The importance of SPF, no matter the season! 🌞

Summer may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to protect your skin from the sun! With autumn and winter fast approaching, people are less likely to apply SPF, however the sun’s rays can still be damaging and harmful, so it’s just as important to take extra precautions when it comes to the health and safety of your skin. I want to start this post by saying that the very best way to keep your skin safe from the sun is to limit your exposure. I always recommend wearing hats, scarves, and staying out of direct sunlight. That being said, some time in the direct rays is inevitable and actually can improve your overall health. Studies show that 40% of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D and the best way to get your recommended dose? You guessed it, sunshine. Vitamin D has many health benefits including: strengthening bone and teeth health, supporting your immune system, promoting brain health, lung function, and cardiovascular health. (That’s a lot of benefits!) So, how do you safely get the right amount of Vitamin D you need without overexposing your skin? SPF, every day, no matter the season! 

So let’s talk a little bit about sunscreen. There are so many options out there and it can be overwhelming to understand which ingredients to look for, which to avoid and which products are safe for you and the planet.  Studies have shown that the active ingredients found in the majority of sunscreens are absorbed into the bloodstream after topical application. This is concerning because there is no conclusive research about the long term effects of these chemicals on our health. I encourage you to read more in depth on this topic here. Suffice it to say that it’s in your best interest to use natural sunscreen with ingredients that won’t be absorbed into your bloodstream, are safe for the ocean and still protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. 

The good news is that we formulated our Luminous Moisturizer to be the perfect solution for your sunscreen needs. This lightweight  moisturizer can be used on your face and body and doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients. It contains non-nanoparticle Zinc, one of the only 2 ingredients approved by the FDA to be SPF certified. So what does non-nanoparticle actually mean? The important distinction here is that non-nanoparticle zinc is larger on a cellular level and therefore won’t be absorbed into your bloodstream. Some natural sunscreens use nano-particalized zinc to avoid the white color of the mineral that we associate with zinc sunscreen. The problem here is that making the particles so small allows them to easily pass through the skin and into your bloodstream.

We have taken the time and painstaking effort to fold zinc into each layer of our Luminous Moisturizer formula so you can enjoy the benefits of safe sun protection without looking like a ghost or a mime. This way you can enjoy your fun in the sun without having to worry about damaging your skin. So grab your sunnies and head outside- just remember to throw your sun protection in your bag before you go!

I hope you found this enlightening and am always around if you have any questions. Feel free to email me at emily@roundbarnapothecary.com with any questions!

Emily