A Guide to Climate Safe Skincare and Beauty
Climate change is shifting our realities. We are experiencing more severe weather than ever, more intense storms, etc, etc. For Gen Z, this reality is more prevalent than ever, which is why “2 out of 3 Gen Z shoppers plan to buy skincare or beauty products that protect against extreme weather and sun,” according to the Instagram 2023 Trend Report.
Courtesy of The Everygirl
Climate change and climate change awareness is already seeping into the fashion and beauty industries, from runway shows that center around the topic to growing concern about ethical and environmentally friendly production.
The fact of the matter, however, is that for Gen Z, the daily dangers of climate change are not abstract or far away; they are visible, scary, and immediate. That is why protecting themselves from harsh sun rays and pollution is so important to so many young people.
So, what do we actually need to protect ourselves from? First, there is the sun; more harmful UV rays are getting through our damaged atmosphere, meaning that the effects of the sun are stronger and more intense. This is why a strong daily sunscreen is important, even on cloudy days.
Second, pollution itself, which comes from ozone, formed when UV rays react with mono-nitrogen oxides. As explained in an article from the New York Times, this ozone breaks down the fats that bind human skin cells together, and therefore damages our protective skin barrier. Antioxidants in vitamins C and E are the most effective products to protect our skin barrier from increased pollution in the air.
Here are some of our favorite products for protecting skin from stronger and stronger sun rays and damaging ozone:
Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart Broad Spectrum SPF 50 hydrating cream
Courtesy of Elizabeth Arden
This tinted daily moisturizer works double time, providing sun protection with an SPF of 50, as well as protecting from pollution. Using a blend of antioxidants, including idebenone and green tea, this product claims to create a shield that protects skin from pollutants while also strengthening natural repair systems, so that skin can maintain its own barrier health.
2. Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum
Courtesy of Drunk Elephant
This brightening serum is meant to be worn underneath sunscreen throughout the day. Using ingredients like ascorbic acid and vitamin E, this serum claims to prevent pollution and free-radical damage. On top of that, it should make your skin bright and radiant!
3. Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops
Courtesy of Drunk Elephant
Okay, yes, this is the second Drunk Elephant product on this list, but what can I say? This Gen-Z targeted brand knows their audience very well. These bronzing drops, when mixed with sunscreen or daily moisturizer, provide a sunkissed glow and the positive effects of vitamin D while protecting skin from damaging ozone. It uses fatty acids to promote your existing skin barrier and antioxidants to ward off pollutants.
4. Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Pollution Drops
Courtesy of Dr. Barbara Sturm
If you want anti-pollution drops but don’t want the bronze effect, this product is a good option. It acts similarly to the Drunk Elephants drops, while also providing added moisture and protection from Blue Light emitted by phone and laptop screens.
5. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Face Sunscreen SPF 60
Courtesy of La Roche Posey
Finally, what would this list be without a basic, everyday sunscreen? With an SPF of 60, this product, specifically for your face, provides a very high level of protection from the sun. Its matte, lightweight formula is not greasy on the skin, and also contains antioxidants to protect the skin.