It’s only just May and the first glimpse Summer has already been seen. If all the heat-wave reports are right, then we are in for a scorcher! But sun or no sun, it is always important to remember to keep your delicate skin protected from damaging rays, by either keeping covered up or using some sort of SPF sunscreen.

The jury is still out as to whether or not sunscreen itself is harmful to use due to a number of nasty chemicals often found in the ingredients of high street brands, but sun damage is a definite no-no. Fortunately, there are now a number of high quality, products available which use some really lovely natural ingredients that can help keep your skin safe from burning as well as helping to avoid sun-induced wrinkles; but just as with any other products that you might use on your hair and skin, it is important to find the right one to suit your needs.
Those of you with very pale skin and young children to think about may be familiar with slathering on the old SPF factor 50 when you hit the beach, but did you know that clinical tests have shown that factor 50 actually only blocks out 1% more of UVB rays than factor 30 and the main difference is actually that most people who use factor 50 apply it less often that lower SPF? This is a sure fire way to burn that skin you’re trying so hard to look after, as the most important thing with sunscreen is to re-apply regularly and allowing a little bit of sun on your skin (as opposed to blocking it out completely) can actually be beneficial. Vitamin D deficiency is at an all time high here in the UK, so don’t shy away from getting outside, just be sensible about it.

Here are some of our favourite, natural sunscreen alternatives that you might want to try this year as opposed to your usual brand, keeping you sun damage free as well as toxin free (don’t say we aren’t good to you!):