SUNSCREEN IS A HOT TOPIC ☀️

Were you a sunscreen kid?

Did you grow up getting slathered in thick white cream before heading into the sun — especially if your skin was fair?

We all know sunscreen is essential for protecting our skin from UV rays, but what exactly is it doing to our bodies, and how safe are the ingredients we use every day?

Let’s break it down.

💭 Sensible Questions to Ask

Is my sunscreen safe?
Will it burn or damage my skin in the heat?
Could it disrupt hormones, clog pores, or add to my toxic load?
If I wear sunblock daily, will it stop my body from producing vitamin D — the same vitamin that helps protect against skin cancer?
And what about the ocean — is sunscreen wash-off harming our coral reefs and marine life?

These are smart questions, and it’s time we all got up to speed on which sunscreens are safe — and which are not.

🧴 Chemical Sunscreens: What’s Really Inside?

Most conventional sunscreens are made in a lab with a blend of chemical filters, synthetic preservatives, and fragrances.

Some of the common culprits include:

• Oxybenzone — helps other chemicals absorb into your skin but has been linked to hormone disruption and coral bleaching.

• Synthetic Fragrances, Parabens & Phthalates — can interfere with the body’s hormonal system.

• Synthetic Musks — research shows possible hormone disruption.

• Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate) — may increase skin sensitivity when exposed to sunlight.

• Petroleum — used for water resistance but not eco-friendly.

• Nanoparticles — tiny enough to be absorbed into cells, tissues, and possibly organs.

The U.S. FDA still has no clear definition of what makes a sunscreen “natural” or “organic,” which means you have to look beyond the label.

🌿 Natural Mineral Sunscreens: The Cleaner Choice

Natural sunscreens use two mineral-based ingredients derived from earth minerals like clay and sand:

• Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂)

• Zinc Oxide (ZnO)

These act as a physical barrier, sitting on top of your skin to scatter and reflect UV rays rather than absorbing them.

Think of them like a mirror — UV light bounces off instead of sinking in.

Pros:

• Safe for sensitive skin

• Broad-spectrum protection

• Don’t break down in sunlight

• Fewer health and environmental risks

Cons:

• Can leave a light white tint if over-applied

• Less water-resistant (reapply every 2 hours if swimming or sweating)

🌞 How to Choose a Safe Sunscreen

Look for broad-spectrum protection — meaning it shields from both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.

• SPF 15 — great for kids or short sun exposure; contains lower % of zinc oxide

• SPF 30 — higher zinc oxide; ideal daily protection

• SPF 50 — long protection time, but use lightly to avoid a chalky finish

Bonus natural ingredients to look for:

• Coconut oil — soothing and deeply moisturizing

• Sunflower oil — rich in vitamins A, D, and E

• Shea butter — thickens and nourishes skin

• Beeswax — helps formulas stay water-resistant

🌺 After-Sun Skin Care Matters Too

Even the cleanest sunscreen can leave a residue that clogs pores or dulls the skin. That’s where natural exfoliation comes in.

After a long day in the sun, try:

• Aloe Vera Gel — to calm and cool sun-exposed skin.

• ‘ILI Hawaiian Coffee Scrub — to gently remove sunscreen build-up and restore your skin’s glow.

Our coffee scrub uses finely ground Hawaiian coffee, coconut oil, and nourishing essential oils to lift away sunscreen, salt, and sweat — leaving your skin soft, refreshed, and hydrated.

🌴 Final Thought

Only wear sunscreen when you truly need it — and choose wisely.
Your skin is your body’s largest organ and your lifelong protector.

Treat it with care, and it will protect you in return.

You are your skin’s sole guardian.