Yes, wearing SPF daily is one of the best things you can do for your skin. If you've yet to add sunscreen to your skincare routine, this is for you.
We invite you to take a natural approach to sun care this summer and protect your skin with effective, worry-free mineral sunscreens.
Feel fine soaking up the sun's rays with face-friendly and body-ready broad-spectrum sunscreens that will keep you having fun from sunup through sundown.
Welcome to the first edition of HH's Summer Guide — a sizzling series dedicated to summer skin musts. In this edition, find all you need to know about natural mineral sunscreen.
SPF + BROAD-SPECTRUM.
There are two things to look for on every bottle of sunscreen, and if you want to keep it au natural, three.
The first is SPF, this is sun protecting factor. SPF measures how well a sunscreen protects the skin against UVB rays — these are the harmful rays that cause the skin to burn. When choosing SPF Health Canada recommends SPF 30 or higher.
The second thing to look for is broad- spectrum protection as it protects from both UVB and UVA rays. This is important as UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply and may lead to premature aging like wrinkles and sun spots and could potentially harm to your skin and health.
All sunscreens at Health Hut—Suntegrity, COOLA and Salt & Stone—offer broad-spectrum protection with a minimum SPF 30.
Want to keep it natural? Make sure it's mineral.
WHAT IS MINERAL SUNSCREEN?
Mineral sunscreens are physical UV filters that act like mirrors, scattering and reflecting UV radiation. A mineral sunscreen sits on top of the skin in contrast to a chemical sunscreen that absorbs into the skin.
Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as their active ingredients and are classified by Health Canada as natural.
Zinc oxide effectively protects against both UVA and UVB rays and is the active ingredient in Suntegrity, Salt & Stone and COOLA.
While titanium dioxide also protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays it is less effective against long UVA rays. COOLA's Rōsilliance sunscreen use titanium dioxide as an active ingredient.
IS MINERAL SUNSCREEN REEF SAFE?
The protection of the environment is a core value and Health Hut, that's why all sunscreens at Health Hut use non-nano size zinc-oxide. At this size, zinc oxide particles won't penetrate the skin and have been shown to be the safest for marine life and coral reef.
HOW OFTEN TO APPLY AND HOW TO REMOVE?
Health Canada recommends applying sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure and applying every two hours.
As mineral sunscreen sits on top of the skin, it's easiest to remove with an oil based cleanser.
MINERAL SUNSCREENS FOR DAILY PROTECTION
For daily sun protection on the face, we recommend using a moisturizing sunscreen that provides sun protection and gives the skin antioxidant-rich ingredients the skin craves during and after sun exposure.
Suntegrity Moisturizing Mineral Face Sunscreen & Primer
This rich, non-greasy mineral sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection. It can be used as a face moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup primer. Hyaluronic acid, astaxanthin, red algae, organic aloe vera, cucumber, and green tea help rejuvenate, moisturize, and hydrate the skin.
Salt & Stone Lightweight Sheer Daily Sunscreen SPF 40
This silkly lotion goes on sheer and is an excellent option for a no-makeup look.
COOLA Mineral Face SPF 30 Matte Cucumber Lotion
This formula blends titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection and dries perfectly matte on the skin.
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.
Suntegrity 5-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer
This formula is available in four shades and is recommended for sensitive skin. It is a multi-tasking mineral-tinted sunscreen/beauty benefit (BB) cream that renews, hydrates, protects, primes and covers the skin. Expect a dewy, light finish.
COOLA Rosilliance Mineral BB Tinted Organic Sunscreen SPF 30
Easy-to-blend shades and a non-greasy feel make Rosilliance Mineral BB Cream a breeze to use daily or as the foundation underneath a makeup routine. It comes in three natural shades: Bronze Goddess, Fresh Rose, and Golden Hour.
COOLA Mineral Face SPF 30 Matte Tint Natural BB Cream
This tinted sunscreen has an easy-whipped texture and a lightweight feel with a matte finish.
FULL-BODY MINERAL SUNSCREEN PROTECTION
Protect arms, legs, neck and ears with natural mineral based SPF. Both of these Salt & Stone formulas are water and sweat-resistant. They are non-greasy, reef-safe and sink into the skin effortlessly with no white residue. Hyaluronic acid and ashwagandha soothe and moisturize the skin while non-Nano zinc oxide blocks UVA + UVB rays.
PROTECT YOUR LIPS
Did you know lips are more sensitive to sun damage and dehydration because the skin is more thin around the mouth? Make sure to tuck this HH bestseller in every pocket, purse and pool-side bag this summer.
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.
SHOP MINERAL SPF FOR FACE + BODY
RESOURCES:
Health Canada: Sunscreens
Canadian Dermatology Association: Sunscreen FAQ
Save the Reef: Reef Safe Sunscreen Guide