Sustainable Sun Care: Trending Products and Routines in 2024

Basking in the sun feels amazing, but UV rays can negatively affect the skin. Sustainable sun care means enjoying the outdoors, while reducing your environmental impact. Discover eco-friendly sun care products and routines to keep your skin safe this summer.

Sustainable Sun Protection Products to Try Out

Many sun protection products are available on the market, yet only a few go a long way in protecting the environment. Discover these trendy and eco-friendly sun care products.

Ultrasun’s Face Anti-Pigmentation

This revolutionary product from Ultrasun is trending in all the right ways. It provides dual protection from sun damage and pigmentation. The product is free from octinoxates and oxybenzone, an organic compound that can disrupt your endocrine system and cause other harmful effects on the body. It’s fast-absorbing, non-greasy and lightweight, making it ideal for people prone to pigmentation and those with sensitive skin.

Silver Falls Sustainability Co.’s Reef Safe Sunstick

Sunscreen sticks are easy to apply and more portable than lotions. This sustainable sun care item from Silver Falls Sustainability Co. is reef-safe and contains natural ingredients, like carrot seed and raspberry oil, for maximum protection. The packaging is made of compostable paperboard tubes to reduce plastic waste.

HappySoaps’ Plastic-Free Sunscreen

This natural, mineral-based sunscreen is small, but provides huge benefits. To use it, simply rub it onto the skin. It has SPF 50 and offers protection from UVA and UVB rays. More importantly, the ingredients and packaging are environmentally friendly, so feel free to swim without worrying about ocean life.

Green People’s Scent-Free Sun Cream

Buy this sunscreen if you’re looking for kid-friendly, sustainable sun protection. It’s enriched with aloe vera to soothe your skin, while protecting it against harmful UV rays. One thing to love about the brand is it donates money from every bottle sold to the Marine Conservation Society.

Your Pre- and Post-Sun Skin Care Routine

Sunscreen application is just one way to protect your skin from the sun. Follow these routines to stay safe in the sun and heat. 

Wear Sun Protection

Protect yourself from the sweltering sun with these items:

• Sunscreen: Broad spectrum sunscreen acts as a protective barrier between your skin and UVA/UVB rays, which can reduce skin elasticity, cause premature skin aging and lead to skin cancer. 
• Sunglasses: Wear sunglasses, designed to offer protection from UV rays, whenever possible.
• Wide-brimmed hat: This fashionable item can help protect your face, ears and neck from UV rays.
• Rash guard: Wear a rash guard to protect your body from the sun and other harmful elements, especially when participating in a water activity.
  

Reapply Sunscreen

Reapply thoroughly throughout the day, especially if you’re swimming or spending long hours under the sun. Do this to avoid sunburn, which causes painful and flakey skin. 

Seek Shade

Limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. — when the sun’s rays are most extreme and intolerable. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, use an umbrella or go indoors during this time. You can also refer to the UV index before going out to know the UV intensity levels, so you can adjust your daily activities accordingly.

Cleanse Your Skin

Wash away the sunscreen and impurities accumulated on your skin’s surface before sleeping at night. Use a gentle cleanser with natural ingredients. Sustainable skin care products usually have fewer chemicals, so always read the label before buying.

Eat Nutritious Foods

Nutrient-dense foods can improve your body’s ability to protect skin against the sun. For instance, antioxidants are considered edible sunscreens because they can help prevent the onset of wrinkles, sunburn and skin cancer. You can find them in foods with carotenoids and polyphenols, like berries and leafy greens.

Stay Safe This Summer

These sustainable sun care products and tips allow you to enjoy the sunshine guilt-free. Incorporating these products and strategies into your routine can help you safeguard your skin and the environment.