By : Imogen Reed
Summer is approaching fast, and with it comes sunshine and long days outside enjoying the good weather. Protecting your skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays is important, but the majority of sun creams contain animal ingredients or have been tested on animals, so it can be hard to keep to your vegan morals when searching for protection from the sun.
More and more sunscreen producers are realizing that consumers actually care about how products are made and this effects their decision to buy. Last year the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released updated guidelines about how companies can market sun skincare products. Before the industry had very little regulation, but now the rules now make it much easier for consumers to find out what products offer the best protection.
Fortunately some ethical companies produce sun protection products that fulfill the demands that vegans set. Making sure the food you eat is just one part of living a vegan lifestyle, because if you use products that are tested on animals you are endorsing and funding companies that mistreat animals. So read on to find out about the best vegan sun skincare products out there to keep you skin protected while you’re working on that tan.
Vegan Sunscreen
A liberal coating of sunscreen will keep your skin moisturized and protected against harmful UVA and UVB rays, so don’t go out into the sun without some. As with standard sunscreens, there are a range of vegan sunscreens that all perform differently and are more effective than another. For a great level of protection try and get hold of some Loving Naturals SPF 30+ Sunscreen. It’s is made from 100% organic and natural ingredients, so there are no nasty chemicals to harm your skin. Ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter to nourish and moisturize the skin, and natural zinc oxide from zinc ore to absorb UVA and UVB rays. Ok, so you will pay a little more for this type of sunscreen compared to non-vegan alternatives, but it’s worth the extra cash. You can find out more at their website here.
Another great option when it comes to deciding what sunscreen to buy is one from the Lavera range. Lavera produce a wide range of organic skin care products, and their sunscreens are Vegan and Naturewatch approved with a 1998 FCOD. There are a two of different levels of SPF protection available, SPF 15 and SPF 20, and options of unscented and scented. You can see what they have to offer here.
Vegan After Sun Lotion
Once you have spent all day out in the sun, your sunscreen should have stopped you from getting burnt, but keeping your skin moisturized after sun exposure is just as important. A good after sun lotion will give your skin the essential moisture and nutrients it needs to stay healthy, and will sooth your skin if it feels hot.
A UK company called Yaoh produces an excellent organic hemp seed oil after sun body lotion that is vegan friendly, and completely free from parabens or any other chemical additives. Using essentials oils of lavender and lemon, and other ingredients like aloe vera, almond oil, and hemp oil, a light fragranced cooling lotion is created. It will also help to rejuvenate your skin if you have become a little sun burnt, which we all know happens from time to time. You can read more about Yaoh and their Hemp After Sun here.
Green People Organic also produces an excellent vegan after sun lotion that is well worth the money. Green People Hydrating Aftersun has received awards for three years running, in 2009 it was a Green Beauty Bible Winner, and in 2010 and 2011 won awards from Natural Health Magazine. It is a 94% certified organic by the Organic Food Federation, and completely vegan friendly. It is an after sun lotion for all skin types, and is even suitable for people with eczema and psoriasis. Available in 200ml, 100ml, and 50ml sizes, find out more by visiting their website here.
Don’t Get Caught Out!
Your health is important, and the damage the sun can cause your skin is serious. Sure, with health insurance you can get treatment if you have problems with sun burn and premature ageing, but skin cancer isn’t so easy to treat. Having money for treatment doesn’t mean that the treatment will actually work and be a success. Buying a home insurance or a car insurance policy protects your property and helps you get a replacement, but your body is something that cannot be replaced. It is important that you take all the necessary steps to protect your health, and that includes sun damage to your skin. So take the time to order some vegan friendly sunscreen and after sun lotion, your skin will thank you for it in the long run!
Post a Comment