Time and time again we hear how imperative it is to use sunscreen — a.k.a the chalky white stuff that takes a time and a half to rub into the skin. We know. We know the pain of having to rub that sucker in. We can relate but it's all for good reason. Makeup artist Celina Rodriguez gives UNDO the lowdown on SPF specifics. Because your skin will thank you.
Sun Protection times two. Who knew?
There's two type of sun protectants: Physical Sunscreen and Chemical Sunscreen. Sunscreen is not all the same. So it's safe to say that we all need to be a bit more aware of what type of sun protection factors (SPF's) we're using. Why bother to know the difference?
Dermatologists have found that most people are actually reacting to the sunscreen rather than the sun. Sunscreen products that are heavy in Oxybenzone and Octinoxate typically cause the ‘sun-sensitivity' we believe we're feeling as a result of the sun. Though these chemicals act as a shield to protect from UVA and UBA rays, our skin runs the risk of experiencing irritation when instead, it should be protected.
So what's the solution? Which are the products that will actually protect you from the sun but won't cause any irritations?
Pick your (natural) potion and let it shield you.
Some natural remedies you can use as a sun protectant are: Vitamin E, Mulberry leaf extract, Vitamin A, and Zinc Oxide. Let natural sunscreen (physical sunscreen) become your skin's new staple. Let your consumption reflect the same in your beauty and skin care — that is to be natural, organic, or raw.
Zinc Oxide will truly be your best all-natural protectant. Though it can be a bit chalky and leave white residue on the areas applied, it's one of the most powerful natural sun protectants. Just be sure to exfoliate after using it to remove any residue that may be on the skin or left in your pores.
Some chemicals and ingredients you should avoid include: Amino Benzoic acid, Salicylates, Cinnamates, and Benzophenones. Though it may be hard to hunt down a sun protectant that doesn't have these chemicals, do try.
Let's put it to rest — Sunscreen Protection in Beauty products is a myth.
And if you're feeling like your beauty products are protecting you from the sun's rays because it's advertised to do so — think again.
Sunscreen in beauty products don't actually work. The protectant is diluted with so much pigment and additive ingredients from the moisturizer or colour that very rarely do you benefit from the 15-30 SPF that's packed into those products. Unless your product is solely a sunscreen product, you shouldn't substitute a beauty product in place of an actual SPF treatment.
Celina's go-to SPF essentials
"Some of my favorite Natural sunscreen brands are: Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50, COOLA SPF Spray, Alba Botanica, and even Bare Minerals. These natural sun protectants come in several different forms= cream, spray, and powder, and must be applied thoroughly throughout the day (every 2-4 hours)."
