How to Naturally Protect Your Skin From the Sun

Posted by Health Hut on June 05, 2023

Take a natural approach to sun care this summer and protect your skin with effective, worry-free sunscreens.

Soak up the sun's rays with face-friendly and body-ready mineral sunscreens that will keep you having fun from sunup through sundown.

To help you transition into summer and safely get that sun-kissed glow, we've crafted a list of bestselling, sun-friendly sunscreens to safely care for, protect and nourish your summer skin.

Here's everything you need to know when choosing a natural mineral sunscreen, including what SPF to look for, what mineral content means and how to best take care of sunburnt skin.

WHAT IS SPF?

SPF, or Sun Protecting Factor, is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects the skin against the sun's harmful UVB rays - the radiation rays that cause sunburn and skin damage. While the sun has two kinds of UV rays, UVB and UVA, SPF only applies to UVB rays.

It's important to note that an SPF measure is not linear, so a higher SPF level doesn't significantly increase protection. For example, an SPF 30 sunscreen will protect the skin from 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 protects the skin from 98% of UVB rays. Anything above SPF 50 is really negligible as no sunscreen can protect the skin 100%.

To get to most from your sunscreen, it is recommended to apply your sunscreen every couple of hours, an SPF above 30 may give you a bit more time between applications.

Now, what about those UVA rays? To get the fullest protection against both UVB and UVA rays, look for products that offer broad spectrum protection as well as SPF. This is important, as UVA rays cause premature signs of aging, like wrinkles and sunspots.

All sunscreen brands at Health Hut - Coola, Living Libations, Salt & Stone and La Spa - offer broad spectrum protection.

WHAT ARE MINERAL SUNSCREENS?

Mineral sunscreens otherwise known as barrier or physical sunblocks are the main type of natural sunblocks. These have zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as their active ingredients. Like a mirror, mineral sunscreen sits on top of the skin and reflects UVA and UVB rays away from the skin, protecting it from UV light penetration.

Zinc oxide is effective at protecting from both UVA and UVB, while titanium dioxide less effective against long UVA rays. Salt & Stone, La Spa and Living Libations use zinc oxide in their products, while Coola uses both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients.

MINERAL SUNSCREENS FOR DAILY PROTECTION

For daily sun protection on the face, use a moisturizing sunscreen that not only provides protection but also soaks the skin with the antioxidant rich ingredients the skin craves during and after sun exposure.

Here are some bestselling mineral sunscreens for daily use on the face:

Living Libations Everybody Loves the Sunshine with Zinc

Formulated with 20% non-nanoparticle, uncoated pharmaceutical grade zinc. Fun fact, uncoated zinc is known to improve the appearance of age spots and melasma, too. This is full of omega fatty acids 3, 6, 7 and 9 with loads of antioxidants. You can expect a little white-cast from this formula.

Salt & Stone Lightweight Sheer Daily Sunscreen SPF 40

This silk lotion goes on sheer and is a great option for a no-makeup look.

Coola Mineral Face SPF30 Matte Cucumber Lotion

This formula blends both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for broad spectrum protection and dries perfectly matte on the skin.

GLOW NATURALLY WITH TINTED MINERAL SUNSCREEN

Looking for the perfect sun-kissed glow while still protecting your skin? Here are some tinted options for a light-coverage no-makeup look.

Coola Rosilliance Mineral BB+ Cream Tinted Organic Sunscreen SPF 30

Easy-to-blend shades and non-greasy feel. A breeze to use on the daily and use as the foundation underneath a makeup routine. Rosilliance Mineral BB+ Cream comes in three natural shades: Bronze Goddess, Fresh Rose and Golden Hour.

Salt & Stone Tinted Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

If you're on-the-go, this tinted sunscreen stick is the perfect solution to staying protected. The tint in this stick helps to dilute the white cast commonly found in mineral sunscreens. Take it with you and easily reapply as needed.

Coola Mineral Face SPF 30 Matte Tint Natural BB Cream

This has an easy whipped texture and lightweight feel. If you like a gentle matte finish, this tinted sunscreen is for you.

FULL-BODY MINERAL SUNSCREEN PROTECTION

Need full-body protection for hanging at the cottage or backyard pool? Check out these HH bestsellers:

PROTECT YOUR LIPS

Did you know that our lips are more sensitive to sun damage than the rest of our skin? The skin on our lips is much thinner, therefore more susceptible to UV damage and dehydration.

Keep your lips soft, protected and moisturized with these summer elixirs, balms and glosses:

Salt and Stone Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30

This soothing lip balm contains non-nano zinc oxide, offering broad-spectrum protection for the most sun sensitive lips. This is HH's number one recommendation for keeping your lips protected.

Amalusta Truth Balm

Packed with shea butter, mango butter, papaya and pomegranate extracts this mega hydrating balm protects skin against free-radical damage.

RÓEN Lip Elixers

These tinted oil balms are filled with powerful antioxidants that keep your lips nourished with the added bonus of a sweet and soft tint!

19/99 High Shine Gloss

Looking for mega shine + hydration? This glowing gloss doubles as a cheek and eye highlight. Trust us, you'll want use it everywhere!

NATURAL AFTER-SUN CARE

We love spending our summer days under the sun, but after a good dose of vitamin D, you'll want to nourish and rehydrate your skin.