SPF Thoughts & Suggestions

SPF is a big deal, in every way. It can be wonderfully protective or terribly toxic to you and our planet, so let's break down what you should look for.

First off, be well does not make a dedicated SPF as of today, but we are here to guide you in what your healthy choices are. 

1. Choose mineral based products like zinc

2. Choose non-nano 

3. Read the rest of the ingredient list

4. Check if it's reef/ocean safe

Ok, so let's break this down a wee bit more...

There are two types of sunscreens: chemical and mineral. Zinc Oxide falls under the “mineral” category.

The other active ingredient used in mineral sunscreens is Titanium Dioxide. These two ingredients are currently the only two active ingredients (for both chemical and mineral sunscreens) that are “proposed to be safe and effective for sunscreen use” according to the FDA.

Why is mineral sunscreen safer than chemical sunscreen: The active ingredients in chemical sunscreen can damage your body as they actually penetrate and soak into your skin. Plus, they can be harmful for the ocean and its beautiful sea creatures.

The Bad: Oxybenzone is one of the most common active ingredients in chemical sunscreens. Avoid it! It is a hormone disruptor, and is damaging to coral reefs when it’s washed off into the ocean.

The Good: Zinc Oxide is a mineral, and it’s one of the main active ingredients in many mineral based sunscreens. An active ingredient in sunscreen is the ingredient that actually does the work of protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging rays.

What to look for: Mineral based sunscreen that is non-nano simply means the zinc particles are too large to pass through the skin into the body. This means it won't absorb into your skin, it won't harm the oceans, and it provides excellent UVA and UVB protection.

How does it work: Zinc Oxide sits on top of your skin (rather than soaking in, like chemical sunscreens do) and protects you by scattering, absorbing, and reflecting the sun’s rays.

We personally use and recommend Badger Sunscreen. The ingredients list is stellar and all recognizable ingredients we feel safe feeding our skin. Mitch likes the kid 30 spf that's scented orange....because he's basically a big kid.  

Lastly, we also believe in letting our skin soak up the vital vitamin D from the sun for 15-20 minutes day. Morning or evening are the best times to do this.

APPLY your SPF last in your skincare routine.