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Mineral Sunscreen – Why Use It, and The Best Ones for Nordic Life
Choosing sunscreen is a challenge – What strength do I need? Which type? Do I need a different one for each part of my body? It’s a jungle of protecting lotions out there, so i’m here to help. There are two kinds of sunscreens to choose from, chemical and mineral. Chemical sunscreen works by creating a chemical reaction and changing UV rays into heat, which is then released from your skin; whereas mineral (aka physical) sunscreens, stay on the surface of your skin as a protecting shield, working immediately by blocking and reflecting the UV light away from your body in a mirror-like manner. The reason to turn to mineral sunscreens is to minimise the chemical exposure, and lessen marine pollution – the chemicals in chemical sunscreen have been know to bleach coral reefs and cause gender shifts in fish.
The two minerals used in natural sunscreen are non-nano and nano sized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. There have been discussions about whether of not these minerals are safe to use, due to their ability to be absorbed in the bloodstream. Based on current scientific studies, the penetration of nano or larger particles is generally limited to the upper few layers of your skin, and so are considered as safe. Phew!
If you’re still concerned by the word ‘mineral’ or ‘natural’ sunscreen, thinking that it’ll cover your body with a thick white layer, relax, the formulations of todays natural sunscreens are fantastic, and some face sunscreens come with solar pigments to make sure your complexion doesn’t take on a white tint too. The bonus of using a mineral sunscreen is that it will give you a healthy glow due to the minerals» light reflecting function.
When choosing your sunscreen have a look at the ingredients list to make sure it’s a mineral sunscreen, and if you’re worried about the size of the particles, ‘nano’ is mentioned in the ingredients on products sold in Europe. To make the hunt for a good mineral sunscreen easier, I’ve gathered some of my favourite options for you to choose from!
Protect your face
Finnish brand Atopik develop natural products for sensitive skin, and their FI-Natura certified and vegan Tinted Sun Screen with SPF 30 is infused with colour pigments that provide a light tint to your skin, and comes in two shades, light and medium.
The Latvian organic skin care brand Madara’s Age Protecting Sunscreen in SPF 30 is a subtly tinted sunscreen, infused with antioxidants and northern dragonhead stem cells, providing your skin with protection against sun damage and urban pollution. The tint is barely noticeable, in a good way, as it makes sure your complexion isn’t tinted white by the sunscreen. The sunscreen is suitable for bothmen and women, and depending on your skin type, you can either apply it directly on your face or on top of your day cream.
One ting that many people do not think about if that the skin on our lips is thinner and more delicate than the rest of our face, so it needs extra sun protection. Swedish favourite Maria Åkerberg’s Outdoor Lip Care is a nourishing lip balm, infused with soothing and softening geranium oil and titanium dioxide. It is the perfect sun-protecting lip balm as it stays on longer than usual lipbalms, and prevents your lips from drying out from the sun, providing your lips with hydration and protection all-in-one.
Protect your body
Swedish natural cosmetics brand Suntribe (developed by surf teachers and nature lovers) have relaunched their biodegradable body and face sunscreens in new climate-neutral sugar cane packaging! Suntribe’s sunscreens comes with SPF 30 protection and come in options for adults and children, containing non-nano zinc oxide as their UV filter. In addition to zinc oxide, their sunscreens are enriched with only the components they need – three to nine new generation certified and COSMOS certified natural ingredients – so are a terrific option for ingredient-minimalists! Enriched with moisturising coconut oil and cacao butter, they have a divine scent, so go and get them!
Mossas’ Natural Sun mineral sunscreen comes to us from Latvia, and is a fantastic option for even the most sensitive skin, and is also safe to use on children. The ECOCERT/Cosmos certified moisturising, silky formula with sea buckthorn is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, is easy to apply, doesn’t leave a white finish, and comes with a summery berry scent and SPF 20. Perfect!
Dutch brand We Love the Planet are known for their deodorants, and have now added a sunscreen stick to their product range. The stick is solid, creamy and waterless, and spreads easily onto your skin. It’s a good option for travelling (less liquids in your carry-on), and since it’s waterless, it can also be used during the cold winter months on your cheeks without your skin freezing, to prevent from burning – yes, the risk of sunburn is high even during snow-rich winters, as snow reflects and intensifies UV rays. We Love the Planet’s sunscreen sticks come in SPF 20 and SPF 30, and use nano titanium dioxide and zinc dioxide as their UV shield.
after hours
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The best way of washing away sunscreen is by using oil. Loosen up the sunscreen with oil and swipe away with a cloth, or shower with an oil cleanser, if you prefer! Our go to product would be the multifunctional, scentless organic coconut oil from Kaurilan Sauna. Not only is their coconut oil great at removing from stubborn sunscreen, makeup and dirt, it is made to be used as a face and bodycream, hairmask, lubricate and massage oil. Talk about all-in-one!
Luonkos’ oil soap is highly efficient to lift off SPF residue, and is suitable for sensitive skin. The soap bars are also a terrific option to bring with you to your summer cottage (or travels, whenever we get to that point) where the access to water might be compromised. We’re excited about Luonkos’ Harmony Limited Edition soap, that contains relaxing lavender and ylang ylang essentials oils, and a hidden gem – thats right, in every soap lies an amethyst sourced from Lapland’s amethyst mine (where you can actually dig up your own gem).
One last VERY important point, make sure to hydrate your body after spending time in the sun, as it is VERY drying. For an after sun lotion we’re turning to Atopik, for their after sun body lotion that is based on organic oats and the nourishing qualities of natural blueberries. It comes in a light, cooling gel that feels wonderfully soothing after a day in the sun, and it is quickly absorb by your skin, leaves no residue, and is perfect for the whole family.
Now head over to our Instagram for a sunny giveaway with We Love The Planet! ☀️