Most of us know the importance of wearing sunscreen in the summer months to avoid sunburn and damage, but it really should be a year-round preventive health measure. Always wear sunscreen, no matter your skin color or tone.

It’s dark before and after work, why do I need sunscreen if I’m in the office all day?
Well, in addition to the UV rays that can penetrate your office window, did you know that your computer, Ipad and smart phone screens can contribute to aging your skin? HEV light (the blue light radiated from electronic screens) is being shown in studies to be able to penetrate your skin deeper than UV rays from the sun. Also, just like sunlight, it is also capable of creating harmful amounts of free radicals in your skin, which cause damage to the cells and subsequently accelerate aging. In addition to using sunscreen every day, don’t forget the importance of a good quality L-Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in your skin care regime, to help keep those free radicals at bay.

There has been much ado about mineral sunscreens and all that buzz needs to be heeded. Why? Simply because the chemicals that are found in chemical sunscreens seep into our bloodstream.

Think zinc oxide and titanium dioxide! Here are 8 reasons why you should ditch the chemicals and make the move to a mineral sunscreen.

1. Chemicals used in chemical sunscreens absorb into the body and can be found in urine samples, breast milk and blood samples. Chemical sunscreens include octinoxate, avobenzone, oxybenzone, homosalate and octocrylene.

2. Octinoxate and oxybenzone are both endocrine disruptors, meaning that they negatively affect hormones.

3. Oxybenzone along with octocrylene, avobenzone and PABA are associated with allergic skin rashes.

4. Octinoxate and oxybenzone are also environmental contaminants since they have been found to contribute to coral bleaching when washed off in the ocean.

5. Chemical sunscreens penetrate into the skin and absorb most UV radiation, converting it to heat energy. Chemical filters are changed by this process in that they break down, reducing their UV protection. In addition, the change in chemical composition also releases free radicals.

6. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are natural minerals that sit on top of the skin and work by reflecting, scattering and absorbing UV rays. They are also known as a “physical barriers” which means that, contrary to their chemical counterparts, they don’t enter the skin.

7. Mineral sunscreens are broad-spectrum, protecting the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Chemical sunscreens offer an either/or scenario because they can’t adequately block both types of rays.

8. According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, those with sensitive skin should opt for “chemical-free” sunscreens to avoid skin irritation. Mineral sunscreens contain no chemicals and, therefore, are ideally suited for all skin types including sensitive skin.

With mineral sunscreen’s broad-spectrum protection and chemical-free ingredients, you can practice safe sun with a solid peace of mind.

All of Aspire Skin Care sunscreens are mineral-based.