The complete range of Little Urchin skin care products, including our Natural Sunscreen, Natural Tinted Sunscreen and Natural Moisturiser, was created to protect every skin type from the harsh rays of the sun as well as the greater environment. When we started this journey, we wanted to create a natural* tinted sunscreen that would leave the wearer with a radiant skin complexion.
We knew that many commercial sunscreen brands do not adequately factor in sensitive skin and are formulated using harsh chemical absorbers that have been shown by recent studies to be detrimental to marine life, including our precious coral systems. The safest and most natural* form of sun protection is to be found in mineral blocker types of sunscreen which use zinc oxide to create a powerful and broad-spectrum barrier against UVA and UVB rays. Traditionally, these were not as popular to buy as the chemical absorber types which relied on the power of oxybenzone and octinoxate to absorb and convert sunburn-causing UV rays. While this sounds good in theory, in practice it can be harmful.
Some people have a naturally low tolerance to chemical formulations and one of the most common issues experienced by sensitive skin types when using chemical absorber sunscreen is severe skin irritation. Often the wearer would experience this irritation later in the day and the symptoms could last for several days after use. For anyone seeking daily sun protection, this is intolerable.
In Australia, particularly, sun protection is not something that we take lightly. To enjoy all of the natural wonder and beauty that Australia has to offer, we need to ensure that we remain protected while we’re outside. (Of course, similar protection is required throughout the world.) Even on overcast days, the UV factor can still be quite high. Protecting your skin from the sun’s radiation ensures that you reduce your chances of developing skin cancers and you fight off the effects of premature ageing.
Important to note, we have strict regulations in Australia about what a sunscreen can call itself and anything known or advertised as a ‘sun block’ is not allowed. The reason for this is because there is no absolute recipe for blocking all of the sun’s powerful radiation. There are also restrictions on what cosmetics can be referred to as ‘natural’ or ‘naturally derived’. Our use of the term ‘natural’ in referring to our products is in the context of all ingredients in our products being either as found in nature or refined, purified or transformed in the laboratory from sources in nature. It is doubtful that any sunscreen can be developed purely from ingredients that undergo no chemical transformation in the process of making them suitable for use in the end product.
Mineral sunscreen, like the Little Urchin range of tinted sunscreen and regular sun protection lotion, is free from harsh chemicals. It uses the natural* sun protecting properties of zinc in an easy to use and non-greasy lotion that can be applied to both the skin on the face as well as on the rest of your body. Some zinc-based sunscreen types can be difficult to rub in and are renowned for leaving a visible white residue over your skin. For this reason, many people opt for the easier to apply chemical-based alternatives. When we created the Little Urchin range of natural* skin care, we went searching for the best formulators in Australia to develop and design a lotion for daily use that offered all of the important SPF properties of a highly effective sunscreen but that was also easy to use and didn’t leave the shiny, white residue over your skin when you used it.
Our natural* tinted sunscreen range was the next logical step toward creating a beautiful, natural* and powerfully protective sunscreen that looks great all year around and feels revitalising and replenishing while you’re wearing it, repairing dry skin and protecting healthy tones and glows.
How to apply tinted sunscreen
To use our range of tinted sunscreen and other natural* sunscreen products, including baby sunscreen which is suitable for kids aged 6 months and over, ensure that your skin is clean and dry and then apply liberally.
To maximise the benefits of our tinted sunscreen and to enjoy a thoroughly even skin tone over your whole body, consider instituting a regular skin care regime which includes these four important steps: cleansing, exfoliation, moisturising and sunscreen protection.
Cleansing your skin, particularly the skin on your face, is vitally important for maintaining a crystal-clear complexion and natural glow. Cleansing should take place at least twice per day – ideally morning and night – and you should use a cleanser that works best for your skin tone. If you’re a bit overwhelmed by the range of natural* choices available, consult a skin care professional for advice. They’ll be able to point you in the direction of a cleanser that works well for your skin and explain why it’s best for your particular skin tone and type.
Exfoliation should be done a maximum of once or twice per week and you should ideally use a natural exfoliant like ground coffee granules or apricot seeds. Be gentle with your skin while you’re exfoliating. The point of exfoliation is to gently lift and remove dead skin cells which can clog up your pores and make it difficult for natural* moisturisers to be absorbed where they do the most good.
Your body moisturiser should be applied daily to face and body and after sun exposure to enjoy the maximum protection and hydration benefits it provides. Our natural* moisturiser is designed to include the best of nature’s antioxidant producing plants and minerals, offering your skin precious replenishing power and protection.
Finally, apply your tinted sunscreen or natural* sunscreen every day. As the sun can have devastating effects on our natural skin tone and elasticity, to maintain beautiful, soft and youthful skin, wear a tinted or natural* sunscreen. Regardless of the weather, whenever you’re outside you should always protect your skin with an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, noting that very little additional protection is provided with sunscreens with an SPF higher than 30.
A reminder – our sun protection products should always be used in conjunction with a thorough sun protection regime which includes covering up using hats and long-sleeves when you can and limiting your exposure to the sun during the hottest parts of the day when it is directly overhead.
Be kind to your skin and the environment. Order from our range of natural*, chemical-free and reef-safe sunscreen online or check out a local stockist near you.
*We use the term ‘natural’ because the ingredients in our products are ones found in nature that are unharmful to the body and used in their natural form or are refined, purified or transformed in the laboratory from sources in nature. The refinement, purification and transformation processes of certain ingredients are chemical processes required to make the underlying, natural ingredients suitable for use in a sunscreen or moisturiser product. These processes do not involve the use of synthetic chemicals.