If there’s only one product you invest in for your skin this spring, make it a good quality mineral sunscreen, according to Probeauty.
The sun’s harmful rays are the number one cause of our skin’s ageing, (even more so than smoking or ageing itself), and these UVA and UVB rays can still reach our skin even through clouds and windows. Add to this the fact that New Zealand has the highest rate of skin cancer, and that’s more than enough reason for us to apply daily.
The majority of the cheap sunscreens found in supermarkets use ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate and avobenzone to create a chemical reaction in the skin that absorbs rays, converting them to heat. However, studies have shown some of these chemicals are damaging coral reefs and could be toxic, and in addition they don’t always prevent UVA rays.
Physical (mineral) sunscreens usually use zinc oxide as the active ingredient (a healing mineral that’s been around for thousands of years to treat burns, rashes and infections) which works to physically deflect the sun’s rays like a shield. Mineral sunscreen is not toxic to coral reefs, and is great for sensitive skin and for children, as it won’t cause heat and irritation in the skin.
If you already love mineral sunscreen but don’t like the white “ghosting” look it can sometimes give, we love Suntegrity’s range of tinted sunscreens for the face and body, to give the skin a hint of colour and a boost of skin nourishment with natural ingredients such as aloe vera, jojoba oil and natural antioxidants. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your neck and your hands, these two areas of our skin are some of the first to show signs of ageing.