How To Apply A Natural SPF

Forgot to bring your goji berries in to snack on? No big deal, you can eat them later. Forgot to brush your teeth this morning? Not ideal, but you can apologize to your coworker when you breathe-tell a joke and she winces. Forgot to apply SPF before you left your house this morning? BIG no-no — forget to put your clothes on before you forget your SPF. Kidding, but not really.

Sun damage is irreversible. And while it is possible to reverse some problems caused by the sun, once a fine line is formed, there's no going back. And you don't need to be tanning all day to experience the effects of UVA/ UVB rays. Sitting in traffic on the way to work, staring out the office window and even working underneath fluorescent lighting can all beat down on your skin. But we're not here to convince you to use SPF (if you need persuasion to protect your skin you've come to the wrong place). No, we want to talk about the benefits of a natural SPF and how to apply it. So, first let's talk the lingo and make the distinction between natural (a.k.a. physical or mineral) and chemical sunscreens.

Natural Sunscreens

HOW THEY WORK: The active mineral ingredients sit on top of the skin and block and deflect the sun's rays. ACTIVE CHEMICAL INGREDIENTS: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide WHEN THEY WORK: Immediately after application.

Chemical Sunscreens

HOW THEY WORK: The chemical compounds absorb into the skin and create a chemical reaction to change the sun's UV rays into heat, which it then releases from the skin. ACTIVE CHEMICAL INGREDIENTS: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate WHEN THEY WORK: 20 minutes after application for effective protection. This table is helpful for an in-depth comparison.

Toxic Vs. Non-Toxic

Let's go into more detail about the two most common active ingredients in chemical sunscreen: Oxybenzone and Octinoxate. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Oxybenzone absorbs through the skin in large amounts and contaminates the bodies of 97% of Americans, causing allergies, hormone disruption and cell damage. Octinoxate is an endocrine disrupter that can mimic hormones and cause thyroid problems. Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are mineral compounds that are a safer, non-toxic alternative to the harmful chemical ingredients listed above. In a mostly unregulated industry, the good news is SPF products must be registered with the FDA. Unfortunately, a significant number of brands cheat the system and market without registration. We recommend using EWG's Skindeep database to determine ingredient safety and check this list for FDA approved sunscreens.

Application

So now we've talked about the what, let's get into the how with the help of our lovely Sonäge models Pearl, Ana and Yulonda. Just remember to always apply sunscreen before you go in the sun. Pearl's skin type is dry and dehydrated. Ana's skin type is oily and acne-prone. Yulonda's skin type is combination.

Step 1:

After cleansing, apply your favorite serum or moisturizer. [huge_it_videogallery id="4"] Pearl is using Vitality Nourishing Facial Oil for a soft dewy glow. Ana is using Botánica Soufflé Crème for a light, fluffy finish. Yulonda is using NMF Hyaluronic Serum for a burst of hydration.

Step 2:

Apply two pumps of Protec Plus on your hands and rub together gently.

Step 3:

Pat it on for an even and streak-free layer of protection. [huge_it_videogallery id="3"]

Step 4:

Reapply every 2 hours for maximum protection.

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With 20+ years of research under our belt, we created Protec Plus Natural SPF 30 — a natural physical sunblock that is lightweight in texture and slides smoothly on your skin. Red Algae ensures that the Zinc Oxide does not leave a whitish film and Macadamia and Sandalwood prevent premature aging, while of course, providing super protection in blocking UVA/ UVB rays. And you can rest assured that Protec Plus complements all our natural skincare products. Tested and approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation.  

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Presage Moisturizer SPF 15 with sun-protection is a luxurious two-in-one day crème with a powerful mineral based SPF, it’s designed to soften your skin with active botanicals. Two vital skincare steps merged into one; who can’t appreciate that? Presage leaves your skin hydrated and protected with one easy application. Presage is a safe sunscreen, leaving nothing behind but a grease-free radiant glow. You’re smart enough to shield your skin from harmful rays, why not protect it from harmful chemicals too? It’s time to soak up some sun minus synthetics.