​With many popular social media sites allowing us to connect more than ever before, people from all over the world are swapping tips, ideas, and advice on everything from fashion design and food, to the best travel destinations. With so many people sharing, it's easy to think that you may have stumbled upon some of the best-kept secrets that you must try! While you definitely should consider preparing that delicious blueberry cobbler recipe, it would be very wise of you to avoid attempting any of the DIY sunscreen recipes that are trending as safe and natural alternatives. 

A study published in the journal Health Communication examined how people share information about homemade sunscreen on the popular inspiration-board website Pinterest, and concluded that almost 95% of pins about homemade sunscreen portray it in a positive light. What was alarming was the average shares/saves on posts for homemade sunscreen was about 800, with one pin being saved more than 21,000 times. Many people want safe and effective products for themselves and their families, but relying on a DIY product for sun protection would be a dangerous proposition. Even though a topic trends and appears to be popular doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s good for you.  

​As fun as it is to whip up a homemade face mask or devise a soap recipe out of oatmeal and essential oils, formulating sunscreen is entirely different. That’s because protecting your skin from both UVA and UVB rays is a precise science that requires specialized testing. Properly regulated commercial sunscreen is rigorously tested for efficacy and effectiveness within a clinical lab setting. 

​For years, zinc oxide has been used as a physical barrier in mineral-based sunscreens. It has been proven safe and offers excellent protection against both UVA & UVB rays. It’s a photostable, broad-spectrum ingredient that is ideal for safe sunscreen formulas. It has the broadest UVA coverage of all the sunscreen ingredients currently available in the U.S, as well as UVB coverage.  Zinc Oxide can be safely applied in repeated doses without the risk of local skin toxicity, according to the findings of a recent study. It is great for all skin types -- even on those with extremely sensitive skin. It is also non-comedogenic, so it will not cause breakouts or acne. Zinc Oxide is great for anyone older than six months old and best of all since it’s a physical barrier on the surface of the skin, it starts working as soon as you apply it. So, if you’re looking for the best mineral-based broad-spectrum sunscreen an organic, zinc oxide is an excellent choice. SUNZ SPF 30 natural tinted organic zinc sunscreen is safe for all skin types and biodegradable, so it's great for everyone and the environment. Enjoy the sun safely!

According to a new research study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on Monday, it suggests that the active ingredients in chemical sunscreens are being absorbed into the bloodstream. Since sunscreen is applied directly to the skin (topically) over a large portion of the body, and usually, on a daily basis, it's important to know exactly what is in it.  Since the skin is our largest organ we should be concerned about the effects of what certain ingredients can do to our bodies, if absorbed. The new study found that there are much higher levels of the common chemical ingredients in many sunscreens that are being absorbed more than previously thought. NBC News reported that in some cases, it may be "as much as 40 times" the normal levels. ​This new study isn’t the first to suggest that sunscreen ingredients might find their way into the body from the skin, in fact, many scientists have questioned the safety and effectiveness of these ingredients for years. Some studies have even shown these chemicals to be found in breast milk and are bio-accumulating in the body. The latest study also found that the blood concentration of some of the chemical ingredients continued to rise as after daily use and then remained in the body for at least 24 hours after sunscreen use ended. 

Is Your Sunscreen Safe?
Do you know what the active ingredients are in your current brand of sunscreen? What about the inactive ingredients? If you're unsure or you've been using a sunscreen that contains active chemical ingredients, you may want to consider using a natural mineral based sunscreen for your UV protection. ​ The FDA considers only two out of the sixteen ingredients used in sunscreen as being safe: they zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These are natural mineral based ingredients that have been safe and effective for many years. ​

Natural Organic SPF 30 Protection
​​The Environment Working Group recommends choosing a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide when possible. SUNZ SPF 30 UVA & UVB is a natural, organic zinc oxide sunscreen. Our formula has a handful of proven, high-quality ingredients to give you the powerful protection that you need, without all of the harmful and unnecessary ingredients. We use an organic non-nano zinc oxide that is naturally tinted, so it also won't leave the white shadow on your skin. It comes in a Light and Medium Sheen to enhance every skin tone. There are no chemicals, synthetic ingredients or fragrances in our formula, so it is safe and effective in providing a natural physical barrier that you can rely on and feel good about using every day.