Natural Mineral Sunscreen Guide-Summer 2011

Sunscreen season is upon us. And that means the annual dilemma of figuring out which sunscreen is healthiest, safest, provides the most protection, and is one that we will acutally like using.

We now know that mineral sunscreen provides the best protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Natural minerals zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are also healthier for us and our environment than the chemical alternative.

But they can be greasy and leave that crazy white film on skin that gets all over your bathing suit, clothes…pretty much anything you or your kids get near. I remember my first summer using mineral sunscreen. My car had a weird, oily, chalky-looking smear down the side that was very hard to remove. I could not figure out where it came from until I saw my little kids climbing into the back seat, all white and greasy from their dousing of pre-pool zinc, that I realized it was our sunscreen. Side note: Mineral sunscreen provides instant protection and does not need to be applied ½ hour before going in the sun like the chemical stuff.

The realiztion that your sun protection is getting everywhere, coupled with the pool-side geisha look, can leave you reaching for the Coppertone. I admit, I do it too. But mineral sunscreen has come a long way baby. Natural cosmetics manufacturers are creating effective mineral sunscreens minus the greasy, white glow.

Let me fill you in on the ones I like the best for face, body, and the whole family. All products listed are mineral sunscreens and contain no harmful chemical ingredients. None contain nano-particle minerals, and both facial sunscreens contain natural anti-aging ingredients.

Best for Face

Whether you are spending the day at the beach or simply looking for everyday protection, a facial sunscreen must “act” differently than a sunscreen for body. The ideal facial sunscreen protects the facial skin from sun damage and can double as your facial moisturizer.

Though this one is not new, Lavera Anti-aging Facial Sunscreen SPF15 UVA is still one of my favorites. It is lightly moisturizing, soaks right into skin, and is not at all sticky or greasy. This one is slightly perceptible on the skin, but offers a sheer luminosity rather than a strange white-ness. Lavera has reformulated to meet European standards for UVA protection. I also love their Lip Balm with SPF 15 on summer days outside. Save 25% on Lavera Sunscreens right now with coupon code SUNSCREEN25.

Ok, this one is new and I am very excited about it. All new brand True Natural Cosmetics makes a fabulous Daily Moisturizer SPF 20. So new, in fact, that their products are not officially for sale until May 15th (don’t worry, I will remind you when the time comes!), but I had the opportunity to try them out. This daily moisturizer goes on very sheer and light, and feels slightly sticky on application. But, it soaks in very quickly and leaves skin super soft and smooth. And, the best part, absolutely no chalky feel or white film. At all. Amazing! This products is also certified by the USDA to contain 100% biobased ingredients, which means all of its ingredients come from renewable sources. I will share more on this new line in a couple of weeks.

Best for Body

True Natural Cosmetics also makes a ...

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