There’s something about heading down to the local market on Sundays that we can’t quite describe but love. Whether it is to buy fresh products, get a cup of coffee and a bacon egg roll, catch up with a friend, or discover new artisans, the Sunday market brings Aussie communities together. And it’s fair to say Sun & Earth has missed it over the past year.
Market stall has been part of the Sun & Earth business since its beginning in 2016. Every weekend, Joel and Anita would pack up the car early in the morning with a pavilion tent, table, and boxes filled with zinc sunscreen to set up shop in Byron, Yamba, or Bungalow.
Surfers would load up on zinc for the month. Kids would sneakily dip their fingers in a tin with a cheeky smile and run away. Dogs and owners would stop by to say hi. Most of you would engage in a lively chat. It was the absolute best.
With Summer (almost) starting to settle in, weekend markets are now back stronger than ever. And if you’re in and around the northern rivers, you can find Rose, Joel, Anita and some of their friends behind the brand new Sun & Earth stall.
We’re glad you’ve asked. Here’s a list of where the team will pop up.
1st Sunday of the month (+ 3rd Sunday Dec & Jan)
2nd Saturday of the month
4th Sunday of the month
4th Sunday of the month
2nd Sunday of the month
4th Sunday of the Month
Living with a sensitive skin condition like eczema means that you’re probably struggling to find a non-aggravating sunscreen. It is common to see eczema-prone skin become more irritated from a sunscreen’s preservative, base, and chemical load. A 2019 study that regular broad spectrum sunscreen induced contact allergies in those with eczema.
Yet, not wearing sunscreen can be just as detrimental. Living with eczema or any other skin condition means that your epidermis is highly photosensitive – aka severely prone to UV ray damage.
So, how do you navigate between using sunscreen, soothing your eczema, and not pulling your hair figuring it all out? Well, keep reading.
The allergy and anaphylaxis organization reports that over 1 million Australians suffer from eczema, which impacts 1 in 3 children. In fact, the first eczema flare often occurs at a young age. From itchiness to dry and dehydrated patches of skin, this condition can be uncomfortable, frustrating, and even debilitating.
Eczema flares aren’t fully understood, as their cause varies from person to person. For children, it is common to see eczema appear as the result of genetics, an immune reaction, or environmental aggressors. For adults, you can also add stress to the list of potential triggers. There are several types of eczema – also known as atopic dermatitis – and understanding how it impacts your epidermis will help narrow down your skin’s needs when it comes to sunscreen.
With UVs, some might find that unprotected sun exposure actually helps with their eczema. This is primarily because the sun acts as natural phototherapy to the skin, which decrease the inflammatory response behind a flare. Vitamin D plays an important role in this process, as a study demonstrated when atopic dermatitis skin was exposed to UVs.
That being said, exposing your – or your baby’s – skin to the sun without protection is never a good idea. Risks of sunburn, sunstroke, or skin cancer are always high – especially in Australia – and there are plenty of safe sunscreen options that won’t trigger your eczema.
Finding the right sunscreen will largely come down to reading a bottle’s ingredient list. First, you want to assess – and avoid – any sunscreen with fragrances. Many sun products contain fragrances which give them that tropical, coconut, summer smell. However, these components are allergens and can inflame your sensitive skin.
You also want to take a hard look at a sunscreen’s chemical load. Anything containing Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, or Octinoxate should be avoided, as these chemicals sink into the epidermis and increase the risks of free radicals. You can find out more about how chemicals in sunscreen impact your health and hormones here.
Alcohol components such as ethyl alcohol, denatured alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, and methanol should also be scratched, as they can sting and irritate the skin. Unfortunately, a lot of sunscreens on the market contain alcohol, along with fragrances and other chemicals.
To protect your eczema and sensitive skin from sun exposure, adopt a mineral sunscreen instead. Mineral sunscreens are commonly formulated with active zinc oxide and titanium oxide, which are active ingredients deemed safe for sensitive skin conditions by the TGA – Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Sun & Earth SPF30 tinted zinc cream contain both zinc and titanium oxide, along with natural ingredients such as olive oil, coconut oil, and beeswax. Through many studies, these ingredients have been shown to soothe skin inflammation, reduce free radicals, and help with the treatment of eczema.
A question that we get asked regularly is: Does zinc sunscreen expire?
Well, the answer is not as simple as a yes or no - hence why you’re reading this. We won’t bore you by reiterating that wearing sunscreen every day is essential to protect your skin against sun damage. But like most, you probably only wear it in the summer - or worse, just at the beach - and put it away until the next hot day.
Sure, you look after your sunscreen, and it seems completely fine when reopening the tube a year later. However, there are a few things you should know about the longevity of your zinc!
Zinc Oxide is a natural metal element created from a combination of zincite mineral and oxygen. A sunscreen made of zinc will primarily contain non-nano zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, and because of its mineral nature, it does NOT lose its ability to protect you over time. Unlike regular sunscreen, zinc oxide sits on the skin to reflect UVs rather than absorbing them. In short, it technically doesn’t expire.
However, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration TGA assert that any sunscreen on the market must be labelled with an expiration date or “use-by” term, to prevent sunscreen from being degraded. And there are a few reasons why.
Any sunscreen - mineral or not - must have an expiry date because of both its ingredient list and its exposure to heat. See, zinc oxide isn’t the sole ingredient in your sunscreen.
Within Sun & Earth tinted zinc cream, it is mixed with other natural components like coconut oil, cacao butter, beeswax, and olive oil. In other sunscreens, it can also be mixed with certain chemicals, which ultimately influence the stability and durability of a product.
When a sunscreen changes in colour, smell, or consistency, it is a sign that the ingredients have become unstable, and therefore, no longer safe for your skin.
One of the main reasons for an unstable sunscreen is heat exposure. Sunscreen melts off your skin when you’re sunbathing - which is why you’re always advised to re-apply every few hours. Well, the same phenomenon happens to the product in your tin left under the sun: it melts and becomes inconsistent. You can learn more about it by reading “This is why you should never leave your sunscreen in the sun”.
Along with heat, time always runs out for sunscreen. Most mineral sunscreens can last up to 24 months, as long as you keep them shaded and cool. This is the case for our SPF30 tinted zinc cream.
However, we do advise to get a new tin if:
Shop your preferred shade of the SPF30 tinted zinc cream.
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You might have heard us say “leave your tinted zinc cream on your car’s dashboard to soften it”. However, we want to point out that this advice should only be followed on cold mornings before you head out for a surf. Just like a jar of coconut oil that hardens and softens according to the temperature, your tinted zinc is extremely malleable - aka, not a good idea to leave it in the sun indefinitely. And here’s why.
Do you know why dermatologists recommend reapplying sunscreen regularly? Well, a sunscreen SPF rating stands for the length of exposure your skin can endure without being burned. An SPF30 means that you can stay 30X longer under the sun than when you expose yourself without protection.
When the clock runs out, it is simply because your sunscreen broke down from extended exposure to light and heat.
Sunscreen will break down both on your skin and in its container if you leave it exposed for too long. Keeping your sunscreen under the sun means that its composition will melt and degrade, ultimately making it less effective. The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration TGA assert that any sunscreen on the market must be labelled with an expiration date or “use-by” term, to prevent sunscreen from being too degraded by long heat exposure - aka your tin warming up in your beach bag all summer.
We advise you to use your tinted zinc cream within 24 months of purchase maximum. However, if the zinc cream has been exposed to the point of melting, it is best to discard it for a new one.
Depending on the type of sunscreen you use, your skin deals with sunscreen melting very differently. There are two types of sunscreens: Chemical blockers and Physical blockers.
Chemical blocker sunscreen is commonly absorbed by the skin to create an inner barrier to UV rays. Unfortunately, it has proven to trigger the creation of free radicals, damage hormonal balance and accelerate skin ageing. Physical blockers (like our tinted zinc cream) instead sit on the skin, creating a veil-like barrier that reflects UV rays so that nothing is absorbed in the epidermis.
When using sunscreen that has been melted by the sun, the chemical blockers might do a lot more damage to your skin - thanks to the now unbalanced chemicals. A physical blocker? Well, it will depend on its composition. Our tinted zinc cream is 100% natural and using it melted means it would quickly be washed away by the first splash of water, and provide little protection.
All in all, make sure to shade your sunscreen to lengthen its longevity. Using a physical blocker and re-applying regularly is a good idea too. Our tinted zinc cream is 100%natural, SPF30, and perfect for any skin. Shop now.
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Unlike chemical-filled blockers, wearing mineral sunscreen that contains zinc means that UV rays reflect back to the sun, giving them no chance to discolour or damage your complexion.
In fact, there are so many skin benefits to using zinc. This mineral has been linked with reducing the risks of cancerous melanomas, preventing skin ageing, and - depending on their formulation - reducing inflammation.
Yet, some people are still reluctant to use zinc out of fear of having dry skin. Zinc oxide is a mild astringent mineral, which can restrict the excretion of stuff your skin needs to stay hydrated - aka sebum, sweat and other bodily tissues.
But before you start ditching your zinc, there’s a little more you need to know.
Zinc is - you’ve guessed it - a mineral. Zinc oxide is a derived compound created when zinc is chemically heated and combined with oxygen molecules. So while zinc can be found in nature, zinc oxide is modified and used within sunscreen for its important anti-UV benefits.
The beauty industry created two types of zinc oxide: Nano-zinc and non-nano zinc. This is mainly to prevent the annoying “white-cast” that often comes with mineral sunscreens.
The nano component of zinc refers to the size of the zinc particles. And while this may seem irrelevant, the particle size does influence the way zinc oxide impacts the skin. When zinc particles are micro-sized, they can sink in the skin and harm living tissues. An extensive review pointed out that nano-zinc can trigger inflammation, dryness and risks of toxicity.
Non-nano zinc oxide is therefore a much safer alternative. It is fully protective against UVs and nowadays formulated to leave little to no white cast on the skin. It has also shown to soothe breakouts and inflammation, have antibacterial properties, prevent pigmentation and skin-ageing, and improve the synthesis of connective skin tissues. It is even more beneficial for your skin when paired with the right natural ingredients.
Sun & Earth tinted zinc sunscreen is your skin’s best buddy.
Non-nano zinc oxide is thoughtfully blended alongside nourishing ingredients such as coconut oil, cacao butter, olive oil, and beeswax. All of them provide specific benefits to your skin that prevents it from drying out. Think anti-inflammatory, cellular regeneration, scar healing, deep nourishment and more.
The SPF30 tinted zinc sunscreen is safe for skin who are sensitive, brand-new (yes, we’re talking bub), and have medical conditions such as eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis. In short, while some zinc sunscreen may be drying depending on their ingredients, our tinted zinc sunscreen is formulated with sensitive skin in mind to ensure full UV-coverage and a minimally-invasive way.
TikTok is your kid’s favourite app. And while you might not be an adept, it is important to pay attention to the platform’s latest trend this format advertises: sunscreen contouring.
The trend promotes the use of sunscreen (which is great) but in a way that promotes uneven sunscreen use (which is not so great). Let us explain.
Contouring is a method used with makeup to enhance shadows and light on the face. With sunscreen contouring, youngsters don’t apply sunscreen all over their face, rather they specifically protect or expose skin, using tan lines as a semi-permanent contour that is “natural”.
The trend emerged after popular TikToker and Beyonce’s makeup artist advertised the “hack” on the video app. They advise applying a light SPF 15 (or nothing at all) on the face, supplemented by an SPF 50 in specific spots: “underneath the eyes, around the eyes, a thin line down the centre of the nose, maybe touch a bit on your chin, or anywhere you naturally use your highlighter to contour and highlight”.
But here’s why the sunscreen contouring trend is dangerous for the skin:
Sunscreen contouring implies that most of the forehead, cheeks and jawline are heavily exposed to UV rays.
Unfortunately, while it is as important to protect the skin around the eyes and the centre of the nose, the rest of the face is highly likely to suffer from sun exposure: think premature ageing, photodamage, pigmentation, and heatstroke. Additionally, it’s important to note that the face isn’t exempt from being at risk of new moles and possible melanomas.
There are two reasons why you should never do that. First, mixing two different brands means that there’s a possibility one can dilute the other, resulting in a lower protection.
Second, there is a big misconception of what SPF actually stands for. SPF is a measure that relates to the length of time you can spend in the sun, rather than the strength of the protection. If your skin naturally “burns” after 20 minutes, a SPF 15 would protect you less - against sunburn and UV damage - than an SPF 50.
So when it comes to sunscreen contouring, this basically means that not only uneven protection will ultimately lead to sunburn, but mixing two products can ultimately lead to overall poor UV coverage.
A tan is, first and foremost, a defence mechanism created by the skin to protect cells from being damaged. The skin starts producing melanin, which darkens through oxidation. Unprotected and overexposure to UV radiation leads to DNA cell damage, which triggers all the skin conditions you’d want to avoid: ageing, photo-damage and cancerous cells.
In short, contouring your face with sunscreen is never a good idea - no matter what influencers or makeup artists claim it to be. The face’s skin is sensitive, more prone to lasting damage, and not worth the damage. Plus, we know that a “sunkissed glow” can be achieved without resorting to dangerous trends like sunscreen contouring.
Our best advice? Avoid it, and pass on the infos to your kids. A generous and even sunscreen application on the face is always best - And natural sunscreen is even better!
The end of summer means that your body is slowly letting new moles, freckles, and dry spots permanently settle on your skin. Unfortunately, not all of them are harmless.
A recent study published in March by JAMA dermatology found that melanomas are expected to increase globally by 50% by 2040. Wearing sunscreen is the most recommended form of prevention, however, it is common to see us Aussies skip the SPF during the winter months.
Yes, winter sunscreen is a necessity.
The reality is that, as winter is officially settling, habits like cozying up at home and limiting fresh air exposure means that we skip on SPF regularly. Yet, you know the drill. A sunburn down under can happen all year round, no matter if you’re out for a morning surf or in Perisher with your mates.
To avoid letting that damaged Ozone layer - and the UVs it lets through - increases your risks of melanomas, a little SPF can go a long way. Sunscreens help prevent free radicals from penetrating your skin and triggering malignant cells. It also reduces wrinkles and limits pigmentation. You can read more on the anti-aging benefits of sunscreen here.
The Australian Cancer Council notes that wearing SPF all year round can reduce the risks of melanoma by 40%. In short, sunscreen is one of the best things you can do for your skin to avoid cancer scares - even in winter.
Hint: it’s all about layers.
Whether it is your body or your face, layers are the focus in winter. Sure, you have no issues snuggling into long sleeve sloppy joes and some Uggs, but you should take a similar approach for your neck and face. Hear us out.
During the winter months, the change in weather means that your skin naturally becomes more sensitive. As such, it is also more prone to be damaged by anything, including UVs. But we get it, adding an extra step to your minimalist skincare routine is a bummer.
What if we told you, you could actually swipe 1-2 steps for zinc? After cleansing and moisturising your face, use our tinted zinc cream. It comes with an SPF 30 and a light coverage - natural glow ensured! It also contains nourishing ingredients that will protect and soothe your skin all day long. Heck, you could even skip the morning moisturiser if you really wanted to!
We break down in more detail how to build your daily SPF-friendly skincare routine in this blog.
We’ve heard it before: our tinted zinc cream can be a little tricky to apply in cold weather. This is because of its all-natural composition: coconut oil, olive oil, cacao butter, beeswax and all the good stuff.
You know how coconut oil solidifies or softens depending on the temperature? Well, it's the same with our zinc.
To avoid this little hiccup, gently rub around your tint for a few minutes to “friction” and “warm-up” your tinted zinc cream. Alternatively, you can also put it up by the window or your car’s dashboard and let it soften under the morning sun.
The tinted zinc cream is a protective and snug-as-a-bug solution you can apply all year long to keep melanomas at bay. Get some tinted zinc cream. ]]>
Your scalp is first and foremost, skin, and just like any part of your body, it needs to be protected from the sun. After all, no one wants a burned scalp, especially with the discomfort, skin flakes, and itchiness that often follows.
But the idea of putting sun protection onto your hair might feel, well, a little greasy. So much so, that it begs to wonder, Is sunscreen in your hair really necessary? Isn't our hair protection enough? And if not, are there non-invasive ways to protect your scalp?
If these questions are keeping you on your toes this summer, then keep reading.
Just like the rest of your skin, your scalp can burn when overexposed to the sun. A recent study published in 2019 pointed out that UV rays can induce oxidative DNA damage and impact healthy hair follicles. As a result, experts suggest that using a form of SPF on your hair and scalp can prevent potential sun damage.
That said, your hair does provide a certain level of protection against both UVA and UVB rays. However, the protection can significantly vary depending on your skin type and hair density. Someone who is prone to sunburn and has a thin hair density will have less protection than someone who has a darker complexion and thick hair.
So while taking your hair and skin type into account is essential to decide on the sun protection your scalp needs, it is important to also look at your age. Dermatologists point out that the older we get, the more our scalp is at risk of developing melanoma, as the skin surface gets thinner with age. Excessive sun exposure for the scalp, particularly when the hair density is light or non-existent (in elderlies or babies for example) also increases the risks of severe heat strokes.
Protecting a scalp from sunburn is for some, a necessity. But that doesn’t mean you need to ladder zinc in your hair. With the current hair sunscreen market being limited, you shouldn’t dismiss certain simple and non-invasive ways to protect your hair.
But first, it’s good to look at what area you really need to protect. Experts note that the neck, forehead, ears and the hairline - where the hair part ways - are most likely to be impacted. And here’s how you can protect them:
So, should you use sunscreen on your hair? Not necessarily. Protecting your scalp from sun damage is important, but not essential for everyone. There are also less annoying ways to protect your head than sunscreen, you know, like wearing a hat. The takeaway? Consider your hair type, your sun exposure, and your skin needs, and apply the solution that works best for you.
]]>When your skin is flushed with red, tender, heated patches of flesh, it can be extremely painful. Despite being a common occurrence - The Australian Cancer Council reported that half a million Australians get sunburned every year - sunburn and the skin damages that sometimes follow are something we should take seriously.
Sunburn appears on your skin after unprotected or extended exposure to the Sun’s UV rays. During sun exposure, the skin protects itself by producing melanin, and results in a tan. However, this protection is limited and can quickly turn into a burn.
While the occasional sunburn can be a painful yet harmless experience, having a burned skin on a regular basis can highly increase your risks of hyperpigmentation, discolouration, accelerated ageing, and melanomas.
Preventing sunburn from happening in the first place is key to keeping your skin healthy and happy. A broad-spectrum SPF for your face and body that is clean and natural is best. But how can you look after your skin the same way when you get burned? Today, we share five ways to treat sunburn naturally.
With a sunburn, the skin is raw and exhales heat. As such, you need to cool it down. Water is a quick way to soothe the heat and discomfort. Whether that’s through a cool shower, some cold compresses or drinking water to rehydrate the skin, giving your body plenty of water after a sunburn has shown to significantly help the healing process.
Sunburn often implies skin inflammation. Applying some Aloe Vera onto it is a prime way to tone it down. Aloe Vera and its gel-like substance contain a powerful anti-inflammatory compound called Aloin, which suppresses the skin’s inflammatory response against sunburn. To get the most out of Aloe Vera, it’s best to use natural lotions or raw gel directly from the plant.
When the skin tries to heal from a sunburn, it is common to experience discomfort and itchiness. Research suggests that soaking your body in an oatmeal bath can help soothe these symptoms. This is because oatmeal binds to the skin to clean, moisturise and protect it during the healing process. To prepare a soak, add one cup of oatmeal to a lukewarm bath and enjoy it for 10 to 15 minutes before patting yourself dry.
A sunburned skin needs plenty of moisture to heal. Coconut oil is rich in saturated-fat that has shown to have powerful anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties for your skin. Applying some coconut may help reduce the itchiness and flesh peeling that comes with a healing sunburn.
Treating a sunburn means that you’re in for a couple of days of having a red and painful skin. And while applying tea bags to yourself may seem odd, the tannins and antioxidants found in black, green or chamomile tea can relieve these symptoms and help make those days a little more pleasant. You can apply cooled tea bags directly to your sunburn, or brew four to five and soak yourself in the cooled infusion (after pouring it in a bath, of course).
Wearing an SPF protection daily is essential to keep your skin glowy and healthy. And nowadays, it is easier than ever to incorporate sunscreen into your skincare routine. After all, you probably use a moisturiser, BB cream, foundation, or loose powder that is labelled SPF30.
But do these SPF beauty products provide enough protection against the sun on a daily basis? Even when you layer them up? No matter if you’re a full-face day-in-day-out kind of person or a beauty minimalist at heart, the answer might surprise you!
The term SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It is a measure that relates to the length of time you can spend in the sun, rather than the strength of the protection.
The Coppertone Solar Research Centre came up with a simple calculation to understand the impact of SPF on our skin. Let's say you get a sunburn after 20 minutes without sunscreen. If you apply an SPF 30, you will be able to stay 30 times longer under the sun. Alternatively, if you use an SPF 50, it will be effective 50 times longer. However, this calculation can significantly vary depending on various factors such as age, skin type, environmental factors, and how much sunscreen you actually put on your skin.
Along with the SPF rating, you also need to be aware of UVA and UVB. Those are the two primary types of ultraviolet that impact your skin. UVA stands for UV-ageing. UVB stands for UV-burning. To defend yourself from both UV types, your skin requires “broad-spectrum” protection.
While a regular sunscreen is specifically formulated to protect your skin against UV, your SPF makeup merely contains added UV-defending agents. In short, protecting your skin from the sun isn’t the primary goal of your foundation or BB cream, and its SPF dosage can be slim.
It is rare to find a beauty product that clearly states the type of UV coverage - aka broad-spectrum - or the amount of product you need to use to get decent sun coverage. Dermatologists note that we generally don’t apply enough makeup to have a strong and lasting protection against UV’s.
To get an appropriate sun coverage, you would need to apply 6 to 7 layers of makeup that equal the required amount of one thick layer of sunscreen. And that’s a lot of makeup.
SPF makeup on its own is not enough to protect your skin from the sun. However, even a small amount is better than nothing! So don’t ditch your SPF makeup just yet, especially if you’re not an adept of wearing daily sunscreen.
That being said, starting to incorporate a strong SPF into your skincare routine would be even better. And if you’re ensure about when to use sunscreen and what type won’t ruin your makeup, then give this blog a read: How to create a simple skincare routine with your tinted zinc cream.]]>If there’s one reason why you should wear sunscreen all year round, it is definitely to keep your skin bouncy, youthful, and healthy. The skin’s regeneration process starts to slow down as early as 25, and sunbathing without any sunscreen can accelerate this process.
Thankfully, a tube a SPF is a simple solution against sun damage ageing.
In a recent study, Australian researchers monitored the skin damage inflicted by sun exposure among 900 people. Over 4 years, they found that those who used sunscreen daily showed 24% less skin aging than those who applied it irregularly. They also observed an impressive 9% drop in photo-ageing and skin damage in people who started using sunscreen for the study.
In short, there’s no doubt that sunscreen is good for your skin. But how exactly does it prevent it from ageing? Does it come down to its composition and SPF rating? Well, let’s find out by looking at the anti-ageing benefits of sunscreen.
Sun damage is one of the many causes of an uneven skin tone. Whether that’s new appearing moles, freckles, blemishes, or darker patches of skin, an uneven skin complexion reflects a deeper change happening in your skin epidermis. Certain cells mutate, others don’t regenerate, collagen degrades… and this can accelerate the skin’s ageing process.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against the damages done by UVA (aging) and UVB (burning). As such, most sunscreens labelled that way can help you maintain an even complexion.
Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the free radicals and antioxidants found in the body. This imbalance can be caused by many things, including the sun. If your skin is not regenerating properly or losing its elasticity, you might be experiencing oxidative stress and as a result, the boosting effect it as on wrinkles and overall skin ageing.
To limit oxidative stress, expert recommend to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. However, not all brands are good for your skin and can have a damaging effect thanks to the chemicals they contain. Choosing a clean sunscreen with antioxidative ingredients such as olive oil can protect and neutralise excess sun damage.
By preventing oxidative stress, free radicals and UV damage, sunscreen boosts you skin cells' regeneration. But to ensure your cells are fully supported, you need to pick the right SPF formula for your skin.
An SPF number indicates the length of time you can spend in the sun without getting burnt. Each SPF will offer the same UV protection to your skin. The trick lies in applying sunscreen generously and regularly. It's been shown that applying SPF 30 generously is more effective than an SPF 50 spread thinly or not frequently enough.
Other factors should also be considered when you're choosing a to UV protection, such as your age, skin type, and environmental factors. You may burn more quickly than your friends or have a sensitive skin. You might also be tanning during the sun peak hour or heading for a swim every 20 minutes. Taking these into account can give you an idea of how much and how many times sunscreen should be applied to boost skin regeneration.
Choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen filled with natural ingredients is the best way to ensure you get the most anti-aging benefits. Our tinted zinc cream contains olive oil, cacao butter and zinc - among other ingredients - which are naturally moisturising, antioxidative and protective.
It is normal to question some of your not-so-healthy habits when you have a little bub on the way. Snacking on crackers and kombucha, sunbathing during peak hour, and relying on sun-tan lotion to get a shimmery glow, are things that go from brilliant ideas to excessive worry the moment you get pregnant.
Pregnant women are known to scroll the internet for answers, and when it comes to sunscreen, it is easy to quickly stumble onto a list of chemicals that intoxicate your worst fears.
Yes, certain beauty products, including sunscreen, contain Oxybenzone – a chemical that has been shown to penetrate the skin cells and disrupt hormones. But that doesn't mean you should go without sun protection in order to avoid it.
While keeping your hormones balanced is crucial during pregnancy (and we're by no means recommending you to use chemical-filled products), there is a lack of scientific evidence that these types of chemicals actually endanger your growing baby.
On the other hand, unprotected and extended sun exposure can do more damage to your skin and pregnancy.
Sunbathing without sunblock is generally not recommended, no matter your age, condition or skin type. Between sunburns, risks of melanoma, accelerated-ageing, getting a tan is not always worth it. And that is even more relevant when you're pregnant.
So, if unprotected sun exposure is detrimental to your pregnancy, should you avoid going to the beach altogether? Well, not really, as there are ways to enjoy some well-deserved vitamin D while keeping your skin and your growing bub safe.
Getting enough sun is important while you're pregnant. After all, the sun enhances mood and delivers some Vitamin D. But there's a right way to expose yourself without damaging your health.
Our tinted zinc cream checks all those boxes and will ensure that your face and your belly stay protected. And not to worry, wearing sunscreen won't impact your Vitamin D intake. All in all, keeping yourself safe from sun exposure while pregnant is best, so make sure to protect yourself and use sunscreen!
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Having an even skin tone and a pigment-free complexion is easier said than done when summer comes around. Between the harsh UV rays of the season and well... living in Australia, our skin is particularly vulnerable to hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation shows up at its best through freckles, and at its worst, through irritation, skin discolouration and accelerated ageing.
So what is the deal with hyperpigmentation?
As each skin is unique, hyperpigmentation might look different on you than someone else. To prevent it from developing this summer, it is crucial to look for specific signs, choose the proper prevention method, and treat gently an already-damaged skin to inhibit further harm.
Hyperpigmentation occurs as a result of an inflammation of the skin. This inflammation can be caused by a hormonal imbalance through acne, an autoimmune reaction - such as eczema or psoriasis - or simply through extensive sun exposure.
As a result, hyperpigmentation can flourish in several ways:
Inflammation is the most important factor triggering an hyperpigmentation. This means that the best way to avoid wrecking your skin is to manage the inflammation in the first place.
For an hormonal or autoimmune inflammation, the key is to follow an appropriate treatment and diet recommended by a healthcare professional. Also, being mindful of your sun exposure and keeping your skin shielded with clothes and sunscreen is the strongest form of prevention.
Health professionals recommend:
If your skin is already suffering from some level of hyperpigmentation, not all is lost... There are ways to treat and reverse the damage.
Dermatologists note that embracing a skincare routine rich in antioxidants - such as vitamin C and E - can boost skin cell regeneration and repair damage. LED and laser treatments are also minimally invasive and can reduce the appearance of dark spots and discolouration.
Adding more sunscreen to your beauty routine is also crucial to prevent further damage and darkening. And if you use a sunscreen rich in natural and healing ingredients, it can also support your skin from regenerating. Our tinted zinc contains things like coconut oil, olive oil, and cocoa butter, which have shown to be beneficial for the skin.
Many hyperpigmentation problems can be prevented with sunscreen. So this summer, make sure you apply it all over yourself. Your complexion will thank you for it.
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To keep your skin bouncy, young, and healthy, it is essential to wear sunscreen. And yes, even if you’re Black, Brown, Latino or Asian.
People with a darker complexion like you, often leave their sun protection to the side. Whether that’s because there is no appropriate product on the market, a lack of tangible information online, or an overall neglect from medical experts to address the issue - protecting dark skin tone against UV rays is unnecessarily difficult, even today.
And we thought it was about time we touched on everything you need to know about protecting your dark skin from the sun.
Yes, no matter what shades of dark your complexion is, sunburn is not just reserved for white and light skin tone.
A dark skin often comes with a certain level of melanin, and the darker you are, the more melanin you’re also likely to have. Melanin acts as a natural SPF on the skin. However, even if you naturally produce it, dermatologists note that it only equals to an SPF 13, at most. This is not nearly enough to protect your skin from sun damage. Plus, melanin is not consistent throughout the body.
So while a sunburn might not look the same as someone with lighter skin, the damage it does can be. Additionally, if your skin is on the lighter shades of dark, your risk of sunburn is equal to a light skin tone.
Over-exposure to the sun comes with predictable downsides. Other than an increased risk of melanomas and accelerated ageing, someone with light skin tone will experience visible fine lines and wrinkles.
But just because your skin is darker doesn’t mean that you won’t be impacted the same way. Experts have observed that long-term sun exposure for dark skin tone can lead to saggy skin, hyper-pigmentation of dark patches, and skin discolouration.
According to a consumer report in the US, 61% of Black and 23% of Hispanic people said they never wear sunscreen. However, the same study noted the benefits of wearing sunscreen to prevent skin discolouration and premature ageing.
A melanoma is a premature, pigmented cell that takes the form of an uneven mole or mark. If left undiagnosed or untreated, it can develop into skin cancer.
Many campaigns in Australia urge people to get their skin checked twice a year. However, that advertising often targets those with light skin tone, leaving darker skin to the side.
Because of situations like this, studies show that people of colour are four times more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage melanoma. They are also more likely to die of skin cancer than people with a light tone because of late diagnosis and lack of appropriate treatment.
Another unfair yet real fact is that healthcare practitioners are not properly educated to diagnose a melanoma early in people of colour. They also late to diagnose a skin cancer when treating a dark skin tone.
Skin melanoma can look very different between a dark and light skin. It is common to find melanomas on the neck, stomach or back in most people, but dark skin tone like yours can also have melanoma show up on the palms and soles of the feet.
While it is definitely a turn-off, there are products and solutions available to protect your dark skin without putting on a white cast all over your face.
But we know that finding an appropriate sunscreen for your skin tone is tricky. The liquid bases are often full of chemicals, and the mineral options just don’t do the trick. So how can you protect your skin and still look good? Well, we have the solution(s).
Our Sun & Earth Earthy Cocoa shade was created with dark skin tones in mind. It is a natural, mineral-based SPF30 coverage with a tinted shield that melts onto your skin. To match it shade perfectly to your tone if it is still too light, you can easily blend it with a drop of foundation.
No matter how dark your skin is, it is important to protect it. By wearing sunscreen daily, checking your skin regularly, and even being pushy with your healthcare practitioner if you notice something is off on your skin, you can keep your beautiful complexion safe from the sun.
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Sunscreen often gets a bad reputation, thanks to its chemicals, thickness and at times, pore-clogging abilities. And if you’re one of the millions of people who experience skin sensitivities and inflammation in the form of acne, eczema, psoriasis or rosacea, chances are your relationship with sunscreen is rocky.
While it is definitely* not recommended to go SPF free, the struggle of finding a sunscreen that protects and work with your skin is reel and can feel disheartening. Thankfully, the rise of skin sensitivities created a desperate need for refreshed, clean SPF formulas.
But with endless brand options and potential greenwashing, how are you supposed to find the one sunscreen for your skin? Well, in this post, we break down everything you need to know about sunscreen, acne breakouts, skin inflammation and the best formula to protect and soothe your most annoying skin problems.
Just like a moisturiser that creates a sealing barrier on your skin to lock the moisture in, sunscreen formulas are developed as a skin shield against the sun.
When your skin reacts to your sunscreen, it implies that the interaction between its epidermis and the shield is unbalanced. And there are a few ways that can happen.
A sunscreen formula rich in chemical blockers such as Paraben, Oxybenzone or Octinoxate have shown to trigger breakouts and hormone imbalance by stimulating estrogen production in the body. Those same chemicals can also increase oxidative stress and free radicals, influencing skin irritation.
But sometimes, even a clean sunscreen formula can trigger acne and inflammation. Dermatologists note that sunscreen mixes with pollution and excess oil on our face when the skin isn't cleansed properly, resulting in clogged pores.
If your skin is sensitive and often breakout, it is best to stay clear of sunscreen formula rich in chemicals. The most popular ones to avoid are Oxybenzone, Paraben, Octinoxate, Retinyl Palmitate, and Aminobenzoic Acid.
On the other hand, formulas containing organic ingredients, natural oils, and zinc oxide can offer an effective and soothing SPF protection. Our tinted zinc cream, for example, contains beeswax, cacao butter, coconut and olive oil, along with our protective minerals. When applied topically, these ingredients have shown to inhibit free radicals, soothe skin inflammation, and boost cellular regeneration.
Natural sunscreen - like our tinted zinc cream - are formulated with multiple ingredients in small dosage that balance each other. Aka you’re not applying a direct coating of virgin coconut oil on your face.
Protecting your face from the sun shouldn’t be harming your sensitive skin. But taking small steps away from chemicals and towards a clean, balanced skincare routine, you get the chance to soothe inflammation and keep the UVs at bay.
And If you want to know how to create an SPF-friendly skincare routine, we wrote a whole blog about it, which you can read here. ]]>It is no secret that the warm light of the sun helps your body synthesise Vitamin D. But what actually happens when you protect your skin against the one thing that gives you this essential vitamin?
The answer is not that straightforward. That's why we decided to break down the data and science on everything vitamin D, sunlight and sunscreen, to help you decide if it is really worth it to skip the SPF.
Vitamin D is an important nutrient that is converted by the body to support bone health, hormonal balance, and the healthy turnover of cells. However, our diet and lifestyle make it that up to 40% of adults are deficient in Vitamin D.
When your body lacks Vitamin D, it can make you feel achy, sore and weak. It can also increase your is risks of osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, and even cancer. But while this data may seem scary, it is fairly easy to maintain your Vitamin D at a healthy level through supplements, food, and the sun.
Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin” because when you expose your skin to sunlight, the UV rays supercharge its cholesterol to synthesise vitamin D.
It is estimated that people with light skin tone can expose themselves to sunlight for just 30 minutes, 3 times per week, to get enough vitamin D. Alternatively, some studies have also noted that people with dark skin tone might need to expose themselves longer to receive enough vitamin D. This is because a dark skin tone contains melanin, which act as an extra protective layers against UVs.
Exposing yourself to sunlight is an effective way to get vitamin D. However, it isn't the only way, as this vitamin can also be synthesised through food. A diet rich in fatty fish, mushroom, milk or soy can replenish your body just as effectively.
Unprotected sun exposure and lack of vitamin D can be both detrimental for your skin and overall health. Not wearing sunscreen will let your skin synthesise vitamin D, but not without exposing you to sunburn premature ageing, heatstroke and potential melanomas.
But as experts have found, it seems that wearing sunscreen doe NOT prevent your body from getting enough vitamin D from the sun.
In fact, In an Australian study, researchers asked 113 participants to use various levels of SPF sunscreens. After monitoring their vitamin D levels over the summer, the study showed that no SPF variation made participants deficient in Vitamin D.
The data suggests that in Australia, our bodies are sufficiently exposed to sunlight. Sunscreen offers a 95 to 98% UV coverage, even when applied properly, which allows for up to 5% of UV rays to go through and synthesise Vitamin D. On top of that, we naturally wear airy clothing that exposes parts of our skin throughout the day.
All in all, sunscreen layer can do its protective job without preventing Vitamin D from synthesising. And if you ever notice a strong deficiency, it is best to supplement through food and speak with a healthcare provider rather than expose yourself without protection under the sun.
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Gone are the days where sunscreen was solely saved for those warm, beach summer days. With the UV rays getting more intense year by year, wearing sunscreen every time you’re running around outdoors should be a no-brainer.
The sun won’t stay away from your skin just because you’re not lying on the beach in your boardshorts or bikinis. In fact, we are more prone to sunburns when we’re out and about without protection.
And if you’re reading this, chances are you have been sunburned by “accident” too many times. Whether that’s when playing with your kids at the park or gardening all afternoon long, certain activities make us forget we are exposing ourselves to harsh and unforgiving UV rays.
Here are 8 outdoor sports that should require sunscreen 110% of the time.
So before you send your kids off to their sports game, or head out for a workout yourself, don’t forget to layer some natural zinc onto your exposed skin.
Being on the field kicking a ball around - even for two hours - can lead to some pretty nasty redness on the face, neck, and arms. What’s more, is that your kid’s soccer games probably happen during peak sunny hours, making it more dangerous for your skin - no matter if you’re playing or watching.
We know, it’s probably the only sport where you even think about putting on sunscreen. Yet, we can easily dismiss it when wearing a wetsuit. However, no matter the season, our face and neck still get exposed to the sun - so don’t forget to protect them.
Are you an avid climber tackling the rocky edges of the blue mountains or the rainforest? Then you need to wear some zinc. Because yes, the dense trees might provide you with lots of shade, but the reality is that UV rays will still reach you.
Any sports that happen on an open field require some sun protection. And Rudby is no different. Yes, you might get some strong arm, short, and neck tan lines along the way, but wearing sunscreen is better than having to apply aloe vera for days to soothe your over-exposed skin.
We’ve created the natural zinc cream because of our love for the ocean. But if you enjoy a trip to the snow, your face will definitely* need protection too. The sun reflects on the snow and it can be even harsher on your skin than on the beach. So if you’re heading to abroad to Japan over the holiday, make sure to pack your zinc.
Yes, those early mornings in the parks with your trainer do expose you to the sun. And if you’re one of those people rocking a sports bra or some shirtless action, then you will want to protect your skin - no matter how long your session is.
You’re moving, you’re sweating, your pores are wide open, and the last thing you will want is to give the sun easy access to your epidermis. And whether you run at sunrise or sunset, exposure can still happen.
Yes, Australia is like heaven on earth. We’ve got beautiful coasts, mesmerising land, and a chill lifestyle we wouldn’t trade for anything.
But Australia also has its downside, because as much as we love the warm and sunny weather, that very sun is extremely harsh on our skin. In fact, you might have heard that down under, there’s a depleted ozone layer that looms over us.
And sadly, that implies that the UV radiations have a much more destructive impact on our skin. Health Direct reports that over 13,000 Australians are diagnosed with melanoma each year. That said, Experts note that skin cancer and melanoma are preventable and can be treated effectively.
So before you pack up your van for the summer, plan your beach days in the sun, or organise a well-deserved camping trip along the coast, get your skin checked!
Here are the top recommendations from the Australian government, skin experts, and ocean lovers (that’s us) on how to protect your skin this summer.
There is too much plastic in the ocean that can be accounted for - and about 50% of marine life has been impacted by marine life. But while these angering facts are well known - oceanic plastic has created many surprising data - including these 5 facts - you will want to raise awareness about.
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We know that just like us - you’re an ocean lover. From beach walks, surf sessions, and sunset picnics, you love and cherish the blue space that surrounds you. Damn, you probably even took the “I quit plastic” challenge to a whole new level this year, joining beach clean-ups, shopping solely at the farmer’s market, and recycling like there is no tomorrow.
But you’re also realistic - like us. And while you make so much effort to limit your own plastic consumption - you can’t deny that plastic is still very much a problem for the ocean.
Yes, we know that too much oceanic plastic can’t be accounted for, and that 50% of marine life is impacted by it in one way or another - whether they eat it, get caught in it, or get killed by it.
And while these facts foster surprise, anger, and sadness in many - there are other surprising things about oceanic plastic that you might want to know about (and use to create awareness).
Thijs Bosker - an environmental scientist - highlighted this fact during a 2018 climate summit in the Netherland. The milky way is wide and infinite, and we can’t quite comprehend the amount and impact of stars found in the galaxy. Microplastic works in the ocean the same way. But while we have yet to see the full extent of their impact, we already know that microplastics are slowly killing life on our planet.
If you stumble in the pacific between Hawaii and California, you can find the largest ocean garbage site in the entire world. It is estimated that the amount of plastic there outnumbers the marine life found in the pacific ocean.
In fact, there hasn’t been any precise data on how much plastic waste accrued in 2019 and 2020 either. While we are urged on an individual level to reduce plastic, we still lack transparency from governments around proper plastic waste disposal and recycling.
Our plastic waste travels far - so far, that it makes its way in the most remote place in the world: the arctics. National Geographic recently published the discovery after plastic fragments and pollution were found on research sites north of Greenland.
With over 100,000 marine life coming in contact with plastic waste each year, it is no surprise that the RSPCA observed that 700 species might become extinct because of oceanic plastic. From eating microplastics to getting entangled in gears and net… plastic merges, intoxicates, and kills marine life at an alarming level.
Oceanic plastic is a problem. And if we want to do something about it on a global level, we need to talk about it. Whether that’s over a pizza and a VB, that’s up to you. ]]>If you’ve had the chance to drive around your own neighbourhood and looked up, you might have noticed solar panels popping up on every second rooftop. And if you ever visited us in Lismore… you would know that solar power has been THE renewable energy running Sun & Earth from day one.
So nothing made everyone happier to hear that the Australian Climate Council announced:
“For the first time on August 22nd since the national electricity market was established, Solar energy provided more power than coal”
AKA on that day, Australia provided more solar-powered electricity to our homes than coal-based electricity.
At Sun & Earth, solar energy powers our website and allows us to take orders, print labels, and move packages up and down our stairs. It also powers the machines that create the unique blend of the tinted zinc cream. Finally, it recharges our electric bikes - which we use to make shipping drops at the post office.
We do our best to run an energy-neutral home - for both our business and our day to day life. An energy-neutral home is a home that produces as much energy as it consumes. However, our homes are often set on auto-pilot and generate more than we actually need.
So how can you take action and adapt your home?
If you’re interested in implementing more solar power into your home and creating an energy-neutral environment that is good for your wallet and the planet, here’s our best tip.
We know switching to solar power is a lengthy process that takes time… but we’re starting to see the positive impact it can indeed have on our finance, our home, and the planet. So don’t shy away from solar energy, and embrace it in any way you can.
]]>As much as we try to avoid it and consume less of it, plastic is still everywhere. Between food wrappers, children’s toys, furniture covers, and beauty products… It is nearly impossible to go 100% plastic-free.
It is estimated that 8 million tons of plastic still enters the ocean to this day. A problem that we have yet to solve in 2021.
Plastic is designed to be very resistant and durable. As a result, it is not biodegradable. Nearly every piece of plastic manufactured still exists today, and human deals with it with two solutions:
As soon as plastic enters the ocean, it goes on a long and destructive journey in the blue depth. The current can make it travel across the world, and as it deteriorates into pieces, it can strangle or intoxicate sea life.
So how do we manage what seems like an unsolvable problem as an individual? Is there a way you can realistically readjust your habits, quit plastic, and save the ocean? And why is it so important? That’s what we’re about to find out.
Because of its vast and almost infinite depts, the ocean acts as a massive sink for pollution. Oceanic plastic mainly comes from:
Once in the ocean, the plastic breaks down into pieces because of the harsh condition and constant motion it is subject to. This is known as microplastic. These 5mm bits and pieces of plastic disperses deeper and further in our blue space, impacting sea life beyond repair.
Over 100,000 sea life comes in contact with plastic waste each year. They can get entangled in ghost gears which limits their motions and causes injuries. They can swallow microplastics which cause intoxication and pierce internal organs. Microplastic also merges with algae and the microbiomes surrounding them. Researchers have found that even coral absorbs microplastic. Millions of seabirds and sea life die from plastic waste.
Sadly, the current data estimates that, if we continue to produce and consume plastic the way we currently do, there will be up to 5 trillion pieces of plastic in the ocean by 2050. In fact, researchers note that the amount of plastic would outweigh the amount of fish.
In our own ways, we each can make a significant impact on the ocean by quitting plastic. But while trading our kitchen with metal straws, beeswax wrapper, and bulk jars seems like an easy swap to get into… quitting plastic is not always simple.
In fact, we’re so used to certain “convenience” that living plastic-free might require a whole new set of habits. So here’s our best tip to help you quit plastic.
Quitting plastic is a journey that requires a bit of adjustment. So take your time and take actions that meet your means. No matter how big or small, every step towards a plastic-free life means less plastic in the ocean. Your actions are valuable so embrace their power. Our beloved blue space will thank you for it.
Whether you listen to it while driving between Byron and the Gold coast, or during your morning stroll along the beach, podcasts are such a great way to learn, discover, and ponder new ideas.
But while true crime and business-related podcasts are among the most popular… it can be hard to find a good audio show that talks about the things that matter - aka sustainability, ocean protection, clean beauty, and zero-waste lifestyle.
So we dived deep into our phone to bring you the 7 best podcasts on the subject. Open your podcast app, and get downloading asap.
Discussing practical ways to create an environmental difference, this all-things zero waste podcast dives into habits, hacks, and products that are here to make our life easier - and more eco-friendly.
Hosted by Nourished Life founder Irene Falcone, this podcast chat to the scientific, doctoral and entrepreneurial voices that aspire to make the beauty industry cleaner. If you’ve been looking for informational tips to go low-tox and learn more about skincare, add this one to your list.
This eco-conscious podcast explores sustainability, climate science, and a practical plastic-free lifestyle. Led by Laura Diez - a sustainability professional with a master’s in climate science, this podcast is like having a casual coffee chat with a friend and chatting about the endless possibilities actually available for us to make a positive change.
Run by the national oceanic and atmospheric administration, Making Waves is a weekly podcast bringing verified news and information about the latest on ocean life around the world. Think discussion about ocean noise and motion or exploration of shipwrecks.
In a world where climate change is seen as a polarizing subject with no way out, this podcast gives us hope by roaming the earth and chatting to the experts within it. With a funny yet relevant tone, Journalist Alex Blumberg and Scientist Dr. Ayana Elizabeth help us figure out how we can build a better future, one episode at a time.
If you’re curious about regenerative agriculture, farm-to-table, and food sustainability, this podcast is made for you. Run by Aussie biodynamic farmer Charlie Arnott, this weekly show is densely packed with insightful interviews that aim to help us realign with nature - and everything it has to offer.
Here to educate us in a sensible way about ocean conversation, this podcast dives into everything ocean life, plastic pollution, climate change, and everything that influences our blue ecosystem. Through expert interviews and practical takeaways, this podcast encourages and empower you to lead an ocean-friendly life.
Are there podcasts on sustainability, ocean protection, surf, and clean beauty that you love? Share your favourites in the comment below or with us on Instagram at @sun.and.earth.zinc
We often have a giggle when we chat with our friends and family who struggles with Australian winter. After all, it doesn’t get that cold here (that is if you live north of NSW like us)!
We are also in awe of the oldies but goodies who never shy away from a cold morning dip in the ocean pool all year long. While we love the warmth, this nordic practice had us intrigued. Buzzing in the past few years among millennials for its amazing mental and physical benefits, we decided to explore this winter practice - without surfboard and wetsuit that is.
With the late sunrises and the colder mornings, getting out of bed and down to the ocean for a dip might feel like a challenge. As we’re currently slow pacing the depts of Australia’s winter, our mood, motivation, and immune system can be low (especially with the recent lockdown).
A cold swim daily seems to have the ability to reverse these effects quite efficiently.
Who knows a quick dip in ice-cold water could do so many goodies to your body? And according to the Wim Hof method, your body only needs about 10 days of exposure to adjust and experience the first signs of benefits.
It’s no secret that we all have some sort of mental blockage when it comes to immersing ourselves in cold water. Our fight-flight compass acts as if the water could harm us in some way. So while as a beginner we definitely wouldn’t dive into the antarctic - because well, hypothermia - there are a few safe techniques we can all start with!
Like any other holistic practice, cold swimming should be adapted to your own lifestyle and needs. You don’t need the latest tools to immerse yourself in cold. In fact, all you really need is a fluffy towel for the aftermath, a natural zinc sunscreen for your ocean swim, a one-piece because duh, and your breath.
And for surfing? Well, we still recommend to keep using a wetsuit during your practice, but it doesn’t hurt to drop the board on the sand when you’re done and run back in the water with your swimmers-only for a dip.
Looking to get a fresh tin of zinc for your cold swim? Shop our collection here. ]]>There is nothing quite like waking up at 6 am, smelling the salty hair, grabbing a hot cup of coffee, looking at the waves crashing, paddling into cold water, and connecting with the ocean.
At Sun & Earth, we have a profound love for surfing. After all, it is what inspired Joel to create our signature tinted zinc cream. We are strong advocates for the ocean and want to do our best to keep it safe and clean. But as green as we try to be, it would be small of us to assume that surfing doesn’t have a human footprint.
Your surf practice does come with its ups and downs, but thankfully, is it easy to make it more green. Today, we share our 4 best tips.
If you want to green up your surf practice, it may be time to take a look at your board. Surfboards have been around for years, but the way they are made has evolved and not in the best way. While at its beginning, surfboards were carved out of woods, nowadays they are widely manufactured with polyurethane or polystyrene foam.
This material offers a cheap way to easily shape boards to our liking. However, even though a foam board has a long lifespan, it is nearly impossible to recycle it.
So what is the solution when it comes to your board? Well, if you’ve already had one, the best option is to take care of it to make its life durable. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a new board, try and consider an eco-friendly and wooden alternative.
When it comes to surfing, your dip in the ocean will most likely involve swim and wetsuits - unless you know a secluded spot to get bare, but you get the point. While we still believe that the greenest approach is to use what you already own, choosing suits that are made ethically is the second best.
From swimsuits made of recycled bottles and fishnets to resistant wetsuit threaded from natural rubber, finding options that are sustainable and ethical has never been easier. And yes, it might be slightly more expensive, but by choosing quality pieces that are not damaging the ocean over shopping for 5 different swimsuits, you are making a better pick for your skin and the sea.
We all love a sticky board that can be rode for hours on end, however - like most products - not all surf wax are created equal. Within commercial wax, it is common to find bleaching, chemicals, and paraffin - which is a byproduct of petrol.
It’s been found that over 90% of commercial wax contains toxic chemicals. These chemicals degrade off the surfboard to enter the ocean and intoxicate marine life.
The solution? Ditch the toxic wax and opt for a more green option made of soy, hemp, or oils. A quick google search for eco-friendly wax or better yet a stop at your local market will help you find safer and more natural choice for your board.
It is no secret that the sunscreen industry can be a very dirty one. Commercial sunscreen often involves plastic packaging, unethical manufacturing, and an overload of chemicals that are harmful to both the environment and the skin.
And as a surfer, the last thing you probably want is to degrade the reef and inflamed your epidermis. So, ditch the cheap and chemically-filled sunscreen for products that 100% natural and made with zinc.
Not only you will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB, but zinc will stay put for hours, no matter how long you stay in the water. Plus, it won’t dissolve and intoxicate the fish while you surf. Our tinted zinc cream is 100% safe, natural, and long-lasting. It comes with a recyclable packaging, and can be applied quickly and easily before you jump in the water.
While you will also want to consider the impact of your travels when going for a surf, along with the water bottles, towels, and coffee cups you use, making your surf practice green simply start with the awareness and understanding of HOW what you use leaves a footprint on the environment.
What ways have you thought of to green your surf practice? Keep the conversation going and connect with us on socials at @sun.and.earth.zinc
The pandemic hasn’t been the only thing making headlines lately. There have been some new stories on the great barrier reef and the beautiful coastlines that surrounds Australia. But unless you’re an avid news reader, you might have totally missed it.
So, what has been happening with the climate and the ocean in the past few weeks?
Well, we’re definitely not a news channel, but we believe that starting a conversation and sharing the development of a cause we so strongly try to protect is well, relevant!
We thought that if you’re an avid surfer, an ocean lover, or a green advocate, you will love to sit with us virtually* with a byron bay brewery beer in your hand, and chat about how our community can create more positive change for the ocean and the life within it.
In June 2021, the coalition government announced that they would open 80,000 new petroleum exploration across Australia. The offshore coastlines impacted currently include Victoria, Tasmania, and various basins along with Western Australia.
Why is this happening? Well, mostly for political and economic reasons. But how do these decisions impact the climate and the ocean?
When it comes to coal or petroleum - we already know that these gas emit a massive amount of carbon emission. Between the drilling, processing, usage phase, and the occasional oil spills due to accidents and toxic release, offshore exploration put a heavy toll on the marine ecosystem.
Think of fish disturbances and poisoning, sound waves that may trigger seismic reactions, and the intoxications of the reef. Those are all byproducts of offshore drilling.
So while the Australian government does not actively plan to drill into the Great Barrier Reef, the damage caused along the rest of the coastline - especially when it comes to toxins - does not stay stagnant and be carried around the ocean, including up to Queensland.
In fact, the same month UNESCO recommended for the Great Barrier Reef to be listed as endangered. Why? Because of the inaction of the Australian government on climate change, the continuous degradation of the reef that is seeing no ends, and their failure to meet water quality targets.
In honesty, this type of news makes us sad, angry, and a little helpless… because it seems that one person out of the millions of Australians cannot really make a difference.
But that’s not really true. Besides living more mindfully - reducing plastic, cleaning beaches, and using more sustainable products in our daily life - our voice can also be heard!
Surfers For Climate is an organisation dedicated to positive climate actions. They love to take matters into their own hands and stand up for the ocean. Through them, you can stay informed on the latest oceanic news, sign petitions against ocean damages, participate in climate events, and donate to support the movement. How much you want to get involved is up to you.
Alternatively, you can also get involved with WWF Protect Our Ocean program or volunteer with The Climate Council. And if organisations aren’t your thing, another option is to get involved in politics and elevate your oceanic concerns with your local council and government.
Now tell us, how do you feel about the latest news impacting the Australian coastlines?
Have you ever joined an organisation to take action? And if so, what was your experience?
We want to start a conversation and see how we can better protect our beloved blue zone. So make your opinions, experience, and story heard! So share it with us using the comment section or get in touch with us on Instagram at @sun.and.earth.zinc.
]]>Between protecting our skin from sun damage, and limiting its chemical impact on the ocean, if there is one ingredient within our all-day cream that should be highlighted, it is definitely Zinc Oxide.
Zinc Oxide is a natural protection that makes up our SPF 30 label. SPF translates to Sun Protection Factor. Its rating, on the other hand, relates to how long you can stay in the sun without getting burnt, depending on your skin sensitivity. If you’ve read our “Simple guide to SPF”, you also know that with SPF comes UV protection - or more precisely UVA and UVB - and that not all sunscreens are created equal.
Some will only protect you from one type of UV. Some will be filled with chemicals like Oxybenzone - which negatively impacts the ocean. Some will come with plastic packaging, while others will irritate your skin.
So, how is Zinc Oxide different from other sunscreens? And how does it work with your skin and the ocean?
Zinc Oxide is a natural metal element created from a combination of zincite mineral and oxygen. There are two types of zinc oxide: Nano-zinc and non-nano zinc. The nano component of zinc refers to the size of the zinc particles. And while this may seem irrelevant, the particle size does influence the way zinc oxide impact the skin and the ocean.
To get nano-zinc, the beauty industry microsize the particles in order to get the zinc oxide benefits without having the typical “white-cast” this element tends to leave. However, the concern with particles becoming so small is that - while non-nano zinc sits on the skin - the nano-zinc will sink in and harm living tissues within the body.
Within our all-day cream, we solely use non-nano Zinc Oxide to ensure we provide the safest option for any skins. And because we pair our Zinc Oxide in a particular way with other natural ingredients, our product doesn’t leave a white cast on your face.
Now, let’s dive into the good stuff. What does Zinc Oxide do for your skin and for the ocean? Well, a lot actually.
Compared to other sunscreens formula, using a sun protection that largely includes zinc oxide is the most natural and safe option for the skin and the environment. Are you ready to make the switch? Take a look at our selection of zinc cream in the shop.
]]>Protecting our oceans, our beaches and the live within it is important. But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy spending time by the sea side. We just got to do it differently. We share our best zero-waste tips for the beach.
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Living in Australia means that no matter the season, you can enjoy some time at the beach. Between morning walks by the boardwalk, post-work surf in the afternoon, and weekend picnics at sunset with friends, there are so many ways you can experience the seaside.
But the reality is that no matter the season - but more prominently during winter - we’re starting to see an influx of trash and debris on the beach. Perhaps it’s because the areas are a little less monitored than in summer. However, that doesn’t make it okay. From single-use coffee cups buried in the sand to baby nappies floating in the ocean, it is up to us to make a huge effort and be mindful of our waste, even at the beach.
So, how can you make your ocean trip eco-friendly? Today, we share with you our zero waste guide for the beach.
While as human we tend to be snobby when it comes to beaches, keeping our shorelines free of trash and plastic is important. A lot of marine and animal life depends on the health and safety of the beach - penguins, kangaroos, birds and crabs are popular along the coast of Australia.
But having a waste-free beach doesn’t just impact them, It also impacts us.
Additionally, we as human also live off the health of our shorelines and maintaining a healthy eco-system and prevent erosion is vital. It is important for our homes because waste-filled beaches contribute to climate changes and the damages that come with it. It is also relevant for our mental and physical health, as the shorelines provide us with recreational opportunities - from sailing, swimming, walking, surfing and lounging.
So instead of polluting it, why not do the best we can to keep our beaches free from waste?
Pack with reusable containers
Between hungry kids, organised picnics, and your thirst for water and coffee, chances are your trip to the beach will involve some needed nourishing. Yet, it is common to rely on a nearby shop to buy paper-cup drinks and plastic-wrapped sandwiches.
But saving the beach - and some money while you’re at it - is actually really easy. Pack up your salad in a glass jar, make use of steel containers to bring your fruits, have your handcrafted ceramic cup in hand for coffee, fill up your reusable water bottle, and use those beeswax wrapping for the bread. You get the picture.
If you’re planning on bringing drinks and snacks, prep them at home and pack them sustainably. This will help you avoid accumulating single-use trash at the beach.
Bring a spare bin bag
Humans are funny that way, we tend to dislike touching what is not ours. And that’s especially true when it comes to trash.
While you might not dare to throw your soda can in the sand, you might have passed by one without picking it up once or twice. And that’s ok because we’d say everyone has been guilty of that.
But now that we are calling it out and raising awareness, we believe we can all do better. So when you take a trip to the beach, bring a spare bin bag and don’t be shy. If you pass in front of any trash, pick it up. Even if it may seem like a small action, it will have a valuable impact.
One less trash in the sand is one wildlife saved.
Use eco-friendly wax and sunscreen
Making your way to the beach always imply that your equipment and/or your body are gonna layered up with something protective. But between surf wax and sunscreen, we know that there are plenty of nasty options out there that can damage the beach.
Stay away from chemical-filled and plastic-packaged protections. Instead, seek eco-friendly and biodegradable options to wax your board and shield your body. Our all-day zinc sun cream is made of 100% natural ingredients and in a reusable tin. You can shop it here for your next trip to the beach.
If you ever met Joel and Anita, you would know that keeping things small, impactful, and within the community is their motto when it comes to business.
While you might never shop Sun & Earth in fast-consumerism stores, you will, however, always come across a handful of passionate people on a Sunday morning at your local market.
Since 2016, Joel and Anita have run Sun & Earth from home, with a little help from family and friends. And between handmaking zinc cream, shipping orders, and travelling across states to attend markets, running this small business from home has been a journey. Add to that a farm, a toddler, and a cancer that led to physical impairment, and you start to wonder in awe how this little family is able to do it all.
Today, Joel and Anita share a snippet of what it’s like to run Sun & Earth.
Sustainability is at the heart of Sun & Earth, so it made sense for Joel and Anita to limit their carbon footprint during the making of the tinted zinc cream.
“At the beginning of Sun & Earth, Joel was manufacturing our Tinted Zinc Cream on his own from home. But when the orders started booming, we bribed our friends with pizza, beers, and banters for help. Today, because of Joel’s impairment, we do welcome extra hands regularly when it comes to manufacturing. However, our process remains the same”.
“Between melting, mixing, pouring, and packing, one tinted zinc cream is touched 9 times. We’re so proud to offer a product that is so lovingly handmade”.
“As we make our zinc cream from home, we have installed solar panels in order to limit the energy consumption of our manufacturing process. Each tin is powered by the sun and packed into reusable tins. We want to make sure to limit our business’s carbon footprint in any way we can”.
“Each week, we spend time visiting our local beeswax farm and health shops to source our organic ingredients. We always work with the same suppliers because for us, maintaining these relationships is important. Plus, it allows us to trust the high quality of each oil, butter, and oxide that goes into our product”.
While we’ll save Joel’s story for another post, his cancer and the physical impairment that came with it has required some adaptation - both in the home office and the workflow.
“Living and working in a 2 story house makes it that we ultimately have to go up and down the stairs. But with Joel’s mobility issues, carrying orders and tin boxes became a challenge. To make things easier on both of us, we installed a power winch-pulley that brings things up and down the stairs for us”.
“Along with that, when something needs to be carried, we do it together and stay super conscious of our position. Joel walks forward, and I walk back. It took a lot of talking and a few falls to figure it out all, but I think now we got it figured out”.
Like any small business owners, Joel and Anita’s schedule is varied. Yet, between taking care of their toddler Heath and the handful of animals on their Lismore farm, they make a point to keep a sustainable balance between their home life and their business.
“With Sun & Earth, we spend most of our time keeping up with manufacturing, printing shipping labels, adding stickers to our tins, and dropping orders to the post office. Sourcing ingredients and keeping track of our product stocks also takes a chunk of our time, but we love it”.
“When Heath takes his nap, I jump onto our emails and tackle customer and stockists inquiries. I also stay in touch with our freelance team, putting in place new ideas for our social media, our website, our market stands, and everything in-between”.
“When it comes to shipping orders, we go to the post office by bicycle. After his surgery, we were surprised by how quickly Joel was able to get back onto the bike. We invested in electronic bikes, which makes it easier for both of us. Plus, it is nice to be able to limit our business footprint”.
“There’s nothing that we love more than running an eco-friendly business, advocating for the environment, and spending our downtime with nature and our community. That’s what Sun & Earth is all about”.
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If you’re reading this, chances are you care about the environment as much as we do. It’s no surprise that the human footprint on earth has grown to the point of almost no return over the last few decades. Yet, our awareness has been somewhat limited (and still is) to how the smallest act can negatively affect the planet.
But instead of dwelling on the things we didn’t do or the things we cannot change, we want to take a rather serious but optimistic look towards the future.
After all, it is easier than ever to empower yourself to learn, change, and seek awareness around environmental issues. Whether that’s to engage in discussion with activists, or follow environmental accounts on socials, educating ourselves for mama earth is accessible to anyone.
And with the cooler nights settling here in Australia, there’s nothing better than seeking environmental awareness from the comfort of your own couch. So turn on Youtube or Netflix and get inspired by these 10 must-watch eco-documentaries.
One of the latest Netflix releases of 2021, Seaspiracy focuses on the impact and somewhat nasty business of commercial fishing. In a nutshell, this documentary takes you through the oceanic salvage some company go through to source fish. They also explore how fishing considerably depletes our earth, and why banning plastic straws is only the tip of the iceberg, shielding a much bigger problem for our survival as a human species. An eye-opening documentary that will change the way you view fish. Watch on Netflix.
In this ambitious documentary, Filmmaker Damon Gameau explores the possibilities and solutions we have to adapt the way our cities are built concretely. Father of a young child, Gameau felt defeated to leave a earth that is on the brink of extinction. So instead, he decided to scout the most innovative solutions to change the way we live, using the technology we currently have. 2040 is hopeful, visually stunning, and will inspire you to take action. Rent this movie here.
You might have heard of this 2016 documentary, and for good reasons. A Plastic Ocean takes a devastating look at the trash we leave behind. From intoxicating birds and fish to polluting our beaches and ultimately our own food, You will never be able to look at plastic the same way after watching this eye-opening documentary. Available on Amazon.
We have always been very vocal about how sunscreen impacts the coral in our reef. And thanks to this documentary, you can learn more about this endangered ocean species. The filmmakers look at how climate change influences the ocean temperature to rise and how human’s footprint has been slowly killing coral reefs. Yet, it is not quite too late for us to save it. Watch on Netflix.
A follow-up documentary to Before the Flood, Actor and Activist Leonardo Dicaprio explore the impact of climate change on the arctic and how melting ice is feeding our current environmental problems. By looking at new technology to reverse the symptoms that cause the ice to melt, Ice on Fire takes us through both the seriousness and possibilities sitting right in front of us. Available on Youtube.
This 2019 documentary released online by sustainable outdoor brand Patagonia dives into the fishing industry and the human infrastructure on rivers. We definitely recommend giving this documentary a go for those questioning whether or not to embrace a more plant-based or pescetarian diet. Watch on Youtube
There are many eco-documentaries on ocean and meat out there, but our knowledge of bees and their vital impact on earth is often underrated. More Than Honey raises awareness on the bee industry and the worrying declines of colonies and pollination. A controversial yet often unspoken topic, which makes this documentary an absolute must-watch. Available to rent on Apple & Amazon.
Narrated by Actor Woody Harrisson, Kiss The Ground takes an optimistic look at climate change, arguing that one simple solution can be found to reverse the damage humans have caused. And this solution sits right in our soil. From exploring the impact of chemically-grown food and farming to looking at the simple actions we can take to grow our food differently, Kiss The Ground offers up hope and actionable takeaways to make a difference. Watch on Netflix.
The Fashion industry is a polluting business. Through this Canadian documentary, we get confronted with the damage caused by fashion and how the chemicals used to make our clothes impact our water supplies. From polluting the oceans to polluting our own bodies, Riverblue confronts us with the repercussions of our quest for fast fashion. Stream Riverblue.
Whether you have a brand new bub taking its first step on your beach towel, a little toddler building sandcastles, or a handful of kids running in and out of the water like there’s no tomorrow, it is undeniable that our little Joeys love spending time under the sun.
But it is no secret that in Australia, the sun can be really harsh.
So when it’s time for you to pick the perfect sunscreen protection that can be applied easily, and protect your kids in their sandy exploration, things can get a little confusing. Between regular cream, baby advertised sunscreen, or spray bottles, how do you choose the right protection for your bubs?
Before you let yourself be swayed by poor advertising, it is important to understand the difference between what’s on offer at your local chemist.
You might have find sunscreens specifically made for babies and kids so it would be fair to assume that these would be ideal to protect them right? The reality is that when you look at the composition, you might find warning signs urging caution or a doctor visit before using. Why? Simply because the “baby” label is just marketing, and the sunscreen probably contains a handful of chemicals that will not do good to your child’s skin.
The thing is that there is no difference between children’s and adults’ sunscreen when it comes to SPF protection. The SPF is an indication of how long the sunscreen is effective on your skin. You can read more about it in this blog.
The problem with any sunscreen for children will come down to the chemicals included in it. Pediatric Dermatologists have observed that harsh ingredients like Oxybenzone in sunscreens can be detrimental to a child’s skin, triggering irritation, sensitivities, and potential oxidation.
Thankfully, there are ways to protect your child from the sun safely, thanks to natural sunscreens.
It is better for sensitive skin
Natural sunscreens like our Sun & earth zinc cream only contains ingredients made from the earth. Whether that natural oil, wax, butter, and minerals, natural sunscreen is less irritating for a child’s skin. In fact, natural ingredients provide moisturising, anti-inflammatory and protecting properties that are safe and ideal for sensitive skin.
It keeps children safe from chemicals
As a natural sunscreen only contains organic and raw ingredients, this type of sunscreen doesn’t add extra chemicals to enhance the efficacity or protection of a cream. Oxybenzone, Parabens and other chemicals are a big no-no for a natural sunscreen, so you can rest assured that you’re not feeding your child’s skin with unwanted oxidation.
It doesn’t absorb in the skin
While chemical sunscreen gets absorbed onto the epidermis layer of the skin, natural sunscreen will contain zinc oxide. This mineral settles on top of the skin without penetrating it, creating a UV barrier that won’t trigger your bub on a cellular level.
It protects from both UVA and UVB
The mineral Zinc oxide found in natural sunscreen is efficient at providing what is called Broad-spectrum SPF protection, meaning it protects from both UVA (ultra-violet ageing) and UVB (ultra-violet burning).
So, should you pick a natural sunscreen for your kids?
If you want to keep their skin safe from both the sun and the nasty impact of chemical sunscreen, we definitely think so. But remember, natural sunscreen is only half the picture.
For the young bubs, it is recommended to keep them in the shade, use hats and loose clothing, and avoid bringing them to the beach during the day - especially from 10 am to 4 pm. For toddlers and children, sunnies, hats, and shades apply, along with re-applying sunscreen every 2 hours. And if they fight you to put on sunscreen, use a product that they will love.
Ou tinted zinc cream is popular among the kiddies, because it smells like chocolate and they can play with the tinted shade to naturally paint their face! So give it a try.
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