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Sunscreen Embraces Natural and Eco-Friendly Innovations
Finding a sunscreen that is safe for the skin, the environment, and the oceans can be a challenge. However, in recent years, brands have been making significant efforts to improve their formulas and offer products that are both effective and environmentally friendly. Let's explore some of the latest innovations that provide vacationers with greater peace of mind.
Sun protection is essential, and it's crucial to invest in quality sunscreen before heading out on vacation. Excessive sun exposure is linked to more than 80% of skin cancers, as reported by Santé Publique France. This emphasizes the importance of taking the necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely, such as seeking shade, using protective clothing, sunglasses, hats, and choosing the right sunscreen based on skin type and sun exposure conditions. Moreover, consumers are increasingly interested in purchasing natural products that are less harmful to their health and the environment, avoiding products that contribute to ocean pollution.
Many brands have responded to these demands by developing new formulas that exclude controversial ingredients and filters. Mineral sunscreens, primarily based on titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, have gained popularity. These mineral filters, when reduced to powder form, are considered less harmful to the skin. SeventyOne Percent, a French natural sun protection brand, offers the Eco Sun Spray Invisible, a bestseller that uses 100% mineral filters to protect against UVA and UVB rays. Enriched with organic oils like jojoba, sunflower, and buriti, it provides additional skin benefits. This vegan alternative, made in France, also focuses on respecting the oceans.
Mineral filters have become the norm in many sunscreen brands or are a significant component of their product ranges. Brands like Bioregena, Korres, La Biosthétique, and Praïa now offer formulas with a limited list of natural and clean ingredients.
Chemical compounds present in certain sunscreens have been found to harm coral reefs and biodiversity. As a result, some countries, including Hawaii and the Palau archipelago, have banned sunscreens considered toxic to reefs. Brands are adapting by offering products that are less harmful to the planet. Laboratoires de Biarritz, for example, created the Alga Maris organic range to be non-toxic for marine ecosystems. Other brands, such as Biotherm, Garnier Ambre Solaire, and Biosolis, are focusing on biodegradable formulas with a minimum of 90% biodegradability. While no sunscreen can claim to be entirely reef-safe, opting for natural and biodegradable options can help minimize the impact on the environment.
In France, health professionals and authorities emphasize the importance of sun protection as skin cancer cases continue to rise. The Institut National du Cancer (INCa) reports a more than tripling of cases in almost four decades. The Dutch authorities have taken steps to address this concern by installing sun protection dispensers in strategic locations, providing residents with free sunscreen whenever sunny conditions require it.
The quest for natural, eco-friendly sunscreens is gaining momentum as brands strive to offer products that prioritize both skin safety and environmental responsibility. By choosing these innovative options, consumers can protect themselves while also taking care of the planet.