Sunscreen

I'll be the first to admit - I"m not great a wearing sunscreen. Not a huge fan of chemicals, I simply hate slathering something all over my skin that will absorb and do more harm than good. But I also know the damaging effects of the sun when in excess: skin cancer, wrinkles, etc.

Luckily, I don't have this problem anymore thanks to Beautycounter's newest selection of sunscreen: Countersun.

Countersun is infused with antioxidant-rich California Poppy which provides UVA (aging rays), UVB (burning rays), and Blue Light Defense (which can damage skin proteins and lipids).

Most sunscreens are chemical based made using chemical SPF filters, which absorb and scatter the sun's rays as heat. However, they are always highly irritating to the skin as well. Plus, several chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate are ingredients that are known to cause coral reef to collapse (which is why they are now banned in Hawaii).

Countersun, on the other hand, is a mineral based sunscreen that physically sits on the skin and bounces or reflects the sun's rays off of the skin. This doesn't mean that you'll have a lovely white layer of sunscreen on your skin. On the contrary, Countersun is highly blendable and won't leave white streaks after you rub in on your skin.

Countersun comes in both a mist and lotion form, and in two different sizes as well (great for traveling!). It is recommended you apply evenly 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours (or more if you are in the water).

Although there isn't a ton of summer left, there is still plenty of sunshine left in the year! Kids are especially vulnerable with chemicals on their skin from sunscreen because we are more likely to put sunscreen on children, and their bodies aren't fully equipped to handle the toxic chemical load either. So do yourself a favor and consider a safer sunscreen for both you and your family!

xoxo Olivia