Organic sunblock
Avoiding the sun altogether is one form of sunblock. The very best next choice is to use organic sunblock. This is actually a bit more practical, especially when there is so much goodness to be obtained from the sun's rays. There are so many sunblocks out there that contain toxic synthetic chemicals that are responsible for many different ailments, from allergic reactions to the more serious complications like cancer!
Although most of us automatically assume that sunblocks shouldn't contain unhealthy synthetic or chemical sun filters, the reality is that many do. If you choose a pure mineral sunscreen to protect your skin, like zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide, you are off to a good start. Beyond this, many organic sunblocks will contain botanical or organic plant ingredients, which will nurture the skin at the same time as protecting the skin.
How to look for an effective organic sunblock:
Every sunscreen out there should have all the ingredients listed, as this is required by law in most countries today. If you can read the label that is! So, know these common toxic sunblock ingredients and avoid them:
- Benzophenones
- Oxybenzones
- Avobenzones
- Octinoxates
- Octocrylenes
- Salicylates
- Homosalates
- Cinnamates
- Choose a sunblock without chemical preservatives like the very commonly used parabens
- Avoid artificial fragrance or colouring. If you are going to go organic, look for 100% natural plant or flower-based fragrances and colouring in the sunblock
- Look for sun blocks using zinc oxide. Although not technically organic, it is 100% natural and has been used in the market for a long time for healing purposes, especially on babies for nappy rash, so has a great safety record. This choice will also ensure good protection from both UVA and UVB rays
Once you've selected your organic sunblock, remember to apply it frequently. Just because it's organic and natural, doesn't mean you can use it less.
One of the great advantages of sunblock that is truly natural and organic is its ability to provide the skin with not just protection, but ingredients that strengthen the skin. Many who choose organic products for their skin also do so because it tends to be gentler and less likely to cause a bad skin reaction or rash.
Botanicals and Antioxidants
Some organic sunblocks use plant-based ingredients, such as green tea extract. Mostly, these plant extracts offer excellent antioxidant properties that bolster our own natural systems to guard against free radical damage.
Use of botanical extracts allows us to harness nature's own amazing power to protect, restore and repair our skin. Products that make use of actual plant constituents, preserve the unrefined and natural characteristics. Modern scientific analysis of these plant constituents reveal an extraordinary source of antioxidants, vitamins, enzymes and proteins. Many also have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-septic properties.
The other advantage of using products directly from the plant source is their greater bio-availability as well as their compatibility with living cells. This is in direct contrast to the synthetic chemicals introduced through patented cosmetic formulas that are usually registered by our bodies as being toxic to our system.
With all of this in mind, organic sunblocks not only tend to be safer and less toxic to our bodies, they are less toxic to the environment too.
Ultimately you need to ask yourself the question -
"Why feed your skin products that you would not consider eating?"
