John Masters Organics Suncare, SPF 30
We all know using proper sun protection helps prevent certain skin cancers and pre-mature aging—no small things! Did you also know that sunscreen fends off the hyper-pigmentation of healing acne scars (which already last long enough without any darkening from the sun)? Vanity is good for something, right?
I know it’s the dead of winter, but now is as good a time as any to remind you to wear sunscreen. Gentlemen, this applies to you, too! Although these days we may not see the sun as often as we’d like—it’s certainly become a stranger on the west coast of Oregon—sunny afternoons on the porch aren’t the only occasions for slapping on the block. Even on cloudy days, we’re still at risk for sun damage. Alternatively, if we’re spending time indoors, chances are we’ll encounter some kind of fluorescent lighting, which does emit a small amount of UV rays. It never hurts to play it safe—especially when you’re using a sunscreen packed with skin-loving, vegan ingredients.
Tip: For a DIY BB, mix a drop of full coverage foundation with a dollop of sunscreen. If you’re feeling extra dry, you can add a drop of organic oil to the mix. Adjust the ratio of foundation to sunscreen to suit your coverage needs.
Indeed, winter is an especially good time to invest in a high quality, moisture-rich sunscreen. With cold winds and our frenemy that is centralized heating, you need a protective, lotion-y layer over exposed skin. My face is even more prone to dryness, irritation, and blotchy weirdness during colder months.
I know BB creams and tinted moisturizers aren’t for everyone. John Masters Organics Suncare Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 is my favorite, no frills, vegan, mineral sunscreen. (Read more about the importance of wearing a broad-spectrum, mineral sunscreen here.) Two squirts cover my face, neck, and décolletage. Of all the mineral sunscreens I’ve tried, this one is the least chalky and the least greasy. Read: it won’t make you look like a shiny ghost. Bonus: it has a light, fresh scent–no strong sunscreen smell!
When my skin is feeling particularly sensitive, I turn to this lotion—regardless of its SPF powers—because it’s one of the most soothing products in my beauty arsenal. Antioxidant-rich organic green tea extract gives skin an anti-aging boost, aloe calms skin, and jojoba and shea butter moisturize and help balance skin’s oil production. How’s that for a multi-tasker? JMO’s sunscreen is free of parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and nano particles.
Related: 10 Best Anti-Aging Foods and Natural Beauty Tips
More natural product reviews: Andalou Naturals Beauty Balm (BB)
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Photos: Mary Hood
