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
