With the warmth of summer, nurturing and protecting your skin should be the top priority. Women’s skin is affected differently than men, especially after menopause. Studies have shown that female skin thins more dramatically, with more pronounced effects. 

This is why it’s so important to protect your skin with sunscreen. Understanding the ingredients in your sunscreen can significantly affect your skin health and how you enjoy your time outdoors. 

Women First Beauty offers the top mineral sunscreens, including Alastin SilkSHIELD® All Mineral Sunscreen, HydraTint Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 36, and Daily Broad Spectrum SPF 30+ Sunscreen.

If you haven’t looked at the ingredients in sunscreen, there are certain toxic chemicals to avoid that can damage your skin. Here is a look at why mineral sunscreens offer more benefits and what chemicals to look out for in regular sunscreens.

Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, offer several benefits compared to chemical sunscreens. 

1. Immediate Protection

Mineral sunscreens offer immediate protection against the sun’s rays as soon as they’re applied. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which must be applied 20-30 minutes before sun exposure, mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin and start working immediately.

2. Broad-Spectrum Protection

Mineral sunscreens typically contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, providing broad-spectrum coverage and protecting against UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkling and age spots, while UVB rays can burn your skin. Broad-spectrum coverage is essential for preventing skin damage and guarding against skin cancer.

3. Suitable for Sensitive Skin

Because mineral sunscreens contain natural minerals and do not penetrate the skin, they are less likely to cause skin irritation. This makes them an excellent option for people with sensitive skin, including children and those with skin conditions like rosacea or acne.

4. Better for the Environment

Recent research suggests that some chemical sunscreen ingredients, like oxybenzone and octinoxate, can harm marine life and coral reefs. Mineral sunscreens are generally considered more environmentally friendly because they lack these harmful chemicals.

5. Longer Shelf Life

Mineral sunscreen ingredients are more stable in sunlight, unlike chemical ones, which can degrade more quickly. This stability contributes to a longer shelf life, meaning mineral sunscreens may maintain their effectiveness longer when exposed to the sun.

6. No Risk of Free Radical Damage

Mineral sunscreens work by physically blocking the sun’s rays, reflecting them away from your skin. In contrast, some chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation and can release it as heat into the skin, potentially causing free radical damage. Mineral formulations avoid this risk, providing a safer option for sun protection.

7. Smoother Makeup Application 

Many mineral sunscreens are formulated to go smoothly and sit well under makeup without waiting. They can also double as primers, often having a matte finish that reduces the appearance of pores.

• Octinoxate: Blocks UVB rays, but may cause rashes, skin allergies, and reproductive issues.
• Oxybenzone: A hormone disruptor found in most sunscreen brands.
• Homosalate: An organic UV filter that can penetrate the skin, causing hormone disruption and producing toxic byproducts.
• Avobenzone: The FDA considers avobenzone safe when used as directed, but some studies show it can break down when exposed to sunlight.
• Retinyl palmitate: Can contribute to UV-related sun damage, especially dangerous for children and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Parabens: A toxic chemical that can cause allergic reactions, hormone disruption, developmental toxicity, and reproductive toxicity.

PABA: This can disrupt the formation of melanin, which can cause uneven skin tone and discoloration.

Women First Beauty recommends Alastin’s Hydratint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36 and SilkSHIELD All Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30. These mineral sunscreens stand out for their ability to protect against UV radiation and their composition, which supports skin health. Get 20% off with code SUMMER at Women First Beauty for a limited time! 

HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36

This sheer tinted sunscreen is crafted with a blend of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, providing natural, broad-spectrum protection without the chemical filters found in many other sunscreens. What sets Hydratint apart is its universally flattering tint that evens out the complexion, making it a perfect hybrid of skincare and cosmetic excellence. It’s ideal for those who want a luminous finish without compromising protection.

Benefits of HydraTint

• Provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection SPF 36 with a lightweight all-mineral formulation.
• Evens and brightens skin with a glowing tint for most skin tones.
• Powerful antioxidants help protect skin from pollution, IR rays, and blue light.
• Provides long-lasting hydration.
• Fragrance-free reef-friendly formulation.
• Water resistant for 40 minutes.
• There is no white residue.
• Winner of SHAPE “Best Tinted Moisturizer 2021” Beauty Award.
• Great for all skin types.

SilkSHIELD All Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 with TriHex Technology

SilkSHIELD goes beyond UV protection by incorporating Alastin’s proprietary TriHex Technology, which supports the skin’s natural ability to produce collagen and elastin. This formulation not only helps defend against the sun’s rays but also aids in repairing and rejuvenating the skin. Including antioxidants in SilkSHIELD helps combat environmental damage, making it a superb choice for comprehensive skin health management.

Benefits of SilkSHIELD Sunscreen

• A lightweight, fast-absorbing, broad-spectrum sunscreen that blends in sheer.
• Protects from UVA/UVB, IR rays, pollution, and blue light.
• Safe for sensitive or vulnerable skin, including post-cosmetic treatment skin.
• Fragrance-free and oil-free.
• Winner of InStyle’s Best Beauty Buys 2022 for “Most Innovative Skincare”.

Incorporating these advanced sunscreens into your daily routine is more than just a step in skincare; it’s an investment in your skin’s long-term health and resilience. Choosing products with protective and restorative properties ensures your skin receives the best care possible.

At Women First of Louisville, our doctors choose Alastin because of the high-quality ingredients in their sunscreen formulations. They’ve been proven to moisturize and protect better than regular sunscreens while making your skin glow.