Why choose mineral UVA/UVB protection?

Those of you who have been following us for a long time know how long we have been preparing mineral protection. Too long, which can tell you that it is really not a piece of cake and I admit that it is a big financial and psychological burden. Honestly, if we had been aware of this 3 years ago, I doubt that we would have embarked on the path of producing sunscreen. Because we wanted everything to be as it should be, the matter was even more complicated - we take protection against UV rays seriously, just like your skin. Through all the repeated testing, we have always agreed on SPF 15. The laboratory kept telling us that it would be difficult to achieve a high factor with mineral filters alone, and they were right, but since we received so many of your requests for it, we decided to offer it to you this year, because it costs us nothing to offer you at least this SPF 15, for which we have completed all the documents.

We must admit that we are not against chemical filters, but we are aware that not every skin tolerates them well, but since our offer is currently based primarily on care for sensitive skin, it is only right that we offer you mineral protection as the first.

WHY GO FOR NATURAL MINERAL UVA/UVB PROTECTION?

Mineral sunscreens start working very quickly after application. We just need to be careful that they are well distributed on the skin. They are skin-friendly, which is why they are also the best choice for protecting children's skin and people with sensitive skin. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the ingredients that reign supreme in mineral protection. They remain on the surface of the skin and reflect the sun's rays from there.

Most traditional sunscreens contain a chemical combination of at least two ingredients from the following list: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate.

It is known that other chemicals in conventional sunscreens can cause skin irritation, rashes, redness, itching, allergies...

SUNSCREEN MUST PROTECT US FROM UVA/UVB RAYS!

Our sun sends various UV rays to the earth. Unfortunately, we are not safe from all of them. The ozone layer protects us from UVC rays, and partly from UVB rays, but the remaining part of UVB rays and UVA rays unfortunately reaches the earth and consequently also reaches our skin.

UVA rays are the ones that penetrate deeper into the skin, they also form free radicals, change cells, dry out your skin in the long run, damage collagen fibers, accelerate premature aging, and when your body has really absorbed too much of them, don't forget that you can also cause sun allergies, various pigmentations, and other inconveniences. UVB rays can penetrate the epidermis and are the cause of painful sunburns, allergic reactions, etc.

IS THERE A NEGATIVE SIDE TO NATURAL SUNSCREEN?

Mineral sunscreens are the safest in all respects and also very effective, especially the protection lasts longer, unlike chemical filters. The only drawback of natural protection is its visibility on the skin. Zinc and titanium oxide leave a white mark on the skin, which means that the sunscreen does its job - it acts as a physical barrier between the skin and the sun. Natural sunscreen does not break down as easily in the sun as chemical sunscreen does, which means that your skin will have a more reliable source of protection for a longer period of time. We can choose our favorite form of natural protection. On the market you will find natural creams with zinc oxide, or a combination of titanium and zinc. The best is a combination of both, as this can provide a wide range of protection. Titanium and zinc oxide in nano form also make for a less visible mark on the skin. We have not yet decided on the nano form.

WHAT ARE NANO PARTICLES AND ARE THEY SAFE?

If we focus on mineral filters/zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, we can be worry-free if we know and are assured by the manufacturer (only they can tell us whether mineral filters are free of nanoparticles, they also trust us on their packaging. Nanoparticles must comply with EU legislation and their directive has only been properly labeled on the ingredients list with the word 'nano' in parentheses on the packaging since 2013). Although nanoparticles are what give mineral sunscreens their lighter texture and application, they are also extremely small in size and can penetrate the layers of the skin, but so far there are no confirmed studies on the passage of nano mineral particles. It is true that zinc oxide is considered one of the safest UV filters, but in the form of nanoparticles, it can cause the formation of free radicals. In addition, nanoparticles are not liked by marine biologists, who are trying to encourage people and organizations to stop using synthetic sunscreens and mineral sunscreens in the form of nanoparticles, as they harm coral reefs and cause many other inconveniences in the aquatic world. Our sunscreen does not contain nanoparticles, which is also proven by the trace that the cream leaves when applied.

HOW MUCH SUN PROTECTION DOES THE STATEMENT OF SPF FACTOR ACTUALLY PROVIDE?

Sunscreens are tested in laboratories with 2mg per square centimeter. So we must be aware that creams in insufficient quantity offer much less protection. The picture below shows the approximate amount of sunscreen needed to provide the SPF factor stated on the product. The measuring cup in the picture is a teaspoon. Since most people do not use enough sunscreen, choose a higher protection factor or reapply frequently.

Now, quickly, some of YOUR most frequently asked questions related to sun protection:

Some examples of the most frequently asked questions on Instagram related to SPF protection:

Customers : Katarina, what is the best anti-wrinkle cream?

Katarina : Cream with a protective factor.

Customers : Yes, I've always used SPF!

Katarina : Seriously? Yeah, well done, great. I've only been doing it for the last 4 years.

Customers : Oh, no, no. I have to in the summer if I don't get burned right away.

Katarina : In the summer? Yes, okay, in the summer it's to keep us from getting burned. I apply SPF cream every day.

Customers : What? Hello? Why is that? The sun doesn't shine every day! But it can't burn you like that all year round.

Katarina : You won't get burned, but you can get a number of other skin problems. Pigment spots, worsening rosacea, acne scars, sun spots, collagen breakdown (wrinkles)...

Customers : Are you kidding? Yeah, I just can't imagine putting the cream I have for the beach on my face. I get pimples, I sweat more in my face, I shine, my eyes burn...

Katarina : Well, it's hard to find a good cream for yourself because everyone's skin is so different. But choose an SPF cream that is designed to protect your face, because it has better formulations. A good SPF face cream can also replace your daily face cream, as long as your skin doesn't have major requirements. You can choose between inorganic (mineral) and organic (chemical) filters. If you have sensitive skin, I recommend inorganic filters. However, it is true that more modern organic filters are also suitable for sensitive skin.

Customers : Do I apply SPF cream in the same amount as any other face cream?

Katarina : Unfortunately, no. Apply SPF in the amount of two fingers, that's the easiest measure. This amount provides the protection that is indicated on the packaging.

Customers : Seriously? That is, it doesn't provide the protection that is stated? That is, the 30 Spf that I use on my body doesn't actually provide even 30 protection because I spread it on my body until it is "invisible" anyway.

Katarina : Yup, true that. If we applied it to the body in the right amount, we could actually use it up in a single application. But since we don't wear makeup on our bodies, we can reapply more often. Above all, we stick to reapplying after sweating, swimming, and this is a significant difference compared to protecting our faces.

Customers : But if I always apply SPF, how do I even get the vitamin D that's so important?

Katarina : Vitamin D is formed in our body in contact with UVB somewhere from March to October. Unfortunately, not in the other months. That's why it's important to supplement vitamin D in any case. Honestly, I like to put my feet in the sun and try to actually be in short skirts/dresses as much as possible. But I really don't sunbathe on the beach.

Customers : Which protective filters do you prefer to use?

Katarina : Inorganic (mineral) filters don't work on my facial skin, unfortunately. They get all over my face and I can't provide good protection, so I like to use creams with organic (chemical) filters or nano-forms of mineral filters, such as zinc and titanium, for my face. I usually choose tinted ones and just set them with mineral powder in a setting powder.

Customers : Wait, did I hear NANO right? Isn't that really bad?

Katarina : From the point of view of healthy skin, absolutely not, it is more of a problem from the point of view of the environment (seas, lakes, microorganisms), so I use inorganic protection at the sea/lake/rivers. During the year, I mostly use organic creams. But there are also more and more organic (chemical) filters that do not endanger the environment. The best skin protection is achieved precisely in the mix of inorganic & organic filters.

Customers : What about child protection?

Katarina : I kind of prefer inorganic (mineral) sunscreens. For this reason alone, because everything is white on the beach. As long as it's white, I know it's protected.

I hope you now have a better understanding of why UV protection is important for your skin's health. The type and amount of protection you choose will depend on the nature of your work and, of course, the needs of your skin.

Remember, however, that even a little protection is better than no protection!

Catherine