Gear Review: New Eco Friendly Sunscreen

Most people start thinking about sunscreens when summer approaches. Many people just go by the numbers, choosing a product with a high SPF. But sunscreen ingredients are important, too. In fact, a recent report from the non-profit Environmental Working Group rated sunscreens in terms of safety and effectiveness, finding that only two ingredients -- zinc oxide and titanium dioxide -- are considered safe and effective. A according to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. So, how timely that I just found out about a new product, SPF 30 TropicSport, that only contains these two physical sunscreen ingredients. The texture is light and, unlike what some people might have thought, applying this product with these physical sunscreen agents does not coat your skin so you look pasty white. Plus, because it doesn't contain any oxybenzone, a chemical sunscreen agent, it's reef friendly. The company also produces an SPF 30 face stick and an SPF 15 lip balm, both which contain zinc oxide, and no chemical sunscreen ingredients. This will be my sunscreen of choice. These products don't contain any parabens or nano particles, and can be used in children who are at least six months old. Plus, since I care about nature and the environment, it's also a plus that the company pledges to only use reef friendly, sustainable ingredients and packaging, and they donate up to 20% of sales to organizations that have similar sensibilities. 

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Super Sunscreen - Gear Review + Sweepstakes

As you may know if you read my travel tips e-book, I am all about ultra sun protection, especially if you'll be cycling, skiing, or hiking all day, as I often do. The company that makes the sunscreen I wrote about, Anthelios with Mexoryl SX, also manufactures a product that's perfect for everyday use (because it blends in so well) and for those who want a physical, rather than a chemical, sunblock. Let me introduce you to Anthelios 50 Mineral.

Its main ingredient is titanium dioxide that, in other products, usually gives you a ghostly opaque appearance. Not with this product, if you blend it in properly. Plus, it doesn't feel greasy or heavy and absorbs well. Yet, you'll get plenty of protection (the SPF is 50) from both UVA and UVB, which contribute to skin cancer and skin aging. 

In addition, the product contains antioxidants -- they are plant derived -- which add another layer of skin protection since the sun's rays also lead to the production of damaging free radicals in the skin.

When I've tried some other sunscreen products on the market, I found that they would contribute to me breaking out or they would irritate my skin. That was not the case with Anthelios 50 Mineral.

Sure, the retail price for this product is steep: around $30 or so. But, I'm holding a sweepstakes where three people could each win a bottle of Anthelios 50 Mineral. All you have to do is post here where you would love to travel to use the sunscreen. And include your email address, twitter handle or FB info. (Please do not post your mailing address.) I'll randomly draw the winners and contact those who won. The contest ends midnight, March 17, 2013.

It's only open to those 18 years old, and who have a U.S. mailing address. 


 

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Staying Healthy On The Road

Some of you may know that aside from writing and consulting on travel and food and an array of other topics, I'm also trained as a nutritionist, exercise physiologist and medical writer. That background has been invaluable in terms of keeping me fit and healthy when I'm traveling. This can mean researching nearby jogging paths, carrying healthy snack items on the plane, selecting a reliable sunscreen and knowing the best ways to prevent the array of traveler's illnesses that could plague any trip.
I just returned from many weeks of traveling where I met people who were either waylaid because they contracted traveler's diarrhea, suffered from motion sickness on a yacht or wished they hadn't gained weight on their business trips. So I thought it was time to turn you on to a guest blog I had written that addresses these and many other questions regarding staying healthy when traveling.

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