Best Natural Sunscreen For The Face – Why You Should Avoid Chemical Filters!
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As the suns powerful UV rays account for 90% of skin aging it’s important for us to protect our skin every day as part of our skincare regime.
But if you’re in the know about sunscreens then you will probably be more than aware that so many of them are packed full of chemicals and who wants to be putting these on their skin every day?? I know I don’t.
So is there an alternative?
The good news is YES!! Natural mineral sunscreens provide a physical barrier from harmful UVA and UVB and don’t degrade anywhere near as quickly or as easily as the harmful chemicals used in chemical sunscreens.
But you probably want to know what is the best natural sunscreen for the face as your going to want to use it every day.
You don’t want to use anything that will have that chalky white appearance or greasy feel you often get with sunscreen yet still get a good all day protection.
Well stick around as I’ve found the creme da la creme just for you but first let me explain a little about why you might want to use a mineral based sunscreen over a chemical sunscreen.
Why Are Chemical Sunscreens So Bad?
The chemicals used in chemical sunscreens absorb into the body and can be found in urine samples, breast milk and blood samples.
Chemical sunscreens include octinoxate, avobenzone, oxybenzone, homosalate and octocrylene.
Octinoxate and oxybenzone are both endocrine disruptions, meaning that they negatively affect hormones.
Oxybenzone along with octocrylene, avobenzone and PABA are associated with allergic skin rashes.
Octinoxate and oxybenzone are also environmental contaminants since they have been found to contribute to coral bleaching when washed off in the ocean.
Chemical sunscreens penetrate into the skin and absorb most UV radiation, converting it to heat energy.
Chemical filters are changed by this process in that they break down, reducing their UV protection.
In addition, the change in chemical composition also releases free radicals.
Why Are Mineral Sunscreens Better Than Chemical Sunscreens?
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are natural minerals that sit on top of the skin and work by reflecting, scattering and absorbing UV rays.
They are also known as “physical barriers” which means that, contrary to their chemical counterparts, they don’t enter the skin.
Mineral sunscreens are broad-spectrum, protecting the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Chemical sunscreens offer an either/or scenario because they can’t adequately block both types of rays.
According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, those with sensitive skin should opt for “chemical-free” sunscreens to avoid skin irritation.
Mineral sunscreens contain no chemicals and, therefore, are ideally suited for all skin types including sensitive skin.
With mineral sunscreen’s broad-spectrum protection and chemical-free ingredients, you can practice safe sun with a solid peace of mind.
My Top Choices
The Best Natural Tinted Sunscreen For Acne Prone/Oily Skin
Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
This beautiful product offers broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB, it has a non comodogenic formula meaning it will not clog pores. This makes it suitable for anyone with oily or acne prone skin.
It also has a mattifying effect, unlike many sunscreens which leave you feeling greasy.
It reflects heat so is suitable for the most sensitive of skin types offering a cooling effect on the skin.
But my favorite thing about Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV defense is the versatile colour adapt tint which gives the skin a beautiful radiance.
This is just a complete winner!
The Best Natural Sunscreen With Antioxidant Protection
Replenix Sheer Physical Sunscreen Cream SPF50
This is also a broad spectrum SPF meaning it will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB, however sunscreens only protect your skin from 55% of free radials produced by the sun and other aggressors.
These free radicals also contribute to skin aging by destroying collagen.
Antioxidants neuralise free radicals making this one the perfect all in one daily defense from harmful UV and free radical damage from the sun.
The Best Natural Tinted Sunscreen With Antioxidant Protection
La-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Sunscreen Tinted
This one really does have it all!
It will protect your skin from UVA and UVB as well as being able to neutralised free radicals but it doesn’t stop there!
You can also expect a beautiful shine free glow with its universal blendable tint.
The Best Natural Tinted Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin
Babo Botanicals SPF30 Tinted Zinc Frangrance Free Sunscreen
This one is great! It’s packed full of antioxidants, it has a beautiful lightweight formula and a gorgeous tint to give your skin a luminous glow!
If you have really sensitive skin this is an excellent choice, it has anti aging hyaluronic acid to boost hydration whilst been gentle and soothing on the skin.
The Best Natural Sunscreen For Kids
Babo Botanicals SPF30 Clear Zinc Frangrance Free Sunscreen
This is perfect for the most delicate of skin types, even babies.
All natural broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ve found your perfect daily sunscreen in my list above, whilst we all want to slow down the aging process we should also remember the importance of protecting our skin against skin cancers.
UVA is present at the same strength all year round regardless of whether its a dull cloudy day or a hot summer day, it can even penetrate glass.
UVA has a longer wavelength so it penetrates the deeper layers of our skin which is why it is responsible for aging as it’s within these deeper layers where our collagen is made.
The deepest layer in our epidermis is the basal layer hence basal cell carcinoma, protect your skin from the sun every day as part of your skin care regime and prevent premature aging and skin cancer.
Hi Amy. I wasn’t aware of the potential side effects of chemical sunscreens particularly with the breast milk and hormonal impacts. You have highlighted some nice benefits in terms of going natural, particularly the clogged pores challenge. Coming from Australia there is a huge emphasis on skin care and sun protection but not so much on natural products.
A useful article though Amy so thanks for sharing.
Hi Jason, yes it’s great to have all the information I think, so you can make an inform choice when purchasing your sunscreens, especially for you as you say living in Australia wearing sunscreen is so important for skin health.
Thank you for your comment.
wow, I did not realize the regular sunscreen you buy is so damaging to our bodies and the environment. I heard that they may be bad for you but until I researched it I really didn’t take it that seriously. The Anthelios sounds really good, can this one be used on older kids around 8? I see there’s Babo for more sensitive skin however if I could get away using just one product it would make it more convenient. Thank you for this article it helped to clear up a few things about wearing sunscreen in general.
Hi Rick, yes definitely, if you’re wanting a good SPF for you and the kids the Babo would be good for you all, the Anthelious does offer higher SPF protection and would still be be fine for your 8 year old.
Amy,
I’m so glad you posted some natural sunscreens! As you know, next year I will be in some need of these! Especially the kids one. I’ve been looking for a natural sun screen for them for when we’re on our boat since they tend to burn whenever we’re on the water all day. We didn’t launch it this year at all, but that was because of COVID and the weirdness surrounding this year. Next year though, I told my hubby, I miss the boat and will be launching it next year.
I’ll have to put a star on this article so I can get some of these for next year. Or I suppose order them soon and I’ll have them for next year, duh.
Love this article and I’m glad you shared it!!
Thanks!
Katrina
Thats great Katrina, glad you found it helpful, hopefully we have a much better year next year!
Hi Amy,
Thanks for this article that shows us your natural sunscreen recommendations that could protect our skin & the environment. I got sensitive skin, so I also pay attention when I need to purchase sunscreen that will not cause any allergies. In your review, I have more options to try next time. One question here, do we need to use sunscreen every single day even when it’s cloudy?
Cheers,
Matt
Hi Matt, we do, UVA rays penetrate cloud so it’s still important to put your SPF on even if it’s a dull cloudy day. Thanks for your question.
Hi Amy, I have a light and dry skin, burning very easily on sun. For years, I have used pure shea butter and aloe juice in it’s natural form for sunscreening purposes which worked very well for me. There is a bit of fuss around it, however (needs to be kept in the fridge, it is not so easy to carry it around, etc.), so I’m grateful for this review as it might be an alternative. Would you say the Replenix Sheer Physical Sunscreen Cream SPF50 is suitable for dry skin?
Hi Kerryanne, yes this will be lovely for your dry skin, you can always apply a hyaluronic serum underneath for extra hydration if you feel you need it.