Sunscreen: I’ve had a love-hate relationship with it for a long time. Of course I knew all too well how important it is to protect your skin against harmful UV rays. But at the same time, I did not feel comfortable to rub myself from head to toe with products packed with artificial ingredients that do little good for my skin and the environment.
From the very beginning of SELF, launching my own sunscreen was high on my wish list. However, developing a good vegan sunscreen was by no means evident. In addition to being 100% natural and optimally protective, our sunscreen also had to quickly penetrate the skin without leaving an annoying white (or green!) haze. After a long search and a lot of test rounds, we found the perfect formula for our SELF Boost of Protection. Finally! I gather from your massive reactions that you are just as happy with it as we are. That makes me the happiest!
SPF 30 of 50?
“Is SPF 30 sufficient?” I am often asked that question. There are still many misconceptions about the meaning of SPF. Contrary to popular belief, the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is not that big at all. For example, a sunscreen with SPF30 blocks 96.6% of UV radiation, while an SPF50 offers 98% protection.
Truth is: stopping all radiation is impossible. That is precisely why the term “sunblock” is prohibited. It gives a false sense of security. What exactly does the SPF 30 stand for then? Well, if your skin without sunscreen burns after 10 minutes, with an SPF 30 it will only happen after 30 x 10 minutes.
That is the theory, but I would like to comment on it. Because everything depends of course on your skin type and on how much product you use.
Protecting your skin from sun damage
Now that the sun has finally reappeared, it is best to to practice good sun protection habits. With these 5 rules of thumb you keep your skin healthy as you enjoy the sun!
Use enough sunscreen
Did you know that you need to use two milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter to get the protection factor on the package? If you use only half of the recommended amount, the protective effect of your sunscreen with SFP 30 drops to an SPF 15.
Not sure how much sunscreen you need? Here’s a handy reminder:
- Face: half a teaspoon
- Arms and legs: four tablespoons
- Belly and back: two tablespoons
Moisturize enough
Apply a new layer of sunscreen every two hours. Don’t forget your face, too! Much of the protective effect is lost during swimming. So apply well after every swim.
Protect yourself even in the shade
Of course it is smart to find a place in the shade, but that does not mean that you can skip the sun protection. Trees, umbrellas and sunshades still let in a lot of UV rays, so apply well even in the shade.
Don’t forget the kids
Did you know that the little ones are extra sensitive to sun damage? With sunburn, children’s skin simply do not have enough time to recover. This creates, as it were, permanent “scars” in the skin cells. The more scars, the greater the risk of skin cancer in later life. So make sure your little ones are well-protected and simply avoid the sun between 12 and 3 pm!
Be mindful even behind glass
The UVB rays of sunlight burn your skin, while UVA rays promote skin aging and hyperpigmentation. Both play an important role in the development of skin cancer. Where UVB rays do not get through glass, UVA rays can. So always choose a sunscreen that protects your skin against both types of radiation (such as our Boost of Protection). This means you should also apply sunscreen if you’re on the car on sunny days. Your skin will thank you!
Do you already know our Boost of Protection?
Not yet acquainted with our SELF Boost of Protection? The latest addition to our SELF family has a lot to offer. Aside from being 100% vegan and natural, it is perfectly safe for marine life and packed with natural concentrates to nourish and soothe your skin. Think of:
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax: A vegan alternative to beeswax with excellent emollient properties
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil: Packed with vitamin A, E and D, it is easily absorbed for the skin where it helps to maintain its barrier function.
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil: Like other plant oils, it contains high amounts of nourishing and moisturizing fatty acids and is used to repair and regenerate dry skin.
Cucumber Fruit Extract: Has a high content of minerals, potassium and sulfur which help to soften and hydrate the skin. Also has cooling and tonic properties.
Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter: Prized for its rich content of phytosterols to benefit dry, damaged skin and polyphenols to combat free radicals in the tissues. Also well known for its ability to absorb damaging UVA / UVB rays for natural sun protection.
Do you want to know more about our 100% natural & vegan ingredients and their benefits? We made a Self Ingredient Dictionary with information about all our ingredients.
Why your skin needs extra nutrition after a sunny day
Sun exposure depletes the moisture reserves of your skin. After a long summer day, don’t forget to rub your skin with a nourishing body lotion! A nourishing cream keeps your skin soft and nourished. And a nice bonus: hydrated skin makes your sun-kissed complexion last longer. Our Fine Delicate Body Butter treats your skin to a substantial hydration boost and is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients that soothe your skin.
Tip: our Sunny Skincare Set is your partner in crime against sun damage. It contains our Boost of Protection SPF30 and Fine Delicate Body Butter.
I wish you all a beautiful and healthy summer!
Love,
Team SELF
