of sunscreen, physical or chemical? When someone asks me to recommend a good sunscreen I typically ask them which type of sunscreen they prefer and they look at my like I just asked them directions to the moon.

Sunscreen companies and the Skin Cancer Foundation are great at educating the general public on the necessity for sunscreen because of how harmful the suns rays are. But the type of sunscreen you use is the difference between you loving and hating sunscreen. If applying sunscreen is a chore, than maybe you haven't found the right kind.

When you look at a sunscreen label it will always tell you what the Active Ingredient is, and the Active Ingredient determines whether the sunscreen is a physical or a chemical one. I summed up some of the info from skinacea so that you could see the differences between the two types of sunscreen.:



And here's an example of what to look for on sunscreen packaging. Just like for acne products, sunscreens also list the active ingredient. 

So, now that you know the differences between the two, here are some great physical sunscreens for your face and body:

Physical Sunscreens for the FACE:
Peter Thomas Roth // CeraVe // Clarins // Josie Maran // Juice Beauty

Physical Sunscreens for the BODY:
Dr. Dennis Gross // JASON // The Honest Co. // Sunology // Badger
Physical sunscreens have come a long way. They used to be super thick and chalky, but with the current technology, they've been able to micronize the minerals so they're not leaving you with a ghostly pallor. I think only physical sunscreens should be used on babies, since no one wants chemicals absorbing into that sweet, soft baby skin. I also love that the instant you apply a physical sunscreen, it's working right away. Although chemical sunscreens have their advantages too...

Check back tomorrow for my recommendations on chemical sunscreens, and then on Wednesday will be my recommendations for some combined products.

8 comments:

  1. What great information! Is there a good sunscreen for the scalp? My part can get too much sun if I'm not wearing a hat. Is there a spray or powder that would give a protection without leaving my hair looking greasy?

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    1. Thank you Tracy! Yes, a spray would be easy, but it'll leave your hair a bit greasy. Your best option is the Peter Thomas Roth mineral powder sunscreen- it'll absorb oil while protecting your scalp (it's the first option in yellow).

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  2. Thank you for sharing valuable information. Nice post. I enjoyed reading this post. The whole blog is very nice found some good stuff and good information here Thanks..Also visit my page. baby products Babychic Pram Liners and Infant Head Support-100% cotton. This helps reduce the risk of eczema and skin irritations.

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    1. I'm glad you're finding this information helpful!

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  3. This is super helpful info!! Really need to know it. More people should know it. There's a great website that rates the toxicity of sunscreen & all personal care products: www.ewg.org. I refer to it before I buy sunscreen & other personal care products because products are not regulated by the FDA at all! I have read that there is actually sunscreen out there with really awful ingredients that can cause cancer, how ridiculous is that?!
    Anyway, awesome info., thanks so much!
    KK

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    1. Thanks K.K. and thanks for sharing that site- you're right, some products do more damage than good, so you can never be too safe!

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  4. Very informative - thanks for the posts.

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    1. Thank you Aubrey, I'm glad that it's of some use!

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