Now that summer is here it’s time to talk sunscreen. You can probably guess that I’m a mineral sunscreen kind of girl. While I don’t wear any sunscreen for shorter exposures, if I’m going to be in the sun for several hours I only reach for safe, mineral options. For one mineral sunscreen is WAY better for the environment. All those chemicals in mainstream sunscreen kill off our little fishies, destroy coral reefs, and contaminate our water supply. Do you really want to be the cause of that? If that’s not enough, the chemicals in non-mineral sunscreen wreak havoc on your body. They are the cause of an increased toxic load and can even contribute to illnesses such as cancer. So, yes, mineral sunscreen is the way to go and if you’re afraid it will leave you white as a ghost, think again. Today’s options are much more user friendly than those of the past and some even give you a little extra golden glow.

To pick your favorite I recommend visiting the Environmental Working Group (EWG) summer site for a list of their top picks. There you can learn about how to choose a safe sunscreen, get a list of their top choices, and find the rating of your usual go-to. For me, the EWG is the gold standard for choosing safe, healthy products for home and body.

Many of the sunscreens on the EWG website are fragrance free. So, if like my partner, Kevin, you absolutely loves a scented sunscreen I have a hack for you! Simply add DōTERRA Citrus Bliss to your mineral sunscreen of choice for a summery scented, non-toxic sunscreen to keep you satisfied all summer long (NOTE, if you have sun sensitivity you may want to choose a non citrus option like lavender or rose as some oils are photosensitive). You can purchase a bottle of the essential oil here by going to “Proprietary Blends” under the “Shop” section. The scent is definitely reminiscent of the sunscreen from your childhood! Not a fan of citrus or don’t want to risk a reaction due to photosensitivity? Try something floral like lavender, rose, or geranium. Bonus, geranium is a great natural insect repellant!

Finally, mineral sunscreens may wear off more quickly than their chemical competitors. So, be sure to reapply regularly and more often when swimming. While it’s ideal to only be in the sun for a couple of hours at a time on days when time in the sun is more extensive keep an eye on your skin and practice self care by reapplying often. Since sun is great for our mitochondria I usually apply sunscreen thirty minutes to one hour after sun exposure, allowing my skin time to soak up some healthy rays before blocking them out. This gives me the best of both worlds - a healthy mitochondria boost and time in the sun, minus the burn!

I hope you found this article a helpful addition to your fun in the sun! Now get to shopping! You can find natural sunscreens at your local health foods store, on amazon, and they are even becoming more available at big box stores like Target.