What We Personally Look For In SPF
SPF is one of the most important parts of a healthy skincare routine.
And honestly?
It can also be one of the most confusing.
Between marketing claims, ingredient lists, reef-safe conversations, mineral vs chemical formulas, and endless conflicting information online…
it becomes difficult to know what actually matters.
At Love + Be Well, we do not currently create a dedicated SPF product —
but we do believe strongly in helping people make more informed choices for their skin.
Because protecting your skin matters.
Why Sun Protection Matters
One thing we can all agree on is that excessive UV exposure impacts the skin significantly over time.
Sun exposure can contribute to:
- premature-looking aging
- dehydration
- uneven tone
- loss of elasticity
- hyperpigmentation
- skin damage
Supporting healthy skin includes protecting it consistently.
Especially when spending time outdoors regularly.
Mineral Sunscreen vs Chemical Sunscreen
There are two main categories of sunscreen:
mineral and chemical.
At Love + Be Well, we personally gravitate toward mineral-based options.
Especially those using zinc oxide.
Why?
Because mineral sunscreens work differently than many chemical formulas.
Instead of heavily absorbing into the skin, mineral SPF sits more on the surface and helps reflect or scatter UV rays.
That gentler approach aligns more closely with our skincare philosophy overall.
Why We Prefer Zinc Oxide
Zinc oxide is one of the most widely respected mineral sunscreen ingredients available today.
We especially appreciate it because it offers broad-spectrum support while generally feeling gentler for many skin types.
At Love + Be Well, we personally prefer:
- mineral-based SPF
- zinc oxide formulas
- non-nano options when possible
- simpler ingredient lists overall
Because ingredient transparency matters to us.
What “Non-Nano” Means
One thing people often see on sunscreen labels is the term “non-nano.”
In simple terms, non-nano zinc oxide refers to particles that are larger and designed to remain more on the skin’s surface rather than becoming highly absorbable.
Many people seeking cleaner beauty routines prefer non-nano mineral SPF for that reason.
Reading The Entire Ingredient List Matters
One thing we always encourage is looking beyond the front label.
Words like:
“natural,”
“clean,”
or “reef safe”
do not always tell the full story.
Reading the full ingredient list matters.
At Love + Be Well, we generally lean toward formulas with:
recognizable ingredients,
minimal unnecessary fillers,
and barrier-friendly formulations overall.
Simpler often feels better to us.
Ocean + Reef Awareness Matters Too
One thing many people are becoming increasingly aware of is how personal care products impact the environment too.
Especially when products wash into oceans and waterways.
At Love + Be Well, we love seeing more people becoming thoughtful not only about what goes onto their skin —
but also how products impact the world around us.
That awareness matters.
SPF Is Part Of A Healthy Routine — Not Fear
We also believe it is important to approach sun exposure with balance rather than fear.
Fresh air,
movement,
sunlight,
and time outdoors matter deeply too.
The goal is not avoiding life.
The goal is supporting healthy habits while protecting the skin thoughtfully.
And one very important reminder:
SPF should always be your final skincare step before makeup.
The Kind Of Skincare We Believe In
At Love + Be Well, we are not interested in fear-based beauty.
We are interested in:
healthy skin,
thoughtful ingredients,
barrier support,
hydration,
and helping people feel empowered in their choices.
Because skincare should feel supportive —
not overwhelming.
And honestly?
Healthy glowing skin usually comes from consistency, balance, and thoughtful care over time.
Love + Be Well,
Natalie
Our Thoughts On Natural Sunscreen
We get asked about sunscreen often.
What do we personally use?
What do we recommend?
How do we approach sun exposure overall?
And honestly?
We believe this is one of those very personal wellness choices where education matters far more than fear.
At Love + Be Well, we always encourage people to research, learn, and decide what feels best for their own body and lifestyle.
Because informed choices matter.
Our Philosophy Around Sun Exposure
We believe healthy sun exposure has value.
Fresh air,
natural light,
time outdoors,
movement,
and daily sunlight all play important roles in overall wellness.
Modern life keeps many of us indoors far more than previous generations.
So rather than fearing the sun entirely, we personally believe in practicing mindful, balanced sun exposure.
Seeking shade when needed.
Avoiding excessive burning.
Supporting the skin consistently.
And using protection thoughtfully when spending extended periods outdoors.
Mineral Sunscreen Is What We Personally Gravitate Toward
When choosing sunscreen, we personally lean toward:
- mineral-based formulas
- zinc oxide
- non-nano options
- simpler ingredient lists overall
Why?
Because mineral SPF sits more on top of the skin and helps physically reflect UV rays rather than heavily absorbing into the body like many chemical sunscreens.
That gentler approach aligns more closely with our skincare philosophy overall.
Ingredient Awareness Matters
One thing we always encourage is reading the full ingredient list.
Not just the front label.
Words like:
“clean,”
“natural,”
or “reef safe”
can sometimes be misleading without understanding the full formulation.
At Love + Be Well, we personally appreciate formulas with recognizable ingredients and fewer unnecessary additives whenever possible.
Many Botanical Oils Naturally Support The Skin
One thing interesting about plant-based skincare is that many botanical ingredients naturally help support and protect the skin barrier.
That was always intentional in our formulations.
Our skincare philosophy has always focused on:
hydration,
barrier support,
antioxidants,
and nourishment.
Because healthy skin is often more resilient skin overall.
Sun Protection Is About Balance — Not Fear
We are not interested in fear-based beauty or wellness.
We believe in balance.
Supporting the skin.
Protecting the skin.
Enjoying life outdoors responsibly.
And making thoughtful choices where we can.
Because healthy skin should still feel connected to real life.
Things We Personally Keep In Mind
When spending longer periods outside, we personally focus on:
- seeking shade when needed
- wearing hats or protective clothing
- staying hydrated
- using mineral SPF
- avoiding excessive burning
- nourishing the skin afterward
Simple supportive habits consistently matter more than perfection.
The Goal Is Healthy Skin For The Long Run
At Love + Be Well, our approach has always been rooted in supporting healthy skin gently and consistently over time.
Not harsh extremes.
Not panic.
Not impossible standards.
Just thoughtful care,
ingredient awareness,
and nourishing rituals that support the skin beautifully through every season of life.
Love + Be Well,
Natalie
