Sunscreen is arguably summer’s most important accessory and one everyone should be applying on the regular. This is particularly true if you live in Australia, which has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world (per capita), according the Cancer Council. And it applies to everyone, no matter what your ethnic background or skin tone.
Trouble is, many formulas disperse harmful chemicals into our oceans, with the negative effect of bleaching coral reefs or exposing sea life to toxins. The solution? Choose a formula that is a physical blocker like Zinc Oxide or Titanium Oxide. These days, the formulas are so sophisticated you don’t even know you’re wearing them. In fact many serve well as a base for make-up. Another bonus is they’re natural, so they’re super-kind to your skin and to our planet and they also protect our delicate complexions.
Be sure to ramp up your anti-UV arsenal with a ridiculously huge pair of wide-lensed sunnies that wrap around a little at the side (to prevent crow’s feet) and a glam wide brimmed hat. Longer-sleeve clothing made from natural layers helps too, as does staying out of the sun between the hours of 11am and 3pm.
Here, meet five of our fave good-to-the-planet-and-your-skin formulas that you’ll want to apply all year round.
The Kind Sunscreen, $29
Safe for all guys, gals, babies, breastfeeding mums and anyone with allergies or sensitive skin, The Kind Sunscreen is broad spectrum, SPF 30, vegan friendly, and gentle on our environment. I loved this the second I applied it. It absorbs beautifully – not too fast so there’s heaps of time to spread it everywhere it needs to go, but not too slowly that it’s at all sticky. It’s also Australian made and owned, and chemical-free to avoid bleaching our coral reef. It is housed in a tube made from reused existing plastic and a carton constructed of recycled cardboard. When it comes to cleansing it off after a day at the beach or poolside, it’s a breeze. It’s easily removed using regular cleanser to prevent skin congestion.
Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence Tinted Moisturiser SPF50, from $33.99
This high protection mineral sunscreen doubles as a lightweight moisturiser and sheer foundation. With only one active ingredient, Zinc Oxide, it acts as a barrier against the sun reflecting and reflects UV rays. it’s totally reef friendly and chemical free!
SunButter SPF 50 Sunscreen, $29.95
This broad spectrum SPF50 sunscreen joins the new generation of sun care that is both skin and earth conscious. Chemical-free, it protects your skin from congestion and breakouts and is also reef-safe to help prevent coral bleaching.
Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Tinted Sunscreen, $24.95
High Protection meets a beautifully natural sheer tint that’s also great for your skin. Think: antioxidant rich rosehip oil, green tea and cucumber. As well as nourishing and protecting the skin, the reef-friendly formula is oxybenzone and octinoxate-free, relying on natural zinc oxide for UVA and UVB broad spectrum protection.
We are feel Good Signature Sunscreen Lotion, SPF50+, from $24.95
You’ll seriously love this the second you slather it on. It is soft and silky, absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave skin sticky. It’s also reef-friendly, broad-spectrum and water-resistant up to four hours. What’s not to love?
Nivea Protect and Moisture Moisture Lock SPF50+ Moisture Lotion, $15.99
With broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection fpr up to four hours, this water resistant formula is 100 percent compliant with the Hawaii Reef Bill and Readily Biodegradeable formula.
