Natural Sun Screen with Weleda + Tips for a safe sun bath

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As a person who loves the tropics this topic has long been on my list and today I am pleased to present it to you today in cooperation with Weleda!

More than a year ago, together with my boyfriend, I traveled the world for 6 months, mainly in the tropics with many beach days. This year I also managed to shorten the winter and spent a total of 6 weeks in Bali and South Africa. Over that whole time I somehow managed to never get a sunburn. Among other things, of course, sunscreen played a major role and recently I was able to test the new Edelweiss Sun Care from Weleda with mineral non-nano UV sunscreen, which I want to introduce you to today.

A little information about natural cosmetics and sunscreen: 

Why natural sunscreens are so important:

For years the magazine Ökotest has recommended using sunscreen that uses only mineral UV protection. For example, chemical UV filters are suspected of being absorbed into the body via the skin and acting like hormones (source). But not only that, chemical filters destroy important ecosystems and the already endangered coral reefs (due to global warming and acidification of the oceans) particularly suffer from the chemical substances that enter the sea from humans (source). Mineral filters are not sufficiently researched in this regard, so it is best to use waterproof sunscreen so that a little as possible enters the sea from our skin.

Also pay attention to certified natural cosmetics with one of the reliable seals (such as ECOCERT, COSMOS, BDIH, or NaTrue) as well as mineral non-nano UV protection filters.

What are mineral sunscreen filters? And what does non-nano mean?

Mineral filters reflect the sun’s rays like countless small mirrors, protecting the skin. Weleda has made a conscious decision to develop products using only mineral non-nano UV sunscreen filters. Non-nano means that the size of the filter particles is greater than 100 nanometers (1 nanometer = 1 billionth of a meter). Sunscreens with nano sunscreens are classified as harmless by the authorities, but they are not uncontroversial. That is why Weleda decided to develop an alternative with Edelweiss.

Edelweiss & White Effect

Thanks to the antioxidant and cell protecting properties of edelweiß, as well as precious vegetable oils such as sunflower oil and coconut oil from organic farming, Weleda’s products not only protect the skin from harmful UV rays, they also gently nourish and keep the skin supple.

And to address it the same: yes, the products are leaving a white effect on the skin. As I have already said, mineral filters reflect the light and the larger the particles, the better they reflect the light in the human visible spectrum. We then see this reflection on the skin as “white”, which creates the just-mentioned white effect. The higher the SPF, the stronger the effect.

I know that this does not sound very attractive to many, but especially with babies and toddlers, you want to be on the safe side and also see at first glance if the little ones are sufficiently covered. And for me, this reliable protection would be important if I go, for example snorkeling or paddle boarding. During activities like this I stay up at the surface of the water for a long time and have had many experiences where other creams have failed, or I missed a few places on my neck or ears. In Bali, I also saw a lot of surfers, who put a thick, white layer of sunscreen on their cheeks and nose, because anything less that would absorb perfectly into the skin would not help in the water for a long time.

A visible white effect has, in my opinion, a very important raison d’être! Also, if you apply Weleda’s face cream well, the white effect is not as strong as you might imagine. In the following picture you can see a comparison and get a good idea of how strong the white effect is. Here I have applied the body cream on my right arm and right hand. You can clearly see the difference clearly, but considering how harmful a sunburn is (as well as too much sun) for the skin, the whole thing is not a big issue, in my opinion.

Speaking of water: The Weleda sun care is waterproof immediately after application (except the sun cream for the face), so you do not have to wait to let it be absorbed. It also stays on the skin very well, as Weleda used an “extra-waterproof” formulation. Again, this is great for athletes on the water, but also for strenuous trips in the mountains (don’t forget that sweat reduces sun protection as well) – and of course for children who like to splash and swim in the water. But even with “extra waterproof” you should reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming.

Here is an overview of the Edelweiss sun care from Weleda:

• Edelweiss sunscreen face SPF 30: non-comedogenic (does not clog pores), vegan, absorbs the fastest
• Edelweiss Sun Milk SPF 30: vegan, absorbs well and extra waterproof
• Edelweiss Sensitiv Sun Milk SPF 30: Without perfume, great for sensitive skin, vegan
• Edelweiss Sensitiv Sunscreen SPF 50: Without perfume, suitable for very sensitive skin, vegan
• Edelweiss After Sun Lotion: cools, supports a natural tan, absorbs quickly, vegan

Sunscreen alone is not enough

Sunscreen helps prevent sunburns, but only if applied correctly. Most people either wear too little protection or accidentally forget to apply it to some body parts. So be sure to use at least SPF 15, apply the cream generously and then rub it in.

In addition to adequate sun protection Weleda recommends, and from my own experience I agree, to avoid the sun at lunchtime and to protect your skin with appropriate clothing. It may even be advisable to wear special UV protective clothing.

When sunbathing, also don’t forget to drink regularly and a lot! A few quick tips: Stay in the shade as much as possible, use a hat, wide and high quality sunglasses, do not rely on “pre-tanning” and keep away from tanning beds whenever possible. If you are worried about vitamin D deficiency, I can recommend natural dietary supplements (also independent of this issue, since we in Germany for most of the year simply not get enough sun power).

Have you ever tested Weleda sunscreen? Do you use sunscreen regularly? I actually use sunscreen almost every day on my face!