SPF and Sun-Safety

Sun-safety is complicated. The lack of clarity in the soleil sphere can cause even the most health-minded among us to grab literally, whatever. The following reads our guide to sun-safety, as we want you to make sure that what you are purchasing is both sensorily appealing (it should have a comfortable texture, rub in easily, and smell good), that it works for your skin tone and that you're covered with both eco credentials and obviously, tip-top skin safety. 

FYI: Chemical Sunscreens and Nanoparticles

These are the bad guys. Besides disrupting hormones in humans and animals, many sunscreen chemicals kill coral and many are known skin allergens and irritants.

Chemical sunscreens break down in sunlight, so that “daily” SPF moisturiser that you put on before work is probably gone by lunchtime. To keep their sunscreens from degrading in sunlight as quickly, cosmetics companies add “penetration enhancers” that drive the chemicals into skin and help them stick; some of these chemicals carry their own health risks, along with encouraging hormone-disrupting sunscreen chemicals to penetrate the body more deeply.

For example, oxybenzone is an incredibly common “sun protection” ingredient; along with with octinoxate (octylmethoxycinnamate) and they're also the most toxic. Oxybenzone is an endocrine disruptor that seeps into our bodies at their deepest as it has even been found in human breast milk, our blood, urine and tissues. Listed as an ingredient in 70% of the sunscreens tested by EWG, oxybenzone is a big no-no on your ingredients search list.

Nanoparticles are another issue for both chemical and mineral sun products as they're dangerous when inhaled. They are frequently used in sun creams to make their texture more fluid without leaving white marks on your skin. Look out for: micronized and/or nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Many “no-nano” labeled sun products (both clean and conventional) do, in fact, contain particles that qualify as nano. Since we inevitably inhale any spray formula, it's advised to minimise risk by spraying into your hands, then apply.

What about Vitamin D?

Sure, you’re doing a fantastic job of helping to prevent sun damage/ageing/cancer by choosing clean sunscreen products to apply on the daily, but it's arguable that you're putting yourself at the deficit of Vitamin D. It definitely shouldn’t be an excuse to go in the sun without protection, but it's also not known exactly how much time is needed in the sun to make enough vitamin D to meet the body's requirements. The point is, being in the sun doesn’t save you from not getting enough vitamin D—it’s important to supplement, with food and with actual supplements, if you need it. But, the sun is the ideal way to boost vitamin D because its light, beyond supporting the natural pathways that create vitamin D, provides other benefits like nitric oxide production and setting your internal clock. There's also no risk of "over supplementing" since your skin will synthesise as much vitamin D as is needed and degrade any extra.

Amelia Nour says...

Shade is the best sunscreen there is: wear a hat, shelter your picnic in a grove of trees, indulge in a porch awning or parasol and be mindful not to spend longer than 20 minutes in the sun unprotected. Sunrise and sunset are the moments for the beach or the pool, high noon is for lengthy lazy lunches and siestas. Stay out of the strongest, skin-damaging (not to mention decidedly less flattering) light for all the best hues for those sunny summer selfies.

This summer Meesha has spent a long time researching and recruiting our best-considered sunscreen for you. In the end, we chose France's Seventy-one Percent - It's sincere line is ultra-protective, creative and respects the environment, all key pillars of Amelia Nour's brand sourcing scheme. They only use recyclable product packs, including post-consumer recycled plastic content PCR tubes, to minimise our environmental impact and are your greenest option for sun protection, here's why...

Seventy-one Percent

"70% of water on the planet. 70% of water in our body. and 1% of the profits donated directly to the charity Vision du Monde. Our values are based on positive energy, positive action, honesty, doing the right thing and doing it well."

Seventy-one Percent demonstrate total transparency by providing our consumers with detailed ingredients lists upfront. Plus, the absence of nanoparticles also guarantees the safety of their sun creams for all users. As discussed above, nanoparticles can enter the body and cause toxic reactions, forget that! These natural SPF products also are devoid of silicones, parabens, phenoxyethanol and petrol, which not only have a negative impact on the environment, but are also potentially damaging for our bodies. The Seventy-one Percent range has been formulated to respect marine ecosystems and protect coral by limiting sunscreen content and favouring mineral filters where possible, we love it.

Round up: 

DRY SUN OIL SPF 30, £22

Dry Sun Oil SPF30 is the high sunscreen protection that doesn’t compromise sensoriality. It effectively protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays, and its golden formula penetrates instantly, giving skin a satin finish and velvety feel. Dry oil also provides protection that looks great and isn’t sticky. Dy Sun Oil SPF30 enhances and prolongs the tan on your face and body, even if your skin is mature or oily. It’s jasmine scent transports you away to exotic shores. Smell Good.

ECO SUN SPRAY SPF 50+, £24

Eco Sun Spray SPF 50+ is the very high protection sunscreen for your body and and the one of your family. Its mineral filters respect the epidermis and the environment, and make it an excellent barrier against UVA and UVB rays. Everyone, from pro surfers to beach bums, will love its wide range of qualities: it doesn’t run, doesn’t sting your eyes, can be applied on wet skin and is water resistant so you can swim safely. Its milky texture, in a super practical spray format, is easy to apply without making your hands greasy. Super handy. You’ll be addicted to its vanilla flower scent. 

ECO SUN SHIELD SPF 50+, £20.50

Eco Sun Shield SPF 50+ is a high facial protection sunscreen: la crème de la crème. Its mineral filters protect your skin and are safe for the environment, making it an excellent barrier against UVA and UVB rays. Its high-cover formula has been optimised to make it easier to apply and is suitable for all ages. It can also be applied on wet skin, is highly water resistant, so you can swim safely, and is ideal for all skin types, even oily or mature skin. 

FEEL GOOD MOISTURISER, £15

Feel Good is a nourishing face and body moisturiser that deeply nurtures the skin. Its gel-cream formula is long-lasting and acts like a moisturising shot. Aloe Vera, its main active ingredient, also known as the coolest of calming actives brings a sensation of natural freshness. Its 99% natural formula energises all skin types. After usage the skin is more beautiful. So fresh.