Why You Should Switch to Mineral Sunscreen -

Let’s chat about sunscreen, mainly, why mineral sunscreen is a safer alternative to traditional chemical sunscreens. What are chemical sunscreens? … Think, most of the name brands you’re used to seeing and buying … Banana Boat, Coppertone, SunBum, Panama Jack and even Neutrogena. The EWG (Environmental Working Group, a consumer protection agency) shared this list of sunscreens ranked worst to best. The household names you’re used to buying top the worst end of the spectrum.

With that said, let’s dive into why you should consider ditching those chemical sunscreens and switching to mineral sunscreen!

Have you switched to a safer sunscreen?

Chemical sunscreen is finally being questioned for its safety and mineral sunscreen is being praised!

According to an ABC News report: “The FDA announced … that it has proposed a rule to declare mineral sunscreen ingredients as safe, specifically zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The agency said 12 other chemicals commonly used in sunscreens need more research to determine if they can be officially listed as safe, including oxybenzone and octinoxate.” You can read the full article here.

Oxybenzone and octinoxate have been linked to disruptions in hormones in both females and males. See this article by EWG where they breakdown the studies on these two chemicals often found in our chemical sunscreens.

Be sure to check your sunscreens for the chemicals mentioned above if you haven’t made the switch just yet!

Here’s an easy breakdown of chemical sunscreen vs. mineral sunscreen …

Chemical Sunscreen

Chemical Sunscreens are technically sun filters. The vast majority of sunscreens on the market contain chemical sunscreen ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone or octocrylene. They’re called sun filters because they absorb the sun’s UV energy and release it back into the air as heat. They are popular because they provide easy, transparent blendability into the skin (not super heavy or white). This article by CNN was a real eye-opener for me regarding chemical sunscreens and how fast the chemicals can be absorbed into your bloodstream. No thanks!

Mineral Sunscreen

Mineral Sunscreens (physical sunscreens) are composed of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are physical particles that sit on the surface of the skin and scatter or reflect sun’s rays away from the skin. Mineral sunscreen is not absorbed into the skin nor has it been seen to enter the bloodstream (like chemical sunscreens). Mineral sunscreens are great for people with sensitive skin.

My Favorite Mineral Sunscreens

I threw out all of my old sunscreens and have been solely using mineral sunscreens since (all currently 10% OFF!).

My favorites are the original Countersun Mineral Lotion, the Countersun Mineral Mist, and the Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Stick.

The lotion is available in travel size too! A great way to test out the sunscreen! —> Lotion Travel Size

If you’re looking for daily makeup and moisturizer with SPF, my favorites are listed below:

Beautycounter’s Dew Skin SPF 20 (I wear shade No. 3). It’s a great CC Cream that acts as a lightweight foundation with SPF. (Currently 10% OFF!)
Supergoop Matte Screen SPF 40. I love this tinted SPF. Also great for everyday use, especially under makeup.