So you think your sun screen is safe?

While no-one disputes that you need to protect your skin from sun damage and the premature ageing effects of prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays, more and more people are realising that how you protect yourself can hugely impact your health and your skin.

This is why sunscreen is such a hot topic in skincare, and why it's so important for consumers to be empowered with the knowledge that they can protect and treat their skin simultaneously. As a holistic healer, I am deeply committed to offer a safe product that won’t harm the rest of the body, while providing the best possible sun protection.

The safety of the ingredients in skincare products have been under the spotlight for decades and this debate recently hit news headlines again when the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that regulatory requirements for sunscreens sold in the US will be updated. In the US, sunscreens are regulated as drugs, which just shows how seriously they can affect your health. These headlines have sparked a renewed interest – and concern – about the safety of mainstream sunscreens worldwide.

At Africology, we are always on top of the latest skincare research, and while reading pertinent health articles about sunscreens, I’ve uncovered some fascinating findings that resonate profoundly with my own holistic principles. This led to the formulation of our mineral-based SPF sunscreen. The beauty of a mineral-based sunscreen is that the minerals simply sit on top of the skin’s surface, effectively reflecting harmful UV rays away.

Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb the sun’s UV rays before dissipating them through a chemical reaction, the chemicals are also absorbed into the skin. This not only wreaks havoc with sensitive skins, but it can also irritate the skin and cause discomfort. Added to that, trace amounts of these chemicals find their way into the bloodstream. From there, a range of health concerns come into play, including hormone imbalances. It’s no wonder that the FDA has been regulating sunscreens since the late 1970s, and now want to tighten the reins.

The recent banning by the state of Hawaii of any creams containing octinoxate and oxybenzone, which  are said to cause genetic damage to coral and other marine life, makes us take note. If it can damage the genes of other species, is it worth risking it on your own skin?

Most mainstream sunscreens are also perfumed with synthetic fragrances – a major cause of sensitivity, as well as pigmentation and skin damage. What's even more concerning (and ironic) is that these fragrances often contain chemicals that may lead to cancer, which is what you’re trying to prevent in the first place!

Our SPF 30 is all-natural and contains no chemical filters, artificial colouring or fragrances. It’s non-irritating and naturally fragranced with calming herbal active ingredients.

More benefits of our SPF include that it’s vegan-friendly and backed by dermatological testing, using accredited protocols (*). Africology’s products are not tested on animals, but on the skins of human volunteers.

Mineral magic

Africology’s SPF 30 contains a gentle zinc oxide (**) that’s even recommended for sensitive skins. It’s lightweight, 100% non-chemical, and formulated with active ingredients that nurture and nourish the skin. These ingredients also create a powerful moisture barrier, resulting in a potent formulation that combines hydration and sun protection for optimum skin benefits

DID YOU KNOW?

Minerals boast an abundance of restorative powers. I love working with them – especially magnesium. When you spend time outside and dehydrate, your body loses important minerals like magnesium. Be sure to replace this with a daily dose of up to 1200mg of magnesium, coupled with the mineral uptake from our SPF.

Adopt a sun-savvy lifestyle

Often, the simplest measures can have the most profound effects, and when it comes to the health of your skin, these easy guidelines will go a long way towards protecting you and your family against sun damage, while still benefiting from a wholesome dose of vitamin D:

• The sun’s rays are at their strongest between 10am and 2pm: make sure that you’re either in the shade or indoors during this time.
• Wear lightweight clothing as well as long-sleeved shirts. A wide-brimmed hat is a must (not to mention stylish!), as are sunglasses.
• Apply Africology SPF 30 to all skin areas that aren’t covered with clothing. It’s water-resistant and offers broad-spectrum protection (against UVB rays, that cause sunburn, as well as UVA radiation, that causes premature skin damage and ageing).

For best Sun Kissed Sun care, try our, SOS skin spray for instant hydration and rejuvenation followed with our Skin Renewal Body Glow for that delicate sparkle. Not neglecting the face with Intense Night Treatment as an after a day spend in the sun rejuvenation.

AFRICOLOGY SPF 30 INGREDIENTS

Aqua (water), Zinc Oxide, Capryl/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Isostearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Glycerine, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Daucus Carota (Carrot) Seed Oil, Calendula Officinalis (Marigold) Flower Extract, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, (Stabiliser), Isoamyl Laurate, Gluconolactone, Sodium Bonzoate (Soil and ECOCERT approved preservative system).

Notes:

Testing Protocols

* REF-FCSPF5884 according to the procedures as described below:

SAN 1557: 2018 ED 4 South African National Standard for sunscreen products incorporated with international standards.

ISO 24444, Cosmetics Sun Protection Testing Methods: In vivo determination of the sun protection factor (SPF).

Colipa guidelines for evaluating sun protection, water resistance (WRPF) The Product has a SPF of 30.4

With claims of High Protection / Sans SPF 30 / Cosmetics Europe  SPF 30 / Water resistance UVA / Certified  Ref: FCSPF 5884

** Africology’s bio-technical zinc active is compliant with the Natural Product Association (USA) & ECOCERT (EU). Certificate available on request. Zinc oxide approved within: US, Canada, EU, Japan, Korea, Australia, China, South Africa