Natural Sunscreens: What They Are and How They Work

When summer arrives or when we spend a lot of time outdoors, protecting our skin from the sun becomes essential. More and more people are choosing natural and mineral sunscreens , formulated with ingredients that are gentler on the skin and have a lower impact on the environment.

But what does natural sun protection really mean?
How does SPF work?
And why is there often talk of non-nano zinc oxide ?

Understanding these concepts helps you choose the most suitable sunscreen for your skin, for your children's skin, and for everyday use.

What are natural sunscreens?

Natural sunscreens are sunscreens formulated with ingredients of natural origin and mineral filters , such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Unlike traditional sunscreens, which use chemical filters , mineral sunscreens create a protective barrier on the surface of the skin that reflects the sun's rays.

This type of protection:

  • works immediately after application
  • It is more gentle on sensitive skin
  • respect the environment .

What is the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens?

Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat. Some chemical filters can penetrate the skin and take about 30 minutes to become effective .

Mineral sunscreens , on the other hand, use natural minerals such as zinc oxide to create a physical screen that reflects the sun's rays.

What does SPF mean in sunscreen?

The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates the level of protection of the sunscreen against UVB rays , which are responsible for sunburn. The higher the number, the greater the protection.

Indicatively:

  • SPF 15 blocks approximately 93% of UVB rays
  • SPF 30 blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays
  • SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays .

It's important to know that no sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays , and protection decreases if you apply too little product.

For effective protection it is recommended:

  • apply cream before exposure
  • reapply every 2 hours
  • use it even on cloudy days.

What are UVA and UVB rays and what is the difference between them?

Solar radiation that reaches the skin is mainly composed of UVA and UVB rays .

  • UVA rays : penetrate deeper into the skin and are among the main causes of premature skin aging .
  • UVB rays : These rays affect the outermost layers of the skin and are the main cause of sunburn .

A good sunscreen should offer broad-spectrum protection , meaning protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

What is non-nano zinc oxide?

Non-nano zinc oxide is one of the most widely used mineral sunscreens in natural sunscreens.

Its function is to create a protective barrier on the skin that reflects UVA and UVB rays, protecting the skin from sun exposure.

The term non-nano indicates that the zinc oxide particles are large enough to remain on the surface of the skin , without penetrating into the deeper layers.

For this reason it is considered one of the safest and most delicate filters, particularly suitable for sensitive skin, reactive skin, children's skin .

Why is zinc oxide useful even for sensitive skin?

In addition to sun protection, zinc oxide has several beneficial properties for the skin.

It can help to:

  • calm redness and irritation
  • reduce inflammation
  • support skin regeneration
  • offer a natural antibacterial effect.

For this reason it is often used in products for sensitive skin or skin prone to redness.

Why is it important to use natural sunscreens, especially for children?

Children's skin is much more delicate than that of adults.

In the first few years of life, skin can be up to five times thinner , making it more vulnerable to the effects of the sun.

For this reason, many parents choose natural mineral sunscreens , formulated with more delicate ingredients and without aggressive chemical filters.

Why is it important to protect your skin from the sun every day?

Sun protection isn't just important at the beach or on vacation.

Daily exposure to the sun can contribute over time to:

  • premature skin aging
  • appearance of skin spots
  • loss of elasticity
  • increased risk of skin damage.

Using sunscreen that is suitable for your skin type helps keep your skin healthier, brighter and more protected over time .

If you want to discover products formulated with natural ingredients and mineral filters, you can explore the Amun natural sunscreen collection , a selection designed to protect your skin during sun exposure with gentle formulas and naturally derived ingredients.

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