What sun protection should I use for my skin and my children's skin during the summer?

What sunscreen should I use for my skin and my children's skin during the summer? How do I choose them without exposing myself to potentially toxic ingredients?

I'll give you some tracks below ☀️

First of all, It is imperative to use sunscreen if you want prolonged exposure. It is also important to reapply every 2 hours.

The protective index is recommended according to the type of skin: with an index 15, 93% of UV rays are blocked, at 30, we reach 97% and at 50, we are protected at 98%.

Observations

As discussed in my article Ingredients to Avoid, most cosmetics sold on the market contain petroleum-derived ingredients, endocrine disruptors, synthetic substances and fragrances and sunscreens are no exception.

Health impacts of chemical sunscreens:

Endocrine disruptors in most marketed creams contain chemicals from petroleum products that disrupt our endocrine system (hormone system).

According to a 2002 WHO report. These substances are used as synthetic filters and preservatives such as parabens.

Inorganic filters such as zinc oxide without nanoparticles reflect UV and do not penetrate the skin while filters such as titanium dioxide in the form of nanoparticles transform UV. The function of nanoparticles is to allow the cream to penetrate the skin well and thus prevent white deposits from remaining on it. They are therefore likely to pass through the bloodstream yet titanium dioxide is strongly suspected of being carcinogenic.

Impact of chemical sunscreen on the planet:

These especially pollute the seas and oceans in which we swim. The fauna and flora, such as coral are damaged by the spilled chemicals.

Since zinc oxide remains harmful to marine ecosystems, to reduce its negative impact, it is best not to put it on right before swimming.

What to do then? What products to use?

Organic sun protection:

As organic certification prohibits the presence of nanoparticles, certified organic sunscreen will be preferred. It will leave a white veil on your skin, certainly less glamorous, but this is due to the presence of zinc oxide without nanoparticles that remains on the surface of the skin without penetrating it and without passing through the bloodstream.

Sun protection by nature:

Some oils and butters with their own protection index:

Avocado oil: 15

Olive oil: 8

Coconut oil: 8

Shea butter: 6

These oils and butters can be used pure or in combination (we mix several of them) to protect your skin from UV rays. They are of course not sufficient to protect yourself from intensive exposure to the sun!

What to do

- add to these oils and/or butters a sunscreen such as zinc oxide without nanoparticles, or

- wear appropriate clothing and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun 😊

Do black skins need sun protection?

Because melanin levels are higher in black and mixed-race skin, melanin provides better protection from UV rays, but does not save them from the danger of intensive sun exposure.  In general, black and mixed-race skins are satisfied with an index between 15 and 30, unless your doctor recommends a higher index. This is why in Africa, for example, sunscreens are not used because of the oils and butters used daily to nourish the skin, which contain a natural index and therefore prepare the skin for year-round exposure.

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However...

the best way to protect our skin is to favor the shade, not expose ourselves during the hottest hours and wear loose, light and covering clothes if possible.