Sunshine is a classic example of how you can sometimes have too much of a good thing. No one likes a sunburn, and the risk of skin cancer should always be taken seriously (see my post here on essential oils I used after I had skin cancer dug out from under my eye). Ideally, we appreciate and enjoy the sun without putting our skin at risk of long-term damage including sunspots, wrinkles, premature aging, and loss of skin elasticity.
As a teen I did not always wear sunscreen and ended up having a scary skin cancer experience later on... lesson learned. When we know better, we do better! Some ways you can maximize your time outdoors while protecting your skin include staying in the shade, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, or covering your skin in SPF clothing. For many outdoor activities, those aren’t always realistic options though. That is why sunscreen comes in handy BUT as those of you who are particularly plugged into the sun care industry know, not all sunscreens are created equal and many even have some scary ingredients.
There are two primary types of sunscreens on the market: chemical and mineral. Chemical sunscreens are designed to absorb UV rays to protect your skin, while mineral sunscreens reflect UV rays to protect your skin. Some chemical sunscreen filters can eventually degrade when exposed to UV rays, generating free radicals. Some active ingredients in chemical sunscreens can cause skin allergies. We’re exposed to countless toxins every day with everything we do, from sources we may not even be aware of. Every breath, every bite, every minute under the sun—they all introduce you to substances and chemicals (natural or synthetic) that can negatively impact your health. A toxin is any substance that places undue stress on the body. Toxic load is the sum of these substances, accumulated within your body, and the burden they place on organs at any given time. Toxins can cause imbalances, lead to negative effects on wellness, and influence your daily and long term health. Knowing this, why would we allow extra toxins in our lives? Why would we use products with toxins?
So, what sunscreen filters won’t absorb into the skin? Mineral sunscreen filters work as a physical barrier, reflecting UVB and UVA rays for broad-spectrum protection. They don’t degrade when exposed to UV rays, and because they act like a physical barrier, they’re effective immediately. The main mineral sunscreen filters are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These are both recognized as generally safe for use on all skin types!
Now that we'vre covered the types of sunscreen, let’s dive into the dōTERRA® sun product line! The dōTERRA sun brand includes a series of sun care products that are safe and natural. When creating this product line, dōTERRA knew they had to meet three key objectives in order to create sun care products we would be proud to introduce to the market. First, the products needed to be good for all skin types. These formulas are nourishing, antioxidant-rich, and hydrating. They also leave a minimal white-cast, so they accommodate all skin tones. Second, they made sure these products are environmentally conscious. All of the formulas are vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. Plus, they’re reef safe! This makes them usable in areas of the world that restrict non-reef safe sunscreens and helps keep our underwater ecosystems healthier and happier. Last but definitely not least, the products needed to have clean, green formulas. On top of being mineral-powered by non-nano zinc oxide, every dōTERRA sun product is free from a number of harsh, synthetic ingredients, including oxybenzone, parabens, phthalates and more. That is what I refer to as ALL OF THE GOOD, NONE OF THE BAD!
Of course, these incredible sun care products all contain some of our most loved skin supporting essential oils - including Frankincense, Helichrysum, and Carrot Seed. They are fabulous for your skin! There are also a number of ingredients found throughout the dōTERRA sun product line that provide nourishment:
Tocopherol, which is more commonly known as vitamin E, is extremely nourishing. It’s present in EVERY dōTERRA sun product!
Raspberry Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, and Jojoba Esters are nourishing ingredients found in the SPF lotion and spray.
Shea Butter and Coco Butter are nourishing ingredients found in the SPF stick.
Aloe Vera, Red Algae extract, and Hyaluronic Acid are nourishing ingredients found in the After Sun Mist. Hyaluronic Acid is particularly nourishing because of the deep hydration it delivers.
Here are a few ingredients that deliver soothing benefits.
Bisabolol can reduce redness and irritation. It’s generally calming to the skin. It’s present in all SPF products as a preventative measure.
Turmeric Extract has excellent anti-inflammatory properties when applied topically. It can be found in the SPF lotion and spray!
Aloe Vera is a no-brainer for skin-soothing. We’ve all slathered aloe vera all over our bodies before, right? That’s why aloe vera is the base for our After Sun product. It’s also found in the SPF lotion and spray.
Also in the After Sun product are hero ingredients of Red Algae extract and Arnica Montana flower. Red algae is rich in protein, antioxidants, and vitamins, all of which are essential to the skin. Arnica Montana flower is a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient, which is especially important when your skin is weathered and tired.
One of the other things I LOVE about the sun line is that it is Reef-Safe! Terms like “reef-safe” or “reef-friendly” mean that the sunscreen does not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. Studies have shown that these UV-blocking chemicals can cause coral bleaching. When coral bleaches, it’s still alive, but it’s under severe stress, which leaves it susceptible to disease and death.
Face Mineral Sunscreen Daily Moisturizer
Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, this lightweight, SPF 28 broad-spectrum formula shields your face from damaging UVA/UVB rays and blue light-emitting screens. This moisturizer absorbs quickly with no white cast, leaving your skin hydrated and protected. Oxybenzone-, paraben-, and phthalate free as well as vegan-friendly, reef-safe, and cruelty free. Perfect for everyday use.
Face + Body Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Now let’s talk about the dōTERRA sun Face + Body Mineral Sunscreen Lotion. It’s SPF 30, provides UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum protection, and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Its key ingredients include non-nano zinc oxide for protection, and aloe vera, bisabolol, vitamin E, raspberry seed oil, avocado oil, turmeric extract, and jojoba esters for restoration. The hero essential oils found in the Mineral Sunscreen Spray include Frankincense, Helichrysum, and Carrot Seed.
Face + Body Mineral Sunscreen Stick
The dōTERRA sun Body Mineral Sunscreen Stick is SPF 40, provides UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum protection, and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It’s helpful for anti-blue light and protects from pollution. Put it on for your commute or for working in the office to give your skin that extra layer of protection. It is packaged in a sturdy twist-up tube that fits comfortably in the hand. The stick’s key ingredients include non-nano zinc oxide for protection, as well as shea butter and
cocoa butter for restorative moisturization.
The hero essential oils found in the Mineral
Sunscreen Stick include Frankincense,
Helichrysum, and Carrot Seed.
Body Mineral Sunscreen Spray
Next, the dōTERRA sun Body Mineral Sunscreen Spray is also SPF 30, provides UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum protection, and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It is packaged in an aluminum, non-aerosol spray bottle that delivers a continuous, 360-degree application for easy, all-over coverage. Like the lotion, this spray’s key ingredients include non-nano zinc oxide for protection, and aloe vera, bisabolol, vitamin E, raspberry seed oil, avocado oil, turmeric extract, and jojoba esters for restoration. The hero essential oils found in the Mineral Sunscreen Spray include Frankincense, Helichrysum, and Carrot Seed.
After Sun Restorative Body Mist
The dōTERRA sun After Sun Restorative Body Mist is a spray that’s is packaged in an aluminum, non-aerosol spray bottle delivering a continuous fine mist with 360-degree application for easy, all-over coverage. The mist’s key ingredients include vitamin E, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, red algae extract, and Arnica Montana flower. The hero essential oils found in the Body Mist include Frankincense and Helichrysum as well as Copaiba, Lavender, Peppermint, and Blue Tansy.
