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Your guide to clean sunscreen

We all know the importance of sunscreen: it protects us from harmful UV rays, pollution and even helps to halt to ageing process. But it’s becoming harder to navigate the new terminology when it comes to labels like ‘mineral’, ‘non-nano’ or ‘reef-safe’. Let’s dive into it and give you all the information to make an informed choice that’s good for you and the planet.

We all know the importance of sunscreen: it protects us from harmful UV rays, pollution and even helps to halt to ageing process. But it’s becoming harder to navigate the new terminology when it comes to labels like ‘mineral’, ‘non-nano’ or ‘reef-safe’. Let’s dive into it and give you all the information to make an informed choice that’s good for you and the planet.

Mineral VS Synthetic

The main difference is in the way they protect us against UV rays.
‘Synthetic’ sunscreens work at a cellular level (deep down in the skin), using chemical filters to convert UV rays into heat which then evaporates from the skin.
Mineral sunscreens protect at a surface level, using small particles to sit on the skin’s surface and block UV rays from penetrating the skin. This is why they are often associated with that white film – because the formula works by essentially coating the skin in a protective layer. Ingredients such as Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide frequently used in mineral formulas are widely considered to be both safe and effective.

Non-Nano

A nanoparticle is generally a particle less than 100 nanometers in diameter in size. The concern with nanoparticles is that their ‘nano’ size allows them to enter the bloodstream and harm living tissue. By making the ingredients ‘non-nano’, it means the particles aren’t small enough to penetrate the skin which is considered safer for your body.
Keep in mind, this has been disputed in many scientific studies, with some suggesting that when used with lotions and creams, nanoparticles actually bin together, creating much larger molecules that are far too large to penetrate the skin.

Reef-Safe

Up to 6,000 tons of sunscreen are estimated to wash into coral reefs around the world each year. In a 2016 study, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) found that baby coral exposed to common sunscreen ingredients Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, showed signs of coral bleaching and DNA damage. This type of damage then ends up having a significant impact on the marine life that depend on these habitats.
Currently, there’s no official definition of the term ‘reef-safe’, but it’s widely agreed to refer to a sunscreen that’s free from Oxybenzone and Octinoxate.
In 2018, Hawaii became the first US state to ban the sale of products containing these two ingredients, with other states showing signs of following suit.

A couple of other things to check…

Is your sunscreen broad-spectrum? Is it water-resistant?
Make sure to check how long your sunscreen is water-resistant, usually it is up to 80 minutes. As for broad-spectrum, this means that the sunscreen protects both from UVA (causes wrinkles) and UVB (cause sunburn and skin cancer). UVA rays are present throughout the year at the about the same intensity even when it’s cloudy.

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A conscious travel guide to Athens

Greek islands seem to be the summer holiday of choice recently and usually that means a stopover in Athens to catch a ferry to the islands so I’m pretty sure this little city guide will come in handy. Keep in mind, it is is a wonderful city to visit outside of the busy summer months for a warm and sunny European break.

Athens is an intoxicating city with a mix of old and new. A sweet pace of life. The city is very walkable and there is A LOT to see. I’ve compiled some of the places I’ve loved and tried. Keep in mind a lot of the classics spots are not mentioned especially when it comes to cultural visits but you can easily find these online.

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Meet Kana, a stylish & sustainable cookware brand

If you’re like me and love to cook, you probably also spend time geeking out on cookware.

We’re in luck, you will love Kana the new stylish and sustainable cookware brand disrupting the industry with innovative and functional designs as well as a strong commitment to sustainability.

One of the key features of Kana is its construction. The brand uses sustainably sourced and recycled materials to create products that are both long-lasting and versatile. The Milo range is made of 40% cast iron and are manufactured in BSCI Certified Factories adhering to ISO standards.

From matte finishes to pretty colors and details, Kana will make sure that you get a functional and beautiful kitchen gear refresh. The brand’s products are designed with both form and function in mind, ensuring that they not only perform well but also look great in your kitchen.

I’ve selected 2 of my favorite products but if I had to pick one, I’d go for the Classic Dutch Oven, perfect for family size meals. As for colours, Dijon but that depends on your kitchen, course!

In need of cooking inspiration? I’ve picked out my favorite recipe from Persiana cookbook which is perfect to use in the Classic Dutch Oven.

 

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