While there are many mineral sunscreens that offer UVA/UVB protection, very few go deeper to address and counteract the long-term damaging effects caused by free radicals and overexposure to the sun.
Sunburns are caused by a complex chemical reaction that creates free radicals that damage DNA molecules in the skin, dilate blood vessels and then recruit inflammatory compounds to help minimize the damage.
Peeling skin is caused when the burn is so bad that it destroyed those molecules and your dead skin sloughs off.
But the burn goes deeper and not all the damaged DNA peels off. The UVB rays that caused the burn have a short wavelength and generally don’t penetrate the inner layers of your skin. UVA rays have longer wavelengths and can penetrate more deeply, causing long-term damage to cells where photoaging occurs.
It’s the free radicals, atoms without paired electrons, released by overexposure to the sun that may harm your skin at the cellular level.
Antioxidants in your skin care products can combat free radicals by “donating” an electron to the unbalanced atom, effectively halting the process. That’s why you should seek out sunscreens and after sun body care products that are packed with powerful antioxidants that take protection from the sun a step further than just blocking its rays.
Some of our favorite skin-supporting antioxidant-rich botanicals:
- Green tea is well-known for its anti-aging benefits when consumed as a beverage. Rich in polyphenolic compounds, when used topically, green tea is a potent antioxidant that also helps to reduce redness & improve skin elasticity.*
- Holy basil, also known as tulsi, is a highly effective adaptogen, which supports your body’s ability to resist stress.*
- Aloe is one of the most well-known remedies for overexposure to the sun because it’s cooling and soothing. Containing multiple antioxidants, aloe is also a non-greasy moisturizer that keeps skin hydrated.
- Olive leaf is packed with phytonutrients to protect against the free radicals; it supports the skin, reduces redness, stimulates the growth of new cells, and supports circulation.*
- Wakame Seaweed is naturally abundant in amino acids from seawater, making it an excellent ingredient for those with dry or dehydrated skin. Wakame targets the mitochondria, which contributes to the longevity of cells.*
- Turmeric is an antioxidant-rich “secret beauty ingredient” prized by the ancient Egyptians and commonly found in Ayurvedic skin care routines; recent studies have shown that turmeric protects the skin against the harmful damage and aging effects caused by exposure to UV rays.*
For all your serious adventures this summer, look for reef safe, mineral-based (titanium dioxide, and/or EcoSafe Zinc™) UVA/UVB sunscreens and body care products that are loaded with antioxidant-rich botanicals to nourish and protect skin.*