Most of us have a love hate relationship with sunscreen. We know we need it, but it's just so greasy, and so thick and white. Ugh. Plus it's controversy on how good it actually is for you. Packed with chemicals, sunscreens can actually cause cancers, allergic reactions and a hormone build up. But what's the alternative? To go beetroot red? Or to spend long summer days stuck in the shade?
What most people don't realise is there's actually different types of sunscreens out there. Here's the good, the bad and the ugly of sunscreen.
Chemical sunscreens are what most of us grew up lathering all over our bodies. These are all the house hold brands you knew, and loved - maybe no more. They boast a wealth of harmful chemicals, but worse they work by absorbing UV rays, which actually allows UVA rays to penetrate into your skin. Slowly people are realising this, and with demand a new type of sunscreen is perpetrating the market.
Cue mineral sunscreen. Using natural minerals such as zinc, these sunscreens are far superior as they block both UVA and UVB rays. In contrast to chemical sunscreens, these sit as a protective layer on top of your skin. This creates a barrier that reflects UV rays rather than absorbing them.
But not all mineral sunscreens are created equally. Some chemical sunscreens claim mineral contents, but they are still their standard formula with minerals simply added in. Mineral sunscreens should be formulated with minerals as the key sun protection from the outset.
Check the EWG Skin Deep database. You'll be surprised at how bad some of the household brands of sunscreen really are.
When choosing a sunscreen check not only that it's mineral based, but also its ingredients. Ideally they should be organic, natural, and free of parabens, synthetic perfumes and preservatives. Those are the nasties your body doesn't want to absorb. Also animals tend to have their own means of sun protection, so they probably don't appreciate having a sun screen tested on them first.
We've had a look around the Dam, and came across a locally produced natural sunscreen called SMPL. They not only advocate all natural products they also care about sustainability and the environment. They're big on transparency so they skip the scientific jargon and explain what each ingredient actually is. We appreciate this.
At only €30 a pop this SPF 30 sunscreen boasts goodies that'll hydrate your skin like cacao butter, mango butter and aloe vera. As a mineral sunscreen it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Light with a neutral smell it's a sure winner this summer.
We had a chat with the owners, and they kindly agreed to give our customers an exclusive discount for a limited time - on their sunscreen. For your 15% discount this summer, simply enter this discount code in at the checkout.
TCPJSUMMER