With over 1 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed every year, there’s no debating the importance of protecting yourself from the harmful rays of UVA and UVB radiation. Since the advent of Coppertone in 1960′s, the global sunscreen market has grown into a $2 billion industry. In the last 50 years, modern science has come a long way in helping us better understand how to better protect our skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. With so much competition in the market however, companies have come to increasingly rely on new marketing approaches to carve out their share of the pie. Despite this, the basic criteria still fits the selection process: Does it apply well and absorb quickly? Is it non-greasy and water resistant? Is it priced right and does it work well? In the past few years, we have increasingly seen the arrival of “Natural based sunscreens”–are they effective and should they be considered a good alternative?
Most sunscreens that provide broad spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays include compounds Avobenzone and Oxybenzone. These compounds are generally recognized as safe and have proven to be extremely effective, working in a chemical bond to both shield and absorb ultraviolet rays on the outermost layer of the epidermis.
“Natural” sunscreens use a combination of emolients (like lanolin, beeswax, etc.), oils (macadamia, hemp seed oils, etc.) and extracts (green tea, aloe vera, etc.) that work together as a physical barrier to preserve the skin. These natural sunscreens are effective as a guard, but many experts observe that consumers generally don’t put on enough to provide the sort of protection they need (which is measured about 1 oz.). One important note is that natural sunscreens usually require advanced application time to effectively rub in and bind with the skin. All this in mind, you can feel good that your skin is receiving all-natural constituents from the earth instead of synthesized, chemically-altered ingredients from a lab.
In spite of these attributes, “natural” sunscreen has become increasingly accepted by associations like the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Our team has reviewed several “all-natural” based sunscreens and found a few that were both effective and affordable:
1. Nature’s Gate Mineral Sportblock (broad spectrum-SPF 40) $9.35
*highlights: affordable price, non-greasy that provided great SPF
2. All-Terrain Aquasport Sunblock (broad spectrum-SPF 30+) $10.32
*highlights: creamy texture and nice application, good SPF, affordable price
3. True Natural Cosmetics All-Natural Sunscreen (broad spectrum-SPF 40) $17.99
*highlights: This seemed to be the favorite amongst our team. Great texture/application, superb absorption, great SPF, A bit pricey, but when compared to the price of basal cell carcinoma?!)
.jpg)