Myleigh's Sunscreen Recommends

Hello there! I am Myleigh Taylor from The Clean Living Clinic.

I recently wrote about the importance of sunscreen after having my second skin cancer removed. This skin cancer that was approx 5mm (not a mole). There is always a lot of commentary about the right sunscreen.

As a chem free advocate and a skin cancer patient, I would like to share my thoughts on safer ingredients in sunscreens.

Choose a low tox sunsreen

Low tox sunscreen can be hard to find but they are out there.  It is certainly sensible to check the labels and choose natural and organic options so as to avoid harmful chemicals that might be absorbed. These are my tips on finding a great one:

1. If a retailer does not list ingredients I contact them directly and ask for them if they still cannot provide the ingredients in their product then I do not use it. I do not take people’s word for it. I do not approve that some companies are not bound to list their ingredients!  Even some of the sunscreens that claim they have no nasties will only list there active ingredients which really doesn't mean much. 
2. Always check the label that the product complies with the Australian Standard AS/NZS 2604:2012 and has an AUSTL number.
3. Check out EWG's Guide to sunscreen where you can find a the best and worst scoring sunscreens and more.

My fav brands

My suncreen brand suggestions are: My favorite is WotNot SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection contains a beautiful blend of Certified Organic ingredients including Aloe Vera and Shea Butter with natural Zinc Oxide. It has a very moisturising consistency making it easy to apply over the skin. Suitable for all skin types and ideal for children of all ages.  You can purchase WotNot and more sunscreens from Nourished Life, Biome or direct from Wotnot.

I would also recommend MooGoo & A bit hippy (same company but different product) sunscreen range.  The "Natural Sunscreen SPF 40" only has one ingredient that is questionable, Lecithin - as it is rated 2-3 EWG skin deep database and it is not safe to inhale. As it is one ingredient I can handle that.  

Another amazing product is Ecological Body Sunscreen. 30+ it has a great rating on the EWG skin database at 1.  There are no nasties in this product and is available to purchase through Nourished life. At 2m squared your skin offers a pretty big areas for exposure to potential toxins. So don't just follow the celebrity, or bias chemists, don't just believe what you are told, be smart and educated.

Correct Storage

Most sunscreens have a warning stating to store under 30 degrees.  Seems easy but how many people store sunscreens in car, glove-box, sheds etc. where the temperatures can exceed 30 degrees.

Expiry Dates

Sunscreen has expiry dates and if it doesn't it will normally have a marking stating 12 months after opening.  Get a permanent marker and write on container when it was opened. Sometimes it isn't actually worth purchasing the bulk, cheap pump bottles as they expire before they are all used.   I have seen copious amounts of skin irritation form using expired sunscreen and from sunscreen stored incorrectly.

These statements are my own opinion and have not been evaluated by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration.  The Clean Living Clinics products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease, but The Clean Living Clinic can help you succeed on your chemical free journey easily and affordably.



Images - (In order from top): Shutterstock | Wotnot | Shutterstock / Moo Goo

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