May is skin cancer awareness month. So, in this post, the spotlight is on protecting our skin with broad spectrum, natural sunscreens.
With summer just around the corner, many of us are thinking about our summer plans, whether it be summer vacations, getting to the beach or just looking forward to more outdoor activities.
Little fact: Sunscreen is actually my number 1 anti-aging tip (just wish I knew in my 20's).
I'm all ready for summer. I've got my favourite flip-flops and sunglasses ready, and I've already upped my sunscreen game with a higher SPF for Spring and Summer.
I'm currently using Alba Botanica for my sunscreen. With an SPF of 40 in a broad spectrum and water resistant formula, I feel protected from the harmful rays of the sun.
Alba's sunscreen range offers water resistance formula's for the face, sports, and for kids.
Alba is one of my go-to brands for all natural, cruelty-free products, and they leave out all the nasty chemicals. Their formula's are 100% vegetarian and broad spectrum, which includes both UVA and UVB protection.
These formula's are fantastic! They are super moisturizing, absorb right into the skin with no greasy residue and do not leave any white cast.
They are also fragrance free, PH balanced, and dermatologist tested.
They also contain botanical extracts known for their moisturizing properties. Botanicals like Lavender Flower, Aloe Leaf, Calendula Flower, Camelia Leaf Extract, Chamomile Flower, Coneflower, Ginko Biloba, and Ginseng Extract.
I'm so happy that Alba has a formula specific for the face as many SPF's for the body can make me breakout.
For extra sun protection, I like to layer sunscreen with other beauty products that also contain sunscreen, like my tinted moisturizers and BB creams.
This brings me to another point about sun protection, which is a good pair of sunglasses, which I never forgo these days. Make sure to purchase one's that have UV protection.
When I was young, I used to literally bake my skin in the sun with baby oil. Now that I know better, I take extra care to protect my skin. Even on the most overcast days the UV rays are still out and sometimes even stronger than on a sunny day.
The lines on my left eye are evidence that the sun even penetrates our car windows. I commuted to work for years with the sun beaming into the driver's side window and my right eye is virtually line free!
Alba's formula for kids also offers broad spectrum SPF 40 in a water resistant, non-greasy formula that is fast absorbing.
Available in a lotion (113g) or convenient spray (110ml)
Both retail for only $9.99
Alba also offers a Sports formula for the sports enthusiast.
With broad spectrum SPF 40 in a sweat-proof, water resistant formula.
Available in a lotion (113g) or convenient spray (110ml)
Both retail for only $9.99
I don't believe that the sun is a bad thing. In fact, I believe the opposite- the sun is vital to life and our health. We just have to be sun-safe. That includes applying broad spectrum sunscreen daily, even in overcast weather, and of course wearing a good pair of sunnies.
I am so glad that natural and cruelty-free companies like Alba Botanica offer a great line-up of sun care products. I really appreciate that this line is made with healthy ingredients and is free of nasty chemicals.
Benefits:
SPF 40
broad spectrum UV protection
water resistant
fragrance free
lotion or spray formulas
vegetarian
fast absorbing
non-greasy
PH balanced
dermatologist tested
Formulated Without:
parabens
phthalates
artificial colours
propylene glycol
aluminum
mineral oil
petrolatum
oxybenzone
PABA
nano-particles
DEA
MEA or TEA
PEGs and PEG derivatives
ethoxylated ingredients associated with 1,4 dioxane
formaldehyde donors
GMOs
As you can see, and I'm sure you're aware, what's not inside is equally, if not more important than what is inside.
The long list above of what Alba's products are formulated without are known, or believed to have negative effects on health, and many are hormone disruptor's. Remember, our bodies absorb whatever we put on it. Just think of the nicotine patch, birth control patch or even hormone creams.
Personally, I can't wait to stock up on some natural vitamin D but I want to do it safely, so you wont catch me without my sunscreen and my sunglasses on.
Alba Botanica has been one of my go-to lines for natural and cruelty free products for years. They have been around since 1979!
If you're looking for some sun protection that's natural, affordable, and without all the nasties, Alba is a great choice.
Whatever your plans are this summer, have fun and stay safe!
Ps. come and join the blogger linkup parties over at fabulousandfunlife and the best of blogosphere!
Ps. come and join the blogger linkup parties over at fabulousandfunlife and the best of blogosphere!
*PR samples provided for consideration. As usual, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.
Amy
xoxo
Great review Amy! I have been looking for a natural sunscreen. I recently picked up the Green Beaver but will be checking this one out too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tal! This is a great line. It's hard to find sunscreens free of ALL those bad chemicals. And, I find a lot of the natural one's are hard to blend into the skin and leave a white cast. These are silky smooth and blend right in! Thanks for coming by :)
DeleteYes the bendability and white cast drives me crazy! The one I use now is a great sunscreen. I haven't been burnt yet, but I look like Casper the ghost!
DeleteThe one's that leave a white cast drive me crazy too, glad you found a good one! And, I am also Casper the ghost right now, so don't feel bad!
DeleteNow a days I prefer natural products. This products sounds amazing & good to know a natural sunscreen. Not sure whether it is available in Australia.
ReplyDeletewww.luv4beautyblog.com
I agree, natural is the way to go. I'm not sure if you have them in stores as I'm in Canada, but Iherb offers a good lineup of Alba sunscreens http://goo.gl/vS49kc Thanks for coming by!
DeleteGee I hope these make their way downunder - so many of the products here only contain 25 or 30 spf, which is odd considering we score so much sunshine xxx
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised that the SPF's aren't higher down there... especially since you guys have such an outdoor lifestyle! If you can't find Alba in your local stores, you can get it on sites like iherb and possibly vitacost. I know iherb ships to Australia. xo
Deletegreat review Amy and it's such an important post. These products sound amazing x Louise from www.beyoutyfulyou.com
ReplyDeleteThanks, Louise! They really are great products and you can't beat it when they're all natural too!
DeleteHow cute is that cookie! I'm not sure if this brand is available in Australia, but I've definitely been trying to wear more sunscreen. I love the spray bottles because they're quick and easy and your hands don't end up all greasy.
ReplyDeleteI love the spray bottles too, so convenient! If you cant' find Alba in your local stores (health food stores often carry them), you can get them on iherb or vitacost. I know iherb ships to Australia.
DeleteWhat a great brand of sunscreens! I haven't seen it here in Australia yet.
ReplyDeleteThis is a fabulous natural brand. I've used them for years. If you can't find in your local health food stores, you can get them from online retailers that ship to Australia, like iherb and I think vitacost. xo
Delete