It’s that time of the year when the sun comes out to play and so do we. The festive season is upon us which means trips to the beach, loads of ice cream, and of course, fewer clothes and more skin exposure.
Clifton Beach: Picture: jbdodane/ Flickr Commons
Although we love the sunlight, the harsh realities that come with too much exposure include sunburn which can be really painful, with the worst-case scenario being skin cancer.
The sun contributes to 90% of premature aging and especially since the depletion of our ozone layer, and increasing environmental crisis, the sun has become more dangerous than ever, leaving our skin more vulnerable to sun damage.
What most people don’t know is typical sunscreen ingredients include chemicals that can be harmful to the environment which we love and adore.
Unlike when ordering food most people don’t really check for the ingredients used to make their sunscreen as long as it protects them from the sun. This is a habit that we’d like to unlearn because if you knew that you’re applying chemicals with names like oxybenzone and octinoxate onto your skin chances are you wouldn’t do it.
After extensive research, we’ve concluded that in order to protect our environment using eco-friendly sunscreen is the way to go.
We’ve managed to compile a list of the top five locally produced eco-friendly sunscreens which can protect you and your loved ones while also protecting the beach and the animals that reside in the ocean.
1. Green Honu Extreme Sports Sunblock
Picture: Breathe Conservation
With a portion of the sales donated to Breathe Ocean Conservation, Green Honu sunblock is reel safe and naturally handcrafted in South Africa.
The Green Honu Extreme Sports sunblock has waterproof qualities because of the local and ethically sourced beeswax, therefore needs to be reapplied less frequently even during water sports, swimming activities, and heavy sweating. Making it a really great coverage for tattoos and high-burn areas.
2. Africology SPF 30 Sun Block
Picture: Africology Spa
Africology SPF 30 is a mineral-based sunscreen that is recommended for sensitive skin. It’s lightweight, non-chemical, and formulated with active ingredients that nurture and nourish the skin.
These ingredients also create a powerful moisture barrier, resulting in a potent formulation that combines hydration and sun protection for optimal skin benefits.
All Africology formulations are void of harmful ingredients, committed to eliminating all harmful ingredients like polyethylene glycols and working towards creating clean formulations that protect DNA and the environment. The products are free from micro-plastics, making them safe to wash into the water system.
Price: R265 for 50ml
Purchase: here
3. Back 2 Nature Active Zinc SPF 30 Sunblock
Picture: Back 2 Nature
Back 2 Nature has specifically formulated a combination of natural ingredients that are 100% healthy for your skin and healthy for our Planet.
They strive to keep our bodies and environment free from any harmful chemicals or preservatives such as parabens, oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate & methoxycinnamate, which are found in most conventional sunscreens.
Such toxic chemicals contribute to coral bleaching and disrupt a variety of human and marine animal functions. They aim to leave nothing but footprints on our coastlines and soil, giving ‘back to nature’ all the love, respect & protection it deserves.
Price: Varies
Purchase: here
4. Oh-Lief Natural Body Sunscreen SPF 30
Picture: Oh-lief
This broad-spectrum-certified natural and organic sunblock is made using non-nano zinc oxide, a natural soft mineral that sits on the skin without sinking in.
That means the Oh-Lief sunscreen creates a physical “sun-blocking” barrier, protecting your skin without absorbing it into your bloodstream.
This Reef-friendly, fragrance-free, water-resistant SPF30 sunblock is ideal for use all over your body. It provides UVA & UVB protection, is water resistant, won’t irritate or dry out the skin, and won’t clog pores. It is ideal for everyday use on sensitive skin.
Price: R264.99 for 100ml
Purchase: here
5. Simply Bee Beeswax Sunscreen SPF 30
Picture: Simply Bee
Nourish, protect & care for your body with Simply Bee Beeswax Sunscreen. Made with only natural ingredients such as fynbos propolis, fynbos honey, shea butter, coconut butter, beeswax, neel oil & turmeric root oil.
The sunscreen brings you natural protection from the sun: it’s free of all harsh chemicals, mineral oils, synthetic ingredients, artificial colours & fragrances.
Feel the ocean’s waves caress your skin, move through forests & enjoy the outdoors knowing that your skin is protected with natural sun protection with Simply Bee Beeswax Sunscreen.
ALSO READ: Safety tips for spending summer outdoors
