Serums, creams, face masks and more; solutions to turn back the hands of time have long saturated the world of beauty products. Enforcing their best marketing strategies to convince you to try their products, brands gain attention using two simple words: anti-aging. And the key to slowing down the appearance of spots, wrinkles and “crow’s feet” is not much more complicated: it’s as basic as a good sunscreen. We know the answer seems too easy to be true but consider this: sunlight exposure is responsible for 90% of visible changes to the skin(1) and, correspondingly, for the vast majority of melanoma cases in the world.(2) Pretty dark statistics for such a radiant star.
Where do you start? How will you know which products will guard your skin? Again, two simple words: zinc oxide. Before you set out on your quest to find the ideal protection, you should know why this ingredient makes the difference. Zinc oxide sunscreen benefits extend further than you know. Here are five reasons to adopt the change:
1. A sunscreen of natural origin
Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, zinc oxide is a mineral substance that has long been utilized by health product brands in all its forms – think diaper rash ointments, for example – and can also act as an effective sun filter. Unlike a chemical-based sunscreen, zinc oxide sunscreen does not penetrate the skin. Instead, it remains on the surface, creating a robust physical barrier to UV rays.
2. Safe for marine life
While chemical filters offer effective sunburn protection for the human species, the same cannot be said for other ecosystems. Unbeknownst to some, chemical sunscreens harm our aquatic inhabitants. When they dissolve in water, they release chemical compounds that damage several sea creatures, including magnificent coral reefs. We recommend avoiding these altogether.
If a brand is concerned about protecting the planet, one of these two mineral filters will appear on the label: titanium dioxide or zinc oxide – the latter being the ATTITUDE choice. And not just any, but non-nano zinc oxide, which is listed among the safest ingredients in the EWG Skin Deep® database. Entirely free of nanoparticles, non-nano zinc oxide never penetrates the skin and is gentle for our marine friends as well.
3. No sticky white residue
You’re saying that you didn’t plan for a thick, white coat to be a part of your beach ensemble? Of course, we get it. Fortunately, you can find zinc oxide sunscreen that doesn’t leave any residue. Effortlessly gliding over the skin, our plastic-free mineral sun sticks provide effective, yet discreet, protection. Vegan, hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested, our sun sticks are available in a variety of versions to meet the needs of everyone. What’s our latest must-have? The odorless tinted mineral sun stick that boosts the natural radiance of all skin tones.
4. Broad spectrum protection
What if your zinc oxide sunscreen doesn’t have a high SPF number? While important, it is not the most essential factor to consider. The SPF number is an indicator of protection against UVB rays, but it fails to quantify its effectiveness against UVA rays, which penetrate deep into the skin. Don’t be fooled by the SPF number either. Twice as high does not mean twice the protection. When used properly, SPF 30 sunscreen guards against 96.7% of UVB rays while SPF 70 blocks 98.5%.(3) Then what is the safest option? Search for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that defends against both UVA and UVB rays without causing your skin or the ocean to soak up the chemicals.
5. Suitable for everyone
Due to zinc oxide being a naturally sourced mineral, sunscreen with this ingredient is applicable to most skin types. When created in a light formula, it does not clog pores, irritate skin, or aggravate any pre-existing conditions. Additionally, our plastic-free sun care collection includes protector sticks that are enriched with oat extracts to soothe sensitive skin, one for the face and one for the body. Oh, and we didn’t forget about your munchkins – we have some for their delicate skin too! Enriched with oat extracts, they relieve dry skin while effectively protecting it from UVA and UVB rays.
Now that you know all of zinc oxide sunscreen benefits, you can find the product that best fits your needs and be a part of our solar revolution!
For more information, download our Ultimate Guide to Safer Sunscreens and discover everything you need to know on how to filter the sun, not the fun!
Sources:
- https://www.skincancer.org/blog/photoaging-what-you-need-to-know/
- https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/
- https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/