Living in Australia, the sun is so strong it is important we wear a sunscreen daily to protect our skin. However, it is important to choose a sunscreen wisely as it has the potential to do more damage than good. Sunscreens generally either use chemical or mineral filters (or a combination of the two). Quite a lot of research has been done now on the effects of chemicals used in sunscreens, particularly as chemical filters are absorbed into the body. There are many ingredients which need to be avoided because of their level of toxicity to humans. Top of the toxicity list are oxybenzone and octinoxate, both of which can cause allergic reactions but more importantly can also cause hormonal disruptions and damage cells. These two ingredients are commonly found in chemical sunscreens. There are other chemicals commonly found in chemical sunscreens which have a moderate level of toxicity including homosalate and octocylene. Again, these chemicals have the potential of causing hormonal disruptions. Parabens are commonly used as a preservative in sunscreens and other conventional makeup products. They mimic oestrogen in the body and could potentially contribute to cancerous growth. Pretty scary eh? This is where physical or mineral sunscreens come in. Mineral sunscreens generally use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as filters. The problem with zinc oxide is of course it famously leaves a white / chalky mark - not a good look unless you're a surfer! Hence companies started to use nanotechnology to reduce the size of the particles to remove that white tint. There is some controversy regarding the use of nano particles, because of the potential for these particles to cross the skin barrier. To date, there is no conclusive evidence that nanonised particles will cross the skin in significant amounts, but some companies use micronised particles (which are bigger than nanonised particles) to avoid that issue. The long and short of it is, it is important to wear sunscreen daily, and mineral sunscreens using non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide seem to be the best way to go. There are not many available on the market, and many of them are not suitable for use on the face because they leave a funny texture, which makes it impossible to put makeup on top of the sunscreen. Of the ones I have tried, here are my two favourites (by far). W3ll People Bio-Tint Multi-Action Moisturizer The W3ll People Bio-Tint Multi-Action Moisturizer is touted as an all natural makeup / skincare hybrid, which contains phytonutrients and zinc to protect, hydrate and brighten skin while diminishing imperfections. It contains 20% zinc oxide, providing an SPF of 30.. Other natural ingredients include organic coconut, organic broccoli seed oil, organic promengrate and organic ginseng. I'm a fan of W3ll People. I like the fact that they make all natural products with premium ingredients but sell their products at an accessible price. The Bio-Tint Multi-Action Moisturizer (35.5ml) retails for about US29 for example, a very reasonable price. I would recommend putting on your usual moisturiser on first. Then this product glides easily onto the skin. It does feel like you have put sunscreen on your face but it is not sticky. If I'm not lazy or short on time, I like to then follow with some foundation which makes the rest of my makeup glide on more easily. However, there are certainly days when I use this as both your sunscreen and foundation, which is great! I have Asian skin (yellow based) and I used the medium colour - it is not a bad match although I think the W3ll People Bio-Tint Multi-Action Moisturizer has more of a red tint than my skin. Once it is rubbed in, it blends nicely into my skin. Again, I am a fan of Josh Rosebrook. His products are so luxurious and clearly made with love. The Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream comes in 2 versions, an un-tinted version and a tinted version. I decided to try the tinted version after reading positive reviews of this product. This product contains 12% Non Nano, Uncoated, Micronized Zinc Oxide. This product has a very light texture, and I found this product glides on beautifully and is absorbed quickly. It is quite moisturizing but there is no stickiness or residue whatsoever. While other people have said that their skin glowed after putting this product on, I must say I don't notice that effect, but I do find that the Jose Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream helps to even out my skin tone before I put on the rest of my makeup. Importantly, it doesn't leave any white cast. I then follow with my usual foundation and then the rest of my makeup. The Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream retails at USD85 for 60ml. So, yes, it is certainly not cheap. However, it certainly does what it says and you can use this product to perform 3 functions: moisturizer, primer and sunscreen, hence saving on buying other products. I am sold and will continue to use this as my staple!
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