SPF (sun protection factor) is a relative measure of how long a sunscreen will protect you from ultraviolet UVB rays. SPF alone will not protect us from the deeper penetrating UVA rays thought to be the main cause of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. UVA rays also cause the skin to show premature signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and loss elasticity.
Broad spectrum is defined as overall protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Europe has stricter regulations regarding UVA protection than the US, requiring one-third of a sunscreen’s SPF factor to protect against UVA rays. To be truly effective at preventing skin damage and skin cancers, U.S. sunscreens need to provide better protection from UVA.
Sunscreens that use mineral filters as the primary active are called physical, inorganic or mineral sunscreens. The active mineral ingredients in sunscreens are zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide is a naturally occurring mineral that is formed from the metal zinc and titanium dioxide is also a naturally occurring mineral that is formed from the metal titanium.
These mineral filters create a physical barrier on the top of the skin. The mineral filter sunscreen molecules reflect and scatter both UVA and UVB rays from the skin. That's why mineral sunscreens are effective on application. Unlike chemical sunscreens, the mineral filters do not break down and release heat into the skin.
Both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are safe and very stable in formula and when exposed to the sun. They are not absorbed by the skin and therefore do not cause allergic reactions. Noncoated nanoparticles (less than 35 nanometers in diameter) of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can be toxic to corals, fish and other reef organisms. The safest sunscreen filters are non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Love Sun Body 100% Natural Origin Mineral Sunscreens meet the regulatory requirements of the FDA OTC Monograph System and the European Commission’s recommendation on UVA protection.
Love Sun Body 100% Natural Origin Mineral Sunscreens are the first and only sunscreens in the U.S. certified by Ecocert Cosmos Natural and have been clinically tested hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and are reef safe. Love Sun Body 100% Natural Origin Mineral Sunscreens are made with the safest UVA and UVB filters - SPF 30 formulas non-nano zinc oxide and SPF 50 formulas non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and plant based moisturizers.
Love Sun Body was also recently given the best score for safety and efficacy by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Love Sun Body sunscreen formulas are certified PETA Cruelty Free and Vegan with no eye stinging ingredients.