During Summer, when the weather heats up and we spend more time outside, staying safe in the sunshine is crucial. I'm sharing a guide to sustainable sun protection, from zero waste and vegan-friendly SPF to choosing sun-safe clothing.
Sunscreen
SPF is a zero waste non-negotiable for me. But some brands manage to make cruelty-free sun protection that also happens to be low waste. The Mineral Day Cream by Suntribe offers broad spectrum protection combined with daily skin care. Formulated with Zinc Oxide to provide UVA and UVB coverage, and an SPF of 20. It's the ideal daily moisturising cream that can be worn under or instead of make-up. The product I received is packaged in a recyclable aluminium tube (with a plastic cap). But now Suntribe have switched to new packaging; a climate-positive sugar cane tube.
I took the Suntribe Mineral Day Cream with me on my recent trip to the seaside. I wore it every single day with a little concealer to give me just enough coverage for a natural makeup look. The balm-like texture smooths over the skin easily, absorbing quickly without any greasy or oily residue. Something a lot of sunscreens fail to do. There's a very subtle tint to this moisturiser that evens out your complexion, providing a fresh and natural appearance. Ideal for when you want a no-makeup day. Underneath make-up, it would act as a primer creating a base for application.
What I love the most about this SPF day cream is that it didn't upset my skin or cause blemishes, which sunscreen usually does. Despite wearing it every day, my complexion is clear. I didn't have to rigorously cleanse my skin either. My usual skincare routine was enough to remove all traces of the sunscreen without irritating my skin or causing spots. The Mineral Day Cream did an exceptional job at protecting my skin from the sun too. I didn't notice any redness or distress at all.
A little goes a long way with this sunscreen. I applied it in pea-sized amounts to build up with sun protection without causing pilling. It's better to add more than apply too much to begin with if you want to achieve the perfect finish. I found warming the balm between your fingers before applying helped the product apply more smoothly and evenly. Suntribe's Mineral Day Cream acts like a "blur" product, reducing pores and making redness less visible. The barely-there tint blended with my natural skin tone beautifully meaning I felt confident to wear it alone with just a touch of concealer and mascara for much of my vacation.
Sun protection is the most important skincare product everyone should be using daily. Finding a facial SPF that is comfortable to wear every day without causing breakouts, that also doubles up as light coverage make-up, is key to feeling confident in summer. Multi-purpose lightweight make-up and skincare is everything I want for my low-maintenance daily habits. Suntribe helps me achieve that with their Mineral Day Cream. Replacing the need for a separate primer or foundation by combining it together with excellent sun coverage.
You can buy the All Natural Mineral Day Cream SPF 20 direct from the Suntribe website. It comes in a 40ml tube and is priced at £24.99.
Sun-Safe Clothing
One of the most effective forms of protection against sun damage and skin cancer are the clothes you wear. They can help absorb and block harmful UV radiation. It's an easy way to stay safe in the sun, if you choose your outfits wisely. The more skin your outfit covers, the better your protection. Dark or bright colours are better than light clothing at absorbing and blocking UV rays. Densely woven fabrics are more protective than sheer cloth. If you can see through it, the UV radiation can easily penetrate through it. Natural cotton and linen are more effective than synthetic materials because they reflect radiation. Tight-fitting clothing will stretch allowing more UV light to pass through, reducing the level of protection your clothes offer. Loose-fitting outfits are a better option and more comfortable to wear in the sun too.
Sun Hat
The easiest ways to keep the sun out of your eyes and off your shoulders is with a sun hat. A traditional floppy brimmed sunhat or classic boater are useful to have in your wardrobe. They look great and protect you from UV rays. Both of mine were purchased second-hand; found in charity shops for less than £1 each. If old-fashioned sunhats aren't really your style, try a bucket hat instead. Whichever you choose, look for a wide brim and dense materials or tight knit. The best hats for sun protection have a brim of at least 3 inches, covering your face, ears, scalp, neck, and shoulders. If you do go for a straw hat, choose a tightly woven one.
Sunglasses
Wearing sunglasses has become more about fashion than sun protection yet they're one of the most important aspects of sun care. They will also protect the delicate skin around your eyes from ageing. Eye protection is particularly important if you're around bodies of water. Not only are you getting direct sun exposure but you'll also get reflected light from the water's surface. I have a pair of sustainable Pala sunglasses made from biodegradable, plant-based acetate with UVA/UVB protection, polarised anti-glare and anti-scratch lenses. Although I'm considering investing in prescription sunglasses from Peep Eyewear. More information on sustainable eyewear here.
