We are increasingly hearing about physical filter sunscreens and how they are better for the health of our skin , especially in the case of children and people with sensitive skin.
In this post we want to explain to you why we recommend them and why the options we have at Alma Eko are, in addition to being healthy , respectful of the environment .
PHYSICAL FILTER OR CHEMICAL FILTER
We want to explain the difference between physical filter protectors (also called screen protectors) and chemical filter protectors , so that you can decide which option is best for you.
- Physical filter sun creams offer screen protection for our skin thanks to their mineral compounds . One of the components that allows this, and which is usually the most common, is zinc oxide . The skin does not absorb this type of cream, but rather creates a film that prevents the sun's rays from penetrating it.
- Chemical filter sunscreens do penetrate the skin and, when we expose ourselves to the sun, a chemical reaction occurs in the epidermis that makes UV rays harmless. Its components, many of them synthetic, 'force' our body to perform a function that, a priori, is not natural . This is why, in the most sensitive skin, irritations and allergies can occur . In addition, these creams usually contain parabens and silicones, elements considered by many experts as potential toxins and endocrine disruptors , so they are not the best option for our health.
OTHER DIFFERENCES
When the first physical filter creams came out, they were quite thick, difficult to spread and tended to leave whitish residue on the skin. Over time, manufacturers have achieved more fluid consistencies, which spread better and leave no residue . Later we will tell you about the options we have at Alma Eko and the differences in their consistency.
With physical filter creams, you don't have to wait for the skin to absorb it before you can expose yourself to the sun . They offer protection from the moment you apply them. They tend to be quite water-resistant, but you have to use a little common sense here. If you apply the cream in the morning and take a quick dip all day, you don't need to reapply it; but if you take long baths or several times a day, you should reapply it to avoid unnecessary risks.
HOW TO USE SUN PROTECTION
Protecting our skin is important, but so is metabolizing vitamin D, and the sun is a great ally for this . What does this mean? We should sunbathe, but with caution.
In summer, the use of sun protection is practically mandatory , whenever you leave the house during the day. The rest of the year , we generally spend less time outside, the rays do not hit us as directly and, in addition, we tend to be more protected by clothing. In this case, sun protection may not be as necessary . Although, due to a question of premature skin aging, you may prefer to use sunscreen on your face.
As we said, sunbathing will help us metabolize vitamin D better , which is essential for good health. It is essential for calcium absorption and, therefore, for healthy bones ; in addition to being a very important vitamin at the immune and neurological level .
So, exposing yourself to the sun for a few minutes a day is good for our health , and it also revitalizes us . And, if the conditions are right, we should do it without sun protection , because otherwise we will not benefit from the metabolization of vitamin D. No, we have not gone crazy. We are not saying that you should stop using sunscreen. We are saying that it is not necessary, for example, in winter, when you walk 10 minutes down the street to get to work or if you take a short walk at dusk.
If sun exposure is going to be prolonged and/or during the central hours of the day, then sunscreen is necessary. In summer, we must be especially careful because, even in short periods, we can easily get sunburned , depending on the time. That is why we say that, in summer, sunscreen is practically obligatory. We tend to expose ourselves more because we do more outdoor activities and wear less clothing. It is easier for us to get sunburned.
SUSTAINABLE AND HEALTHY OPTIONS
At Alma Eko we have 4 different sunscreen options, all of them with physical filters, and with environmentally friendly packaging .
In addition, they are made with natural and biodegradable ingredients . So they are not only good for your skin, but they also do not harm the ecosystems of rivers and oceans .
Let's see what options we can offer you:
Available in two formats: a reusable and recyclable metal can with SPF 50 and 30 (the higher the level of protection, the thicker it is); and a stick, in a recyclable cardboard container, a very convenient and unusual format, with SPF 50.
It has a more fluid consistency and is packaged in a metal bottle. Available in two varieties: regular and children's.
Facial protector, SPF 50, packaged in a can that adds a touch of color.
This is a fluid foundation that also has SPF 20. Available in 4 different shades.
We hope that with this post you have an even clearer idea of how to protect yourself from the sun and that, if you haven't already, you choose sunscreens made with natural ingredients, good for your health and respectful of the environment.
If you want to learn more about summer skin care, we recommend you read this other post on our blog and watch this live broadcast in which we talk about what your nighttime skin care routine should be like at this time of year.
