Protect Your Skin By Using Organic Sunblock

Some people are under the mistaken assumption that the only time to use organic sunblock is on especially hot and sunny days. The truth is that anytime that we’re out in the sun, the sun’s rays are having a negative impact on our skin. There is a constant barrage of ultraviolet light that can cause our skin to age before it’s time, and it can lead to more serious skin problems in the long term. Even on days when it’s not all that hot outside, it is a good idea to use organic sunblock.

With that said, organic sunblock is still most needed when a person is spending a day out in the sun, especially if they’re trying to tan. This is when there is the biggest risk of sunburn, which is a direct result of intense sun exposure
. It’s important to understand how to choose the right organic sunblock for the job. SPF, or sun protection factor, is the rating system that is used to determine the strength of a organic sunblock. Usually, a minimum sun protection factor of 15 is recommended for tanning or prolonged sun exposure. However, much more powerful levels of protection are available — up to a 60 SPF rating or more.

There is another factor to consider, as well. There are multiple types of ultraviolet light rays that are harmful to the skin — UVA and UVB. Many organic sunblock are designed to effectively block only one UVB rays, while UVA are actually the more dangerous type. It is a good idea to look for a organic sunblock that is designed to block both types of rays. Organic sunblock that contain the ingredients zinc oxide, ecamsule, or avobenzone are the best choices for full-spectrum protection.

When it comes to just routine daily sun exposure, a full application of organic sunblock isn’t really necessary. If you’re just eating lunch outdoors or walking for a little while outside, then you should be okay just using other skin-care products that contain minor organic sunblock. For example, there are many facial moisturizers that include enough organic sunblock to protect your skin from the sun’s rays on a day-to-day basis.

One of the negative effects associated with sun exposure to the skin is wrinkling. The sun is one of the primary factors when it comes to skin starting to look aged before it’s time. For people who are concerned about aging and wrinkled skin, there are special organic sunblock treatments that are design both to reduce and prevent wrinkles. Many of these have high SPF ratings for maximum protection from the sun’s light.

Aside from wrinkles, the other major impact of the sun on human skin is skin cancer. Heavy exposure to the sun without the proper protection can lead to a person developing deadly skin cancers. This is one reason why it’s especially important to get organic sunblock that protects against UVA rays. Despite the fact that UVA doesn’t cause any burning sensation or redness, it is actually the primary cause of skin cancer. So when you’re looking to buy organic sunblock, make sure that you make an educated choice that will truly protect you from skin problems.

Whats the Difference Between Sunblock and Sunscreen?

Sunblock is different than sunscreen. An organic sunblock physically blocks the sun’s UV radiation of the skin, both UVA and UVB. Examples of natural sunblock are clothing, umbrellas, and trees. Chemical sunblock scatters, reflects, and physically blocks UV radiation. The most well-known physical organic sunblock is zinc oxide. Other commonly used organic sunblock is talc, titanium dioxide, and red vetenary petrolatum.

Sunblock does have some disadvantages. Many older chemical sunblock is opaque, the skin can not be seen through the sunblock. This may not be cosmetically acceptable for many people. They can also be greasy and clog pores, a problem for people with acne-prone skin.

A new organic sunblock formulation has been developed that contains micronized titanium dioxide. The advantage of this formulation is that it is almost invisible and still has good UV blocking capabilities.

Natural Skin Care Market Predictions

Natural skin care offers a bright future for those who embrace it, although there are many analyst who believe the road ahead may be unknown. The large growth of natural skin care products in the beauty product market primarily stems from consumers want a safer alternative to many synthetic based skin care products. Several cosmetic chemists have spoken out that even though some of these synthetic skin care ingredients are altered they still are derived from a natural source. However the majority of synthetics undergo chemical processing which will alter the natural skin care ingredient beyond the point of return to its natural state. As processing continues to progress perhaps there will be advancements in the altercation process.

Another large road block in the natural skincare product market is the lack of natural ingredients. Because these natural skin care ingredients are grown it suggests that if the demand continues to grow the potential supply of natural skin care ingredients could become limited. This is especially the case in organic skin care ingredients which make up a portion of the overall natural skin care product market. The good news with many of these organic skincare ingredients is they are grown relatively easily and are abundant. However there are some ingredients like organic rose oil which will becomes a prime commodity and highly sought after because of their uniqueness, limited availability globally, and challenges in cultivation.

The final major factor in the natural skin care product market is preservation. Although several companies suggest they are 100% natural, many use a small portion of naturally altered ingredients to allow for longer shelf life. Basic organic chemistry will answer a simple question of how long shelf life can be expected with a water based product. Most will claim you are limited to 6 months with a water based natural skin care product that uses natural skin care preservative systems like grapefruit seed extract. The other option is to use a gel based natural skin care product. The gel does limit your exposure to bacterial, fungi and other spoiling agents found in all water. However gel based natural skin care production can get costly and greatly affect the consistency of the final natural skin care product.

Time will tell what the natural skin care product market will be. If large beauty product companies continue to develop natural skin care products the outlook is very promising. Consumers will be offered new natural skin care products with the latest production techniques and the most advanced research behind their development. Today, the natural skin care product market is consistently introducing new products like organic sunscreen, herbal anti aging products, natural body lotion, and natural baby skin care products.

Organic Skin Care Products

Organic skincare products are a small part of the beauty product market.  Organic skin care products are not regulated by the FDA, but there are certain industry standards most large manufactures uphold.  In order to be certified with the FDA as an organic skin care product, there is a certain percentage of organic ingredients you must use.  However because the FDA doesn’t regulate the personal skin care market there is no real enforcement of its policies.  The true challenge becomes determining what is organic vs. non organic.  This can be especially difficult when you source natural skin care ingredients from foreign countries which may not have the same regulations as the country in which the organic skin care product is being distributed.  Most truly organic skin care companies have a standard of excellence because they feel a social responsibility to provide a cleaner safer skin care product.  This is good because it allow large companies to pave the way for providing consumer information and natural skin care standards, with the strictest standards falling onto organic skin care products.

New Natural Skin Care Products Are Entering The Market

Natural skin care products are a quickly emerging market.  Everyday there are new combinations of natural ingredients found.  Natural body lotion, herbal anti aging products, organic sunscreen make up a large portion of the growing natural skin care market.  Consumers are realizing the importance of avoiding synthetic ingredients which can often pose as a toxic exposure to our bodies.  In addition new research has found natural skincare products can provide a health benefit in balancing the overall wellness of the body.  With more and more organic raw products being grown globally it provides the foundation for the increased production of the final end natural skin care product.  Lastly decreases in shipping have contributed to the rising natural skincare market and an increase in consumer use.

Sunscreens, UVB and UVA Rays

With summer lurking just around the corner, it’s almost time to tie up that new bathing suit, fire up the grill, and most importantly, slather on the sunscreen. The importance of sun care escalates as knowledge of skin cancer increases in the United States, and the National Cancer Institute estimates that there are more than one million new cases of skin cancer in 2009 alone. Still, loyal sunbathers and frequent beach-goers are able to enjoy some fun in the sun thanks to the vast array of sunscreen available. Sunscreens are available in several forms, including lotion, sprays, ointments, and sticks, and are often labeled with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF), which can range from 2 to 50. The higher the SPF, the more sun protection, and most dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher.

Sunscreen protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun, and too much exposure to these rays can cause sunburn and wrinkles. Long term sun exposure can lead to cancer, which is the most common type of cancer, according to the American Cancer Association. Most sunscreens contain zinc oxide, which as the ability to filter UVA and UVB rays to protect the skin. Zinc oxide has been used in skin products for many years and can be used with all skin types.

UVradiation, a known carcinogen, can have a number of harmful effects on the skin. The two types of UV radiation that can affect the skin—UVA and UVB—have both been linked to skin cancer and a weakening of the immune system. They also contribute to premature aging of the skin and cataracts (a condition that impairs eyesight), and cause skin color changes.

UVA Rays

UVA rays, which are not absorbed by the ozone layer, penetrate deep into the skin and heavilycontribute to premature aging. Up to 90 percent of the visible skin changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by sun exposure.

UVB Rays

These powerful rays, which are partially absorbed by the ozone layer, mostly affect the surface of the skin and are the primary cause of sunburn. Because of the thinning of the ozone layer, the effects of UVB radiation will pose an increased threat until the layer is restored in the latter half of the 21st century.

The following table from the FDA lists these ingredients and includes information regarding the type and amount of ray protection that they provide and their class.

Is a Suntan Healthy?

Just remember, there is no such thing as a healthy suntan. Any change in your natural skin color is a sign of skin damage. Every time your skin color changes after sun exposure, your risk of developing sun-related ailments increases.

Daily Skin Care Fundamentals

Step 1: Cleansing
Simple is key here. You need to find a good cleanser that your skin responds well to, and stick with it. Avoid bar soaps as they tend to dry out the skin. Most cleansers contain oil, water and “surfactants.” The oil dissolves oil on your face, surfactants dissolve dirt and makeup and the water washes it all away. The secret is finding the right mix of oil. Too much on your skin will clog pores, while too little will dry it out. This is why you need to know your skin type. 

Be careful not to cleanse too often. While some skincare experts swear you should cleanse skin with creamy cleansers that you wipe off with a tissue, never letting water touch your skin (some hard waters are especially hard on skin), we prefer the water method. In the morning, a splash of lukewarm water is all you need (we find it’s great for removing excess oils from your nightly moisturizing). Never wash your face with hot or cold water (both can cause broken capillaries). Also be careful about over cleansing skin.

Here’s the best way to wash your face: Use warm water to loosen dirt and clogged pores. Use a dime-sized bit of cleanser, then rinse with cool or lukewarm water. You’ll also want to take off your makeup with a proper makeup remover.


Step 2: Exfoliate
Exfoliation is the step most people skip in their weekly skin care routine. But trust me, if you start properly exfoliating your skin, you will notice an almost immediate difference. According to Berg, one of the reasons men’s skin looks more youthful than women’s is because men tend to exfoliate daily when they shave. There are several ways to exfoliate skin: Microdermabrasion, chemical peels and retinoids. 

Scrubs work by removing the top layer of dead skin cells that tend to dull your complexion. We find exfoliating skin once a week with a microdermabrasion kit keeps skin glowing year-round. Make sure you use a gentle scrub with tiny grains. Big grains in cheap scrubs can tear skin and cause more harm than good.

In the hour it takes to get a chemical peel, you can take off five years from your face. Can’t afford the pricetag for a monthly peel? Try some over-the-counter peels that work over the course of a month. Retinoids (such as Retin-A) also work by removing the top layer of dead skin cells while also generating collagen in the skin. “Collagen is the skin’s structural fiber,” dermatologist Dennis Gross said in the October 2005 issue of O Magazine. “As we get older, it breaks down, creating lines and large pores.” Skincare experts disagree on all sorts of things, but most of them consider retinoids to be a miracle skin saver. 

And toners? Some people swear by toners, but many beauty experts do not (I once read a skincare expert claim, ‘toners are only for copy machines’). Toners are meant to remove all remaining traces of oil, makeup and dirt, but a good cleanser should do this. It’s up to you. If you like the way your skin feels with a toner. Buy it. Use it. Enjoy it.

Step 3: Moisturize
While I know of at least one famous beauty editor who swore skin doesn’t need moisturizer, basically everyone else I’ve read disagrees and is an adamant believer in it. A basic law of beauty is that everyone, no matter her skin type, should moisturize. Even if your skin is oily, it will benefit from moistuizers. (The only exception is those with acne.) Why? Moisturizers seal moisture into skin. So how much should you moisturize? Your skin will tell you. When your skin is tight, it’s crying out for moisture. Be careful not to over moisturize – this can cause clogged pores. And eye creams? Well maybe. Some beauty experts strongly recommend eye creams. Why? The skin around the eye contains no fatty tissue and is therefore very thin and susceptible to wrinkles. Special eye creams are formulated to ‘thicken’ this area and keep it sturdy. Yet other experts (including the beauty editors of Allure in their new book) claim your daily lotion works around the eyes just as well.  Natural lotions are a great way to help keep your skin glowing!

Step 4: Apply Suncreen
The number 1 cause of wrinkles is sun damage, so it’s important to use sunscreen from your early years on even in winter and on cloudy days. A great trick is to purchase two moisturizers: one for night and one for day that includes UV protection. Don’t use moisturizers with sunscreen at night, the ingredients are not meant to be used all day and all night and can aggravate skin.  Most organic sunscreens are free of chemicals which can irritate your skin.

Old Myths About Sunblock and SPF

Sun protection has become a way of life for individuals, who are intent on keeping their skin healthy, and avoiding wrinkles and leathery skin. Getting sunburn repeatedly can increase your chance of getting skin cancer. Melanoma in children has been increasing each year! So it is important for us all to take a practical approach and properly use natural or organic sunscreen and develop healthy skin care habits. Surprisingly, not everyone knows how to apply sunscreen. Only a small percent of the population uses sunscreen protection and only half of those people apply sunscreen correctly. In addition, regardless of the SPF or what the label says, sunscreens must be reapplied every 80 minutes or less. Sunscreen users mistakenly believe that high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) sunscreen products will protect them all day with one application, when in fact; all sunscreens must be reapplied regularly.Two Sunscreen Myths

Myth: Sunblock provides total sun block.
Truth: No sunscreen blocks 100 percent of Ultra Violet (UV) rays. SPF 15 can protect against 93 percent. SPF 30 protects against 97 percent. SPF 50-60 shuts out 98 percent. The higher the SPF the more harsh chemicals are in the product.

Myth: An SPF 60+ sunscreen provides double the protection of an SPF 30 sunscreen.
Truth: This is exactly why the FDA is putting a cap on high SPFs. SPF 30 provides skin with 97% protection, where as SPF 60 provides skin with 98-98.6% protection. There is less than 1.6% difference in protection factor. A SPF 60+ needs more chemicals to achieve a higher SPF, potentially putting more toxins in your body.

The real confusion to consumers has been what a product can do and can’t do. There are a number of natural sunscreen products are available on the market today. The trick is to become educated! Do you believe that just because sunscreens are labeled “sweat proof” or “waterproof” that they are? Currently, the FDA is banning the word “waterproof.” Now the term, “water/sweat/perspiration resistant” is accurate, however; this only means the sunscreen offers SPF protection after 40 minutes of water exposure. The term, “very water resistant” gives 80 minutes of protection. So to be safe, use this basic rule of thumb: re-apply, re-apply, and re-apply!For people who don’t have a lot of time, especially parents, a trend today has been to use aerosol sunscreens because they find them easier to apply. However, people may not be effectively protecting their skin! While being applied, aerosol sunscreens can lose much of their protection during the transfer from the bottle onto the skin. This is because not all of the molecules land on your body.

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