Whether you care about your own health or the well-being of the planet as a whole, the best natural sunscreens are safe for your skin and the planet. These mineral sunscreens are free of certain chemicals and safe for sensitive skin. They’re worth wearing on your next beach or hike.
But that doesn’t mean chemical sunscreens are necessarily bad: Both the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the Skin Cancer Foundation agree that the benefits of chemical sunscreens “far outweigh the potential harms,” says
Joel Shirley, M.D., board member of Joel Schlesinger, M.D., an expert in dermatology and cosmetic surgery.
“However, many natural sunscreens work without chemicals and provide excellent sun protection and coverage,” he continues. People with a history of sunscreen allergies or with conditions like rosacea and eczema should stick with natural sunscreens, which may be less harmful to the skin than chemical sunscreens.
Natural SPFs are also often referred to as reef-safe sunscreens because they don’t contain potentially toxic ingredients such as oxybenzone, a chemical that blocks UV rays that can damage marine life.
Still, the term “natural” is a little hard to define, since it’s not regulated by the FDA, so you’ll need to read labels to make sure you’re avoiding chemical filters or potential skin irritants.
Still, shopping for the right sunscreen can be difficult. That’s why we’ve done the work for you, including researching the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) ratings for sunscreens. Sunscreens are rated on a scale of 1 to 10,
where 1 is the safest and highest rating approved by the EEC.
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen. Named one of the best sunscreens of 2023, Blue Lizard’s formula is perfect for sensitive skin. “My patients with the most sensitive skin tolerate it well,” says Lauren Ploch, MD, board-certified dermatologist and AAD member.
“Plus, the bottle turns blue when exposed to UV rays, so it’s a great reminder to reapply the product.” This sunscreen contains no chemicals, parabens, or fragrances. Aveeno Active Mineral Sunscreen. “This sunscreen is free of chemical blockers and uses mineral technology to protect the skin,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Suitable for both face and body.
It also contains oat extract, an ingredient that is particularly soothing to irritated skin.
EltaMD Physical UV Sunscreen. This oil-free sunscreen combines zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and is fragrance- and paraben-free (great for sensitive skin). It’s also water-resistant for 40 minutes, so you can swim in it. “This provides great pigment and matte coverage for the face,” says Dr. Julia Tzu, founder and medical director of Wall Street Dermatology in New York City. “You can mix it with a clear sunscreen to match your skin tone.”
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Face Lotion This fragrance-free, hypoallergenic face sunscreen received the highest rating from the Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab. Testers raved about its “silky” texture, with some comparing it to a makeup primer, making this zinc-based formula a great choice for an everyday face sunscreen. “The untinted product left no visible marks,” says one Amazon reviewer. “It spreads easily and dries to an almost powdery finish.
Regular sunscreens can feel greasy after being on your face for a while, but this one doesn’t.” Thinksport Mineral Sunscreen This organic, chemical-free sunscreen is formulated with aloe vera, jojoba oil, and hyaluronic acid to leave skin feeling hydrated, smooth, and soft. It also contains vitamin C, a powerful anti-aging antioxidant, to further protect against sun damage. The waterproof formula lasts up to 80 minutes and absorbs quickly, so you don’t have to worry about feeling greasy when you’re relaxing by the water.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
