Let's start with the basic facts:

Sunlight contains ultraviolet light (UV) made up of UVA, UVB and UVC. UV light that is not absorbed by the ozone layer (UVA and UVB) reaches the Earth's surface. Unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB leads to sunburn and could lead to serious health problems, such as skin cancer. In addition, as UVA can contribute to accelerated or premature skin ageing, called photoageing, sun protection is vital for the health of our body; especially so during the summer months when the sun is higher in the sky increasing our skin's daily dose of harmful UV light. Sun protection is particularly important for children who are more sensitive to sun damage than adults.

Pay attention to the Labels:

- A clear SPF (sun protection factor) label. SPF is an industry development to provide a standardised indicator for UVB protection. The minimum recommended SPF is 15 with the highest protection being SPF 50(+).

- The EU harmonised UVA symbol. This symbol illustrates to the consumer that the product provides the recommended minimum UVA protection factor.

How do natural cosmetic sunscreens protect me?

To protect you sunscreens include UV-filters. These work either by absorbing and changing the UV light, which is the case for artificial filters, or by reflecting and scattering the UV light, which is what natural filters do. Only natural, mineral filters are acceptable for the NATRUE criteria.

The most common mineral filters are titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO). In the EU, both are considered to be safe for use in sunscreens and both comply with the strict rules of naturalness, as defined by NATRUE.

Last but not least: The NATRUE Label can be your guide for sunscreen products too.

Whenever looking for a truly natural cosmetic sunscreen keep an eye out for those carrying the NATRUE seal.

Natural sunscreens, as for any sunscreen, must always be safe and effective in order to be on the market. The difference remains, however, that all NATRUE-certified sunscreens must include only ingredients found, isolated and/or derived from nature and natural sources. For this reason NATRUE-certified sunscreens only used mineral filters.

NATRUE sets specific requirements to be met to carry the seal, and more information on how NATRUE and its criteria achieves this for the consumer can be found at: http://www.natrue.org/consumers/. Additional information concerning the position of NATRUE and nanomaterial ingredients used in sunscreens can be found at: http://www.natrue.org/press/fact-sheets/.

The power of plants is timeless, tried and true.

The wisdom surrounding essential oils was passed down by countless generations over more than 5000 years, transcending cultures and communities.

Essential oils are the very essence of plants and are extremely concentrated, active and aromatic.

They deliver optimal benefits to both the skin and the senses.

Let’s have a look at three of the most classic and best known essential oils: lavender, peppermint and rose.

Pick up a cosmetic product.

Do you see an ingredient list?

How does it look?

What you see depends on where you buy. Regulations differ around the world.

In Europe and the US, among others, manufacturers have to use the International Nomenclature for Cosmetics Ingredients. You are most likely to come across the abbreviation: the INCI-list.

Why?

Mineral oil is not derived from a living source. The material has been dead for tens of thousands of years. It cannot nourish the skin like extracts from a freshly harvested plant. Mineral oil also has a composition totally different from our skin’s natural composition. It leaves our skin greasy and suffocated.