As people flock to the beaches and enjoy extra time in the sun, it’s important to take precautionary measures that will keep you healthy long-term. You’ll be able to enjoy the warm summer weather while protecting your skin.

Many of us roll our eyes when we hear the statement “wear sunscreen!”, since it reminds us of our mothers caring for us during our younger more-rebellious years. But all jokes aside there’s science to back up this claim.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) launches a campaign on Skin Cancer Awareness Month each May where experts share the science behind sun damage . “Research suggests that daily use of sunscreen could decrease the incidence of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer,” says board-certified dermatologist Henry W. Lim, MD, FAAD, chair emeritus of the department of dermatology at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI. “However, it’s important to use sunscreen in conjunction with seeking shade and wearing protective clothing—including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses—to protect you from sunburn, skin cancer and early skin aging, such as wrinkles and age spots.” [1]

The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) also estimates that 80-90% of the yearly diagnosed cases of Skin cancer have to do with exposure to ultraviolet rays. [2]

So now we’re sold on the idea of wearing sunscreen, among all the other suggestions. But how do we make the right choice? There are so many products out there it can be very confusing! For starters, the AAD recommends to should look out for certain indicatives like:

• Broad-spectrum: which means it protects from both kinds of carcinogenic ultraviolet rays (UVA & UVB).
• SPF 30 or higher: numbers are an indication of how much protection they provide. Dermatologists suggest not going below 30 which is able to block 97% of the burning rays. If you choose a higher number you’ll be a tad more protected. But bear in mind there’s no such thing as 100% protection.
• Water resistant: Especially when we lounge poolside for an extended period of time it’s important to take note of how long it can be water resistant. Whether 40 or 80 mins, it’s key to reapply as there’s exposure to water and/or sweat.

Also, there are two kinds of sunscreens:

• Chemical sunscreens: they act as a sponge that absorbs the rays of the sun. Usually contains one or more of the following ingredients: avobenzone, ensulizole, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene or oxybenzone.
• Physical sunscreens: they act as a shield and are also called mineral sunscreens. Active ingredients include titanium dioxide and /or zinc oxide. Since they sit on the external part of the skin, they are recommended for people with sensitive skin.

The most glaring safety concerns when it comes to sunscreen are adverse skin reactions, especially when using chemical sunscreens. Some people can feel their skin tingling or burning on contact, or afterwards a dermatitis can develop. This can deride into clogged pores and facial acne. [3] That is why in more recent years there’s been a development of natural sunscreen alternatives, like physical or mineral sunscreens.

A good example is Babo Botanicals Unscented Mineral Sunscreen which is especially formulated for sensitive skin. It gives you mineral sun protection (zinc dioxide) for your face and body with broad spectrum SPF 30. It's packed with plant-based ingredients that won’t give you breakouts like sunflower oil, shea butter, calendula and chamomile. It’s Fragrance Free, Dermatologist tested, cruelty-free and vegan. Stay safe this summer while caring for the environment! They're also EWG verified, which means that it meets the Environmental Working Group’s strict standards for health and safety while avoiding concerning ingredients. Check out all of Babo Botanicals' products. 

It turns out mother's knew what they’re talking about when they warned us to wear sunscreen! And now we have the option of a wide variety of innovative brands and options which are helpful even for those with the most sensitive of skins.

For all the sunscreen options we offer click here.

Image by https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/summer-letter...Consulted on 07/10/23 

[1] Consulted on 07/10/23 https://www.aad.org/news/sunscreen-is-a-vital-too...

[2] Consulted on 07/10/23 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7759...

[3] Consulted on 07/10/23 https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/prevent-summer...