The truth about sunscreens: choose safe this summer

The truth about sunscreens: choose safe this summer
Take the hassle pit of finding the right sun protection with HealthPost's expertly curated range of natural sunscreens, chosen with both you and the planet in mind.

By now, most of us are well versed in the reasons we need to use sunscreen. After all, New Zealand does have one of the highest rates of melanoma and skin cancer in the world.

Unfortunately, while we are aware that sunscreen is a summer essential, deciphering labels and figuring out what type of formulation is best for you and your family can be tricky business.

This summer, you can take the hassle out of finding the right sunscreen as HealthPost has done the hard work for you with its expertly curated range of sunscreens that has been created with both you and the planet in mind.

Natural sunscreen

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are highly effective natural sunscreen ingredients that provide skin with broad-spectrum protection from UV rays without the chemical cocktail found in most conventional sunscreens.

Traditionally, the mineral-based ingredients found in natural sunscreens have been challenging to apply and would leave a thick white residue on skin. Fortunately, thanks to nanotechnology, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide particles can now glide effortlessly onto the skin.

While there has been concern that nanoparticles could penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, studies on nanoparticles used in sunscreen indicate that they pose little risk to human health. However, there is some evidence that nanoparticles can be harmful when inhaled, which is why HealthPost does not stock aerosol products that feature nanotechnology.

As per New Zealand regulations, all HealthPost products that contain nano ingredients are clearly labelled.

Behind the label

Not all sunscreens are created equal, as the latest testing by Consumer NZ has confirmed. In fact, independent testing has revealed that not all sunscreens meet the SPF claims on their labels.

Despite the important role that sunscreen can play in preventing skin cancers, it is not compulsory for sunscreen manufacturers in New Zealand to test their products.

With this in mind, HealthPost has developed its own process for ensuring that sunscreens deliver on their claims. To ensure that you are receiving the level of protection that you’re paying for, HealthPost only stocks sunscreens that have been independently tested to meet label claims, including SPF rating and water resistance.

Reef-safe sunscreens

The impact that sunscreen has on coral reefs and marine life has been in the spotlight lately, however the jury is still out on exactly which ingredients damage this vulnerable ecosystem. As

HealthPost natural health expert Liz McNamara explains, “Just because something is natural, doesn’t mean it’s safe for reefs, and we don’t want to perpetuate this false belief. Natural ingredients can still be harmful to the environment and we look forward to the day that brands can have their products reliably tested to ensure the health of oceans and waterways.” Because many reef-safe claims are unable to be scientifically proven, HealthPost has removed these claims from product descriptions on their site.

Better choices promise

When you purchase sunscreen from HealthPost, you know you’re choosing a product that’s safe for you to use all summer long. HealthPost’s Better Choice Promise means that all products are rigorously assessed to ensure they’re not only free from potentially harmful ingredients, but they’re also better for the planet. Part of the Better Choices

Promise is the ‘Red List’ – a thorough list of potentially harmful ingredients that you won’t find in any of HealthPost’s products. All of HealthPost’s sunscreens are also cruelty free and are independently tested to substantiate label claims.

Remember, staying safe in the sun means seeking shade when UV levels are at their highest – during summer, this is usually between the hours of 10am and 5pm. When you are out in the sun, it’s important to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, particularly after exercising and swimming, and to cover up with light clothing, a wide- brimmed sunhat and sunglasses.

HEALTHPOST’S TOP SUNSCREEN PICKS

– Shop now at healthpost.co.nz

Left to right: Eco by Sonya, Natural Sunscreen, 150ml, $39.90; Earth’s Kitchen, Kawaka & Tamanu Adult Sun Protection SPF50, 120ml, $37.90; Solimara Truly Natural, Natural Sunscreen Face and Body SPF 50, Golden Sands, 88g, $31.40. (Prices valid from September 2020, subject to change)

Shop sunscreens and more than 5,000 natural, clean, sustainable and ethical wellness products at healthpost.co.nz.

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