Your Guide to Clean Sunscreen & Self Tanners
Why sun protection, clean sunscreens & self tanners are so important and the LFG guide to our favorite clean options
LET’S TALK ABOUT SUNSCREEN & SELF TANNERS🧴
Why Should You Wear Sunscreen Every Day?
We all love a little sun, but protecting our skin is just as important. Wearing sunscreen daily is essential for reducing the risk of skin cancer and preventing premature aging. Harmful UV rays damage skin cells, leading to wrinkles, sunspots, and even cancerous growths.
That said, some sun exposure is good for us. Sunlight helps our skin produce vitamin D, which supports bone health, boosts immunity, improves mood, and regulates our sleep-wake cycle. A few minutes (5-15) of morning sun—without sunscreen—can be beneficial. However, too much sun exposure can lead to long-term damage, making daily sunscreen a must.
What Is "Clean" Sunscreen?
Not all sunscreens are created equal. There are two main types: chemical and mineral.
Chemical Sunscreens: The Hidden Risks
Many traditional sunscreens contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which have been linked to hormonal imbalances, endometriosis, infertility, and even cancer.
Additionally, these chemicals can negatively impact the thyroid and metabolic system, irritate the skin, and contribute to cardiovascular disease, autoimmunity, and chronic inflammation.
Some of the most concerning ingredients include:
❌ Parabens
❌ Octinoxate
❌ Oxybenzone
❌ Homosalate
❌ Octocrylene
❌ Avobenzone
❌ Phthalates
When applied to the skin, these chemicals are absorbed into the bloodstream and have been detected weeks after use in blood, urine, and even breast milk. We want to avoid these harmful chemicals by making sure we are not putting chemical based sunscreens on our skin.
Mineral Sunscreens: A Safer Alternative
Unlike chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreens use natural UV blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients sit on the skin’s surface, reflecting and physically blocking harmful UV rays.
Why choose mineral sunscreen?
✅ Better sun protection – Creates a physical barrier between your skin and UV rays.
✅ Non-toxic formula – Free from harmful chemicals found in traditional sunscreens.
✅ Gentle on the skin – Less likely to cause irritation or disrupt hormones.
When choosing a sunscreen, opt for a clean, mineral-based formula to protect both your skin and overall health. Your future self will thank you! 🌞
The Truth About Tanning: How to Get a Safe, Healthy Glow
The truth is, there’s no safe way to tan from the sun. Just like a sunburn, a tan is a sign of skin damage. In fact, about 70% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. The same UVA and UVB rays that give us that golden glow also harm our skin cells, leading to premature aging, wrinkles, and dark spots.
Of course, a little sun exposure is okay (and even healthy!), but if we want to keep our skin youthful, radiant and healthy, it's best to opt for self-tanners instead of tanning.
Why Choosing a Clean Self-Tanner is Important
It’s crucial to choose clean, non-toxic self-tanners. The FDA has only banned 11 chemicals out of the 10,000+ used in cosmetics—meaning many harmful ingredients still make their way into our products. Since regulations are lacking, we have to be our own best advocates when shopping for skincare and beauty products.
Ingredients to Avoid in Self-Tanners
When choosing a self-tanner, steer clear of:
❌ Parabens
❌ Drying alcohols
❌ Mineral oil
❌ Fragrance
❌ Synthetic dyes & pigments
❌ Formaldehyde
❌ Hydroquinone
❌ Lead acetate
Check Your Products for Safety
Since the FDA doesn’t regulate personal care products for safety, it’s up to us to ensure we’re picking clean options. I love using the EWG database to check my products and make sure they meet high safety standards.
Let’s take a closer look at one of the most popular self-tanning products…
Shop our favorite clean (and effective!) sunscreens & self tanners below
LFG GUIDE TO THE BEST CLEAN SUNSCREENS & SELF TANNERS ☀️
After trying and testing countless clean options on the market (and some not-so-clean ones), we've put together the ultimate guide to the best sunscreens and self-tanners—so you can keep your skin healthy, youthful, and glowing without the sun damage or unwanted chemicals.
If you want to see how clean & effective other sunscreens are, check them out on EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens!
SUNSCREEN
Kinship Self Reflect Mineral Face Sunscreen - Super light and gives your skin a shimmery glow. Moisturizes the skin & helps prevent breakouts.
Suntegrity Mineral Sunscreen For Body - Non-greasy, full body sunscreen
Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Lotion - Hydrating for sensitive skin and both face & body
SELF TANNERS
Island Tan Gradual Self Tan Drops by Suntegrity - Gradual & customizable self tanner for face & body
Beauty by Earth, Self Tanner Body Lotion - Moisturizing self tanning lotion for face & body
+ Lux Unfiltered N°12 Bronzing Face Drops - Our favorite face drops. Gives a bronze & customizable natural tan
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Love the Kinship!!!!
Thank you for all the great information! Love the face tanning oil and just ordered a new bottle for the spring ☀️