Guide to Seasonal Wellness: Sunscreens
With longer days and sunny weather rolling in, now is the perfect time to assess your sunscreen options and find the product that will best suit your and your family’s needs for the coming seasons. Whether you’ll be gardening (check out our Seed Savers selection!), hiking in the Greenbelt, swimming at Barton Springs, picnicking at Zilker park, biking around the Ann + Roy Butler hike and bike trail, tubing in San Marcos, or if you just want general daily
UV protection, we’re sure to have a sunscreen for you.
Many people choose natural sunscreens because they may offer a reduced exposure to synthetic chemicals, and may be safer for both your skin and the environment. Natural sunscreens are mineral-based and non-toxic, and they work differently than chemical sunscreens. Synthetic sunscreen ingredients absorb UV rays; zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the main active ingredients in natural sunscreens, are physical sunscreens. Rather than absorb UV rays, they block them. It's like having little "shields" over your skin protecting you from sun exposure. When visiting beaches and swimming in natural bodies of water, it’s important to consider the impact of sunscreen on marine life and ecosystems; many natural sunscreens are labeled “reef-safe”, which means that they do
not contribute to the destruction of precious coral reefs.
DERMA E
Ultra Sheer Mineral Body Sunscreen Mist
This lightweight, water-resistant (80 min), SPF 30 mineral sunscreen mist offers broad-spectrum protection in an effective, antioxidant-rich formula to help fight free radicals and nourish the skin. Active ingredients: titanium dioxide and zince oxide. Bonus: it goes on clear, it’s labeled as vegan and gluten-free, and it’s reef safe!
BADGER KIDS
Natural Mineral Sunscreen Cream - SPF 30
Nourish and protect your kids skin with this mineral sunscreen cream, ideal for long days in the hot Texas sun. Made with just 4 simple ingredients, it’s the first formula ever to achieve the rigorous reef-friendly Protect Land + Sea Certification. Wheatsville stocks a range of Badger sunscreens, including Kids 40 SPF and Baby 40 SPF options, so that the whole family is covered for fun in the sun. Bonus: labeled as cruelty free and Badger is a certified B Corporation!
ALBA BOTANICA
Maximum Sunscreen SPF 70
Fragrance Free - Clear Spray
This lightweight, quick-dry mist offers Alba Botanica’s highest level of sun protection. The air-powered mist can be sprayed on at any angle. Fast drying, fragrance free and enriched with aloe vera and ginseng extract, waterproof, biodegradable, hypo-allergenic, water resistant up to 80 minutes, and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. It’s also labeled as reef friendly, gluten free, and cruelty free!
***As always, it’s recommended to consult with your doctor and/or dermatologist to help decide what is best for your particular needs.