Well, there is no surprise that the sun is an integral part of our lives and the sun’s rays give us Vitamin D, which is a super imperative element for our body. It helps us from numerous skin-related problems. When it gets the right amount of vitamin D, our skin glows and remains radiant forever. Having said this, there is something called UV rays, whose radiation is now friendly to our skin. Moreover, with the advent of ozone layer depletion and climate change, these UV rays are creating huge skin issues and health problems. What are the solutions? There are many to start with, but this article is not about the solutions to implement for climate change or ozone layer depletion; maybe we can talk about them later. However, in this article, I would like you all to know that “REEF” is used widely in sunscreens and related skin care products.

What do you mean by REEF free?

The term reef safe typically means sunscreen contains only mineral UV-blocking ingredients like oxide and titanium dioxide. Both nanoparticles (tiny small particles) and traditional zinc oxide sunscreens are safe and convincing to the skin. So, with these two elements, your sunscreen will be considered safe for reefs. The only difference is the cosmetic feel on the skin; hence, you are pretty good to go with a mineral-based option.
Let me tell you a blurb from a study conducted by scientists to understand the impact of sunscreens on ocean life. Over the past decade, many experimenters have examined the possible implications of sunscreen components on coral reefs, aquatic plants, fish, and other marine life. This body of investigation—while still not definitive—has raised anxieties that some sunscreen ingredients may be causing harm.
To keep ocean life joyful and healthy, the key is to find an SPF that utilises physical UVA and UVB filters (as objected to the chemical ones that have been linked to coral reef deterioration). You’ll be able to find them by skimming the SPF tube over and looking for the active ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients form an actual physical block to shield skin from absorbing any rays (whereas chemical filters absorb UV and turn it into heat released from the skin).
What Does ”Reef Safe” Really Mean?
There’s no benchmark or regulated meaning behind “reef safe” or “reef-friendly.” Some sunscreens with those claims don’t contain oxybenzone or octinoxate. Others have only minerals (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) or include a mix of mineral and chemical ingredients. The definition of what the manufacturer might mean by ”reef safe” keeps broadening and fooling customers. Researchers suggest blindly relying on manufacturers can also give you a false sense of protection. We still don’t know if products labelled as ”reef safe” are safe for skin and our oceans.
Protecting Your Skin and the Ocean
While we wait for science to assemble more accurate data, the solution isn’t to disregard the potential damage to oceans or skip sunscreen. Instead, you can find a harmony that will shield your skin and conceivably help the environment. The first thing is to identify that sun protection is a total package, not just applying sunscreen. For example, we can wear high-necked, long-sleeve clothing instead of just a bathing suit. It can significantly cut down the amount of sunscreen you would need to apply. This can be helpful from an environmental perspective rest there’s a guide to check while buying your sunscreen and what all it should have or not. I will share the details in the following article – until then, stay radiant and healthy.

DO WE EVEN NEED A CREAM OR A SERUM OR BOTH ?

Well, many people ask me what is difference between the two or if there  is even any. Well …there is and a BIG one!

The biggest difference between a serum and a cream is the formulation and what they are meant for – the Creams are meant to treat the skin type whereas serums are to treat the skin concern.

Creams, lotions and emulsion  basically composed of WATER +FATS +ACTIVE INGREDIENTS ( and a bunch of others ingredients that most of the times are REALLY bad for your skin and heath but let’s leave for another blog   )dispersed  in a solution . The are  made of bigger molecules compare to serums and their the main goal of creams is to replenish the skin barrier to protect the outer layer of the skin, which is the upper layer of the epidermis.

SKIN CARE EXAMPLES from site:
EVOLVE - MULTI PEPTIDE 360 MOISTURE CREAM

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PRICE €30,16

ANTIPODES - BAPTISE H2O Ultra Hydrating Water Gel

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PRICE €39,91

On the other hand, serums, have smaller molecules and no fat content, that is why  they’re able to penetrate deeper within the skin barrier. That’s why they can tackle skin concerns compared to the cream.  In serums, since the molecule is smaller so, the absorption is faster and it goes deep into the skin layers.

SKIN CARE EXAMPLE from site :
EVOLVE - RAINFOREST RESCUE BLEMISH SERUM

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PRICE €30,19

EVOLVE - HYALURONIC SERUM 200

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PRICE €30,20

ANTIPODES - HOSANNA H2O Intensive Serum

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PRICE €39,94

I guess that by know you know my answer …we need both!

Let me give you an example that will make you understand  what i mean.

You might have combination skin (skin type) and suffer from hyperpigmentation (skin concern)  or have dry skin (skin type) and have suffer from loss of firmness (skin concern).

Probably your next question will be …but Vanessa …what if i don’t know my SKIN TYPE?

I have thought about it already!

Just follow this link, go to my website and take the test I have prepared just for you!

If you need help to choose from the amazing  selection of CLEAN + SUSTAINABLE + EFFICACIOUS products we carry in our site just contact me in the chat on the website and I’ll make sure to guide you and help you out to make the best choice for your SKIN TYPE & SKIN CONCERN!

I’ll be super happy to know the result of your test so feel free to tag me on your social media!

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