We have officially hit the first long weekend of the summer! Yahoo!
As you know, we ALWAYS encourage sun safety and for the last few years, Freedom Medi-Spa has provided an extensive sunscreen report, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence for when you’re out buying sunscreen.
We are currently working on our 2022 list, but in the meantime, we wanted to remind you of the INGREDIENTS TO AVOID when stocking up on sunscreen.
Firstly, it’s important to wear a 30+ SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen on your face and body daily, and to reapply every 2 hours of sun exposure, or after swimming or excessive sweating.
We recommend purchasing sunscreens with mineral-based ingredients ie. Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide or Mexoryl. Look for a minimum of 5% of each mineral-based ingredient. This will help the sunscreen to keep stable for a longer period. Some with lower percentages will degrade quickly - you'll need to reapply sooner than 2 hours.
Here’s the thing: we know it’s sometimes difficult to avoid all chemicals. That said, some chemicals are more dangerous than others and some are known carcinogens.
That’s why it’s imperative to READ THE LABELS.
Here’s the quick and dirty:
On the good list – Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide or Mexoryl
On the mild-risk list – Avobenzone and Octisalate
On the moderate-risk list – Homosalate and Octocrylene
And on the PUT IT BACK ON THE SHELF list – OXYBENZONE and OCTINOXATE.
When shopping, if you discover your fave sunscreen has ingredients on the mild or moderate risk lists, look at the percentage of that particular ingredient – the lower, the better – and try and stay less than 10%.
Protection from the sun still outweighs the risk in many cases, but it is a good idea to compare the bottles and find ones with the least possible risk.
Shopping for kids? Be mindful because sometimes, the kids’ sunscreens have MORE chemical concentration than the adult ones.
Of course, at Freedom, we carry AlumierMD Sheer Hydration and Clear Shield which are 40SPF mineral-based sunscreen and safe for everyone, including babies 6 mos and up.
