Wellness
Why You Should Be Using Non-Toxic SPF This Summer
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Don’t let the last month of summer fool you. It’s August, and the harmful rays are not letting up anytime soon. It’s true, protecting your skin against harmful summer rays has so many benefits, but the SPF landscape can be trickier to navigate than a first time trip to the Korean spa.
What if I told you that the right, non-toxic, chemical-free sunscreen could actually improve your skin concerns and leave you looking glowy AF! It’s not too late to implement a summer skin saver ritual. Read on, glow up.
Keeps skin nourished
One of the biggest benefits of using a mineral sunscreen, as opposed to a harsh chemical variety, is that it nourishes the skin without clogging pores. Zinc is one of the primary non-toxic SPF ingredients, and it’s benefits include reducing redness, killing acne bacteria, and fighting free radical damage. Oily or acne-prone? Slather on the zinc to stay clear. Contrary to popular belief, sun exposure actually zaps your skin’s natural moisture, causing an oil-producing reaction. Keep skin happy, nourished, and clear by applying a natural mineral sunscreen well into fall.
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Keeps skin nourished
One of the biggest benefits of using a mineral sunscreen, as opposed to a harsh chemical variety, is that it nourishes the skin without clogging pores. Zinc is one of the primary non-toxic SPF ingredients, and it’s benefits include reducing redness, killing acne bacteria, and fighting free radical damage. Oily or acne-prone? Slather on the zinc to stay clear. Contrary to popular belief, sun exposure actually zaps your skin’s natural moisture, causing an oil-producing reaction. Keep skin happy, nourished, and clear by applying a natural mineral sunscreen well into fall.
Decreases the appearance of acne scars
I hate to break it to you Snookie, having a tan will not help conceal acne scars! Harmful UV rays not only cause signs of aging, but they can also make the appearance of acne scars and pigmented skin marks much more noticeable. Exposure from the sun actually creates hyperpigmentation by increasing melanin production, darkening acne scars. Prevent the darkening of current unwanted facial pigment and breakouts simultaneously with non-comedogenic zinc-based formulas.
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Decreases the appearance of acne scars
I hate to break it to you Snookie, having a tan will not help conceal acne scars! Harmful UV rays not only cause signs of aging, but they can also make the appearance of acne scars and pigmented skin marks much more noticeable. Exposure from the sun actually creates hyperpigmentation by increasing melanin production, darkening acne scars. Prevent the darkening of current unwanted facial pigment and breakouts simultaneously with non-comedogenic zinc-based formulas.
Prevents signs of aging
Who doesn’t want to keep their skin free of wrinkles and prevent other signs of aging? Prolonged exposure to UV light can damage fibers in the skin called elastin. Over time, this can cause the skin to sag and stretch, causing pesky wrinkles and skin laxity. That, I-just-got-home-from-Ibiza tan might look cute for one Instagram post, but it will take a not-so-pretty toll later in life. All said and done, get a good bronzer and wear your sunscreen loves!
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Prevents signs of aging
Who doesn’t want to keep their skin free of wrinkles and prevent other signs of aging? Prolonged exposure to UV light can damage fibers in the skin called elastin. Over time, this can cause the skin to sag and stretch, causing pesky wrinkles and skin laxity. That, I-just-got-home-from-Ibiza tan might look cute for one Instagram post, but it will take a not-so-pretty toll later in life. All said and done, get a good bronzer and wear your sunscreen loves!
But what to buy?
To take the guess work out, I tested countless non-toxic face and body sunscreens to find the absolute best products on the market.
Face
My top pick for your face is the Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30 from Josh Rosebrook. This mineral liquid SPF has zinc, evening primrose oil, and hempseed oil to calm sensitive skin. It has a slightly dewy finish and doesn’t make me breakout! This 2-ounce size lasts forever, so it’s well worth the price tag. Hot tip: apply to damp and or well-hydrated skin for a buttery smooth application.
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But what to buy?
To take the guess work out, I tested countless non-toxic face and body sunscreens to find the absolute best products on the market.
Face
My top pick for your face is the Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30 from Josh Rosebrook. This mineral liquid SPF has zinc, evening primrose oil, and hempseed oil to calm sensitive skin. It has a slightly dewy finish and doesn’t make me breakout! This 2-ounce size lasts forever, so it’s well worth the price tag. Hot tip: apply to damp and or well-hydrated skin for a buttery smooth application.
Body
This SPF 30 Sheer Zinc Sunscreen from Babo Botanicals is the best completely non-toxic spray I’ve ever found! It sprays on a touch white but easily blends into a sheer, scentless finish. It’s also completely reef, baby, and boyfriend safe! Hot tip: Apply post-shower when you’re in your birthday suit to avoid all tan lines.
If you’ve been tanning all summer, don’t fret. It’s never too late to make like Julianne Moore. Your stunning wrinkle-free 60-year-old self is high fiving you every time you apply that sunscreen.
Looking to step up your skincare routine? Follow @thetruespoon and check out The True Spoon for skin education, #eattoglow recipes, tips, and more!
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Body
This SPF 30 Sheer Zinc Sunscreen from Babo Botanicals is the best completely non-toxic spray I’ve ever found! It sprays on a touch white but easily blends into a sheer, scentless finish. It’s also completely reef, baby, and boyfriend safe! Hot tip: Apply post-shower when you’re in your birthday suit to avoid all tan lines.
If you’ve been tanning all summer, don’t fret. It’s never too late to make like Julianne Moore. Your stunning wrinkle-free 60-year-old self is high fiving you every time you apply that sunscreen.
Looking to step up your skincare routine? Follow @thetruespoon and check out The True Spoon for skin education, #eattoglow recipes, tips, and more!
Beauty
Black-owned Beauty and Wellness Businesses to Know
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February is Black History Month—a celebration of the achievements and contributions of African Americans in society. As the beauty and wellness industry becomes a more welcoming and inclusive space for all, we are taking this opportunity to continue to shine a light on the gap of inclusivity and diversity in our industry, and take action to promote, empower, and honor the Black community that shapes and grows wellness.
While the beauty industry is making improvements—it's important to showcase and support Black businesses and the creatives in this space every day. To honor them, we're shouting out some of our favorite Black-owned beauty and wellness businesses to support.
1. Beauty Bin
Beauty Bin is a full-service day spa and dry bar located in Asheville, NC. With a focus on inclusivity for people of all backgrounds, genders, and races, their MO is to match the outer beauty of every client to their inner beauty. From eyelash extensions and hydrafacials to waxing and massage, Beauty Bin is a one-stop-shop for all the spa services.
2. KIKA Stretch Studio
The KIKA Method® is a gentle assisted stretching process that loosens up tight muscles freeing your body from pain and stress. By practicing this method, clients can experience decreased muscle tension, increased energy, enhanced flexibility, a substantial reduction in stress, improved posture and relaxation, and increased mental clarity. While its headquarters is located in Las Vegas, NV, they have multiple locations sprinkled throughout the US, including Atlanta, New York City, and Dallas—just to name a few.
3. Kimberly Coleman Salon
At Kimberly Coleman Salon, their philosophy begins with promoting healthy tresses, elegant sets, unique accouterments, perfect pampering of hands and feet, and precision cuts. Known for working with models and celebrities, they fully appreciate and celebrate the diversity of their clientele which also includes super moms and warrior dads.
4. Pressed Roots
Pressed Roots was developed with the simple concept in mind—that everyone deserves access to easy, and quality hair care. What started as a single pop-up shop in Boston, grew to a multi-city pop-up tour, and is now slated to be the largest national hair salon franchise specializing in the care and styling of highly textured hair, they launched their first flagship location in Dallas, TX.
5. SW3AT
Jersey City resident, Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez started SW3AT. The company began as a fitness apparel line in 2015 but evolved into a sanctuary catered to health and wellness now known as SW3AT Sauna Studio—the first infrared sauna studio in Jersey City. The healing power of infrared heat therapy is a phenomenal option for holistic health proven to strengthen the immune system and provide relief from joint stiffness and muscle pain. It is also supportive of any fitness program as it aids in weight loss (you can torch up to 900 calories in a 45-minute session) while also detoxifying your body from some of the most harmful toxins.
6. The TEN Nail Bar
Kelli Coleman and Anika Jackson opened The TEN Nail Bar in Detroit to address a void in their city. They saw a need for a quality, modern nail bar that could also serve as a fun social space for Detroit’s residents and professionals. They designed the TEN to provide their clients with a #Perfect10 experience—where you can relax, enjoy music, a drink, your friends, a clean and precise manicure, and a much-needed break from all your hectic days.
7. Bettye O Day Spa
Located in the beautiful downtown Hyde Park Chicago area, Bettye O Day Spa specializes in first-class treatments. They aim to nurture and relax each of their clients with individualized and innovative therapeutic techniques. From body wraps and massages to facials and hydrotherapy, this day spa promises to be a safe place for healing to occur.
Looking for more businesses to support? ClassPass has also created a list of Black-owned business to check out all year-round. While both of these lists are a great start to get you familiar with many of the Black-owned businesses either in your neighborhood or around the globe, we have only scratched the surface. We'd love to keep these lists growing.If you have any businesses you'd like to see on this list, click here to submit a Black-owned business we should be highlighting as well!
