Reasons to choose mineral sunscreen lotion
Anecdote: for almost 20 centuries, white skin was synonymous with beauty and social distinction. Today, on the contrary, it's the cult of sun-kissed skin...
As early as 1936, tanning became a symbol of good health and a body in the open air. But the advent of the Second World War temporarily pushed this new practice back into the shadows..3
The health benefits of the sun or vitamin D
Sunlight is considered a photo-nutrient. Today, the benefits of sunlight are recognized by the vitamin D synthesized by our bodies in the skin. In effect, vitamin D is a pre-hormone. It circulates in the bloodstream, activating and deactivating certain cellular mechanisms. It interferes with the immune system, for example, by increasing the number of white blood cells or lymphocytes (cells responsible for our first line of defense against infection).
It maintains the integrity of our intestinal mucosa (the microvilli that are our nutrient absorption zone). What's more, this vitamin has a direct effect on our sleep and the regulation of our appetite. And, as studies show, vitamin D has an impact on our mood. We've also discovered that our bodies are genetically programmed to work with the amount of sunlight that penetrates our eyes and skin..1, 2, 6
Spotlight on chemical sunscreens
After years of warnings about the threat of skin cancer if we dared to expose ourselves to the sun without applying sunscreens, today we don't just see the benefits of these high SPF creams with chemical filters. Here are a few names of chemical filters often composed of 2 to 6 ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, octinoxate....6
According to the American environmental organization Environmental Working Group (EWG), the chemical filter "oxybenzone" is the most problematic and ubiquitous in sunscreens, and can penetrate the skin and cause allergic reactions, as well as being an endocrine disruptor. These allergenic substances are also toxic for the environment, as they have a direct impact on coral bleaching and mass mortality..6
Sun exposure and skin ageing
Overexposure to UV rays is one of the causes of premature skin aging. UV rays activate the enzymes responsible for collagen degradation, leading to an abnormal accumulation of elastin. This cumulative damage is responsible for sun scars such as rougher skin, the appearance of age spots, wrinkles, skin discoloration and, if the damage is too severe, skin cancer..1, 2, 6
Overexposure to UV rays can have an impact on the immune system (the body's natural defense against disease). It can lead to the depletion of antioxidants such as vitamins E and C, which are particularly important for skin health.1
Enjoying the sun without damaging your health
Sunshine is "good for your health, good for your morale", but it's important to follow a few rules to make the most of it. First of all, you need to know how to protect yourself from UV rays (ultraviolet rays) while sunbathing.
- Never let yourself get burnt, and avoid the sun in the middle of the day, i.e. between 11:00 and 16:00.
- Apply sunscreen generously and evenly at least 15 minutes before exposure to the sun.
- Wear a hat or cap to protect your scalp, sunglasses to protect the thin skin of your eyelids, etc.
- To begin with, expose your skin gradually, preparing it for the sun and activating melanin production to protect it from the sun's harmful rays.
- Preparing your skin for the sun helps to slow down premature ageing, which manifests itself in wrinkles, dehydration, slower healing, etc.
- Drink plenty of water while you're out in the sun, bearing in mind that thirst is not a good indicator of how often you should drink.
- If you're applying insect repellent, apply the sun cream first and wait 15 minutes before adding the insect repellent.
- Don't forget that clouds can also let UV rays through. .2, 4, 6
Solis, a protective mineral sunscreen lotion
Even though exposure to the sun can have many benefits, good protection against UV rays is essential.
The company Viva Health Skincare is a range of herbal supplements and facial care products made from the highest quality ingredients. Manufacturing most of their products in their own laboratories, this company has all the knowledge and process of development from start to finish, ensuring unequivocal freshness for consumers.
Their range is complemented by a mineral lotion for sun protection free from ingredients such as parabens, fragrances, endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, GMOs or toxic chemicals of any kind.
The Solis mineral lotion mineral lotion is all-natural, effective and formulated with 20% zinc oxide for long-lasting protection that leaves no white or greasy residue.
Unlike chemical sunscreens that penetrate the skin, zinc oxide sunscreen stays on the skin's surface and deflects the sun's rays, offering instant protection against sun damage.
This formula is suitable for all skin types with its silky texture that leaves no residue. This product is vegan, hypoallergenic and water-soluble..5
Application: Apply the Solis sun lotion evenly over moisturized skin on face, neck and body.5
Enjoying the sun is good for your health when you're well protected!
About the author
Marie Couture, Certified Naturopath
Specialized in :
- Digestive disorders
- Inflammation
- Hormonal problems
- Stress management
References :
- Schauch Dr. Marita, BSc, DN, Collagen Myths and Misconceptions, Friesens Corp, 2014, 124 pages
- Trucs santé pour une peau belle à croquer, Vitalité Québec, Chantal Ann Dumas ND.A.