how to REDUCE THE APPEARANCE OF age spots using all-natural sunscreen
Talking Points
- Why use all-natural sunscreen
- How to prepare skin for sunscreen
- How to reduce the white cast on skin
- How to apply your sunscreen properly
- Protect against more than just the sun
- Why we love All Good products
Why you should use all-natural sunscreen
Using all-natural sunscreen is not only beneficial for the health of your skin, but also for the health of the environment.
Natural sunscreens typically utilize mineral-based active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which work by creating a physical barrier on the skin to reflect and scatter harmful UV rays.
Unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb UV radiation and may potentially cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, natural sunscreens are less likely to cause skin sensitivities, making them suitable for individuals with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema or rosacea.
Natural sunscreens are often formulated with botanical extracts, antioxidants, and nourishing oils that provide additional skincare benefits. Ingredients such as green tea extract, vitamin E, and jojoba oil help to soothe, hydrate, and protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by sun exposure. By incorporating these natural ingredients into your sunscreen, you not only shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays but also nourish and replenish it, leaving it feeling soft, supple, and rejuvenated.
In addition to their benefits for skin health, all-natural sunscreens are also environmentally friendly. Mineral-based sunscreens are biodegradable and do not contain harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been found to contribute to coral bleaching and harm marine ecosystems. By choosing a natural sunscreen, you can enjoy your time in the sun guilt-free, knowing that you are protecting both your skin and the delicate balance of marine life in our oceans.
How to prepare your skin for sunscreen and avoid the common white cast on skin from natural sunscreen
Natural sunscreens can leave a white cast on the face because they contain white mineral filters, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, that sit on top of the skin. These minerals create a physical barrier that protects the skin from UV rays, but they can also make the skin look ashy or chalky.
Prep your skin before applying sunscreen by cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing.
Cleansing and exfoliating skin removes dry, dead skin cells, By cleansing your skin before applying sunscreen, you ensure that the sunscreen can penetrate deeply into the skin’s layers, forming a uniform barrier against the sun’s harmful rays.
By moisturizing your skin beforehand, you create a hydrated and supple canvas that allows the sunscreen to spread more easily and evenly, ensuring comprehensive protection across all areas of your skin.
The best way to apply your sunscreen
Follow these steps to ensure proper application of your natural sunscreen:
- Choose the Right Sunscreen: Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that is specifically formulated for the face. By choosing an all-natural sunscreen with mineral-based ingredients, you will avoid harmful chemicals, promoting healthy, radiant skin for years to come.
- Cleanse Your Skin: Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, and impurities. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel, leaving it slightly damp.
- Mist with Toner: Give your face a lightweight mist with your toner to reset your skin’s pH.
- Apply Serums: Typically serums are highly concentrated and contain active ingredients. Use 1-3 drops, depending on the directions, and press into the skin.
- Apply Moisturizer: If desired, apply a lightweight moisturizer suitable for your skin type. Allow the moisturizer to absorb fully before applying sunscreen.
- Dispense Sunscreen: Squeeze at least a teaspoon of sunscreen onto your fingertips. You may need to adjust the amount based on the size of your face and neck. You want to apply enough sunscreen to cover from your décolletage to your forehead, making sure to cover your entire face.
- Dot and Distribute: Gently dot the sunscreen onto different areas of your skin, including your forehead, cheeks, nose, chin, and neck. Avoid the delicate skin around your eyes unless the sunscreen is specifically labeled as safe for use in that area.
- Blend Thoroughly: Using your fingertips, gently massage the sunscreen into your skin using circular motions. Make sure to blend the sunscreen evenly and thoroughly, paying attention to areas that are often overlooked, such as the hairline, ears, and neck.
- Last Layer: Your sunscreen should be your last layer of skincare for maximum efficacy.
- Finish with Natural Mineral Makeup (Optional): Allow the sunscreen to fully absorb into your skin before applying makeup. Natural mineral makeup often contains ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which provide some level of sun protection. While not a substitute for dedicated sunscreen, mineral makeup can offer an additional layer of defense against UV radiation, especially for incidental sun exposure throughout the day. We LOVE Pure Anada! SHOP this makeup on our website!
Protect from more than just the sun
Sunlight is not the only thing your sunscreen will protect your from. Did you know that you can get UV damage from your digital screens such as your computer and your phone?
While digital screens primarily emit visible light, they may also emit low levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly UV-A rays. Although the levels of UV radiation emitted by digital screens are typically much lower than those from natural sunlight or artificial UV sources (e.g., tanning beds), prolonged exposure to these low levels of UV-A radiation could potentially contribute to cumulative UV damage over time, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
You also need to be aware of mirrored sunglasses as they reflect light, including UV radiation, which can bounce off surfaces and potentially reach areas of the face that are not directly covered by the sunglasses. This reflected UV radiation can contribute to cumulative sun exposure and increase the risk of sun damage to unprotected skin, including the cheeks, nose, and forehead.
Why we love all good products
Not all sunscreens are created equal. All Good offers plenty of options for natural sunscreen. Their products cover the basics (broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and water-resistant) but go the extra mile with a commitment to reef-friendly ingredients that are lightweight, non-greasy and actually hydrate and repair skin. All good, indeed. SHOP our selection of All Good Sunscreen.
