While it’s still only Spring in most parts of the country, we Californians have had a taste of summer already. Two weeks ago we had temperatures weigh into the 90’s! I try to make it a point of at least wearing sunscreen or a makeup with sunscreen on my face every day to prevent sun damage and aging. Last year there were over 1,000,000 new cases of skin cancer in the United States (National Cancer Institute). May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and I encourage all of you to start engaging in regular skin exams and obtain a clinical skin exam regularly. The Skin Cancer Foundation has an incredibly resourceful site that will help you learn more about how to protect against skin cancer.
You’d think with the wealth of available sunscreen manufacturers, choosing a sunscreen would be as easy as picking up the most popular or the one on sale. However, just like other skin care products, how you choose your sunscreen is very important. I strive to only choose products that are made with natural ingredients for my family. I try to avoid parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl and laureth sulfate. Many sunscreen products on the market contain ingredients that may disrupt endocrine function, suppress the immune system, and cause reproductive problems. I use sunscreen on my face every day, which means that the potential for cumulative accumulation of harmful chemicals in skin care products could be causing damage. There is a fantastic website called Skin Deep which allows you to search for the safest skin and body care products, according to the Environmental Working Group.
I recently tried Azur Advanced Pro-Cellular Natural Sunscreen, “the first medically non-disruptive, immune-friendly and non-endocrine disrupting sun block, designed to protect against the harmful rays of the sun without the long-term risk of skin cancer.” Azur contains natural, mineral-based ingredients that provide protection against both UVB and UVA rays. The two active ingredients are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. When I looked up those two chemicals on Skin Deep (since I was not able to find Azur), they were both rated low to moderate hazard. Azur also contains antioxidants (vitamins A, C, and E) which helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
The sunscreen has a very mild scent that disappears once it’s rubbed into the skin. It rubs in well and while it’s not greasy, it does make your skin feel moisturized. I can wear makeup over the sunscreen without having that “caked” look to my face. I really like the fact that it’s gentle since I have sensitive skin. I have not experienced any breakouts from using it (which is common with many products I’ve tried in the past). It’s hypoallergenic, tearless, and water resistant which means I can use it on my son with little effort. We can also go out in the sun immediately after application. Water resistant sunscreens should be reapplied regularly since they are not “waterproof.”
Azur Advanced Pro-Cellular Natural Sunscreen is available for purchase on the site and retails for approximately $20.00.
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Thanks for the great review. Personally, I didn’t like this one.It was pasty and chalky. Not at all pleasant too wear. I like the idea of something that is healthier but there are other products out there that are natural that aren’t unpleasant to wear.
I liked the SkinDeep website that you suggested. What a great resource. I’m going to try the Soleo Organics sunscreen that they have listed as one of the safest. Kudos – and thanks.
pasty and chalky? I didn’t find that to be the case and my family has been using Azur products for over a year now. My advice, always check the expiration date when using any sun protection.