Why Crunchi SPF is the Safest Sunscreen for Your Family (and What to Avoid!)

When it comes to sunscreen, most people assume that if it’s sold in stores, it must be safe. Unfortunately, many conventional sunscreens contain harmful chemicals that absorb into the skin and bloodstream, leading to hormone disruption, allergies, and even potential long-term health risks. Not to mention, some of these ingredients are devastating to marine life and coral reefs.

As a mom, I refuse to take chances with what I put on my family’s skin—especially something we use daily in the warmer months! That’s why I only trust Crunchi SPF. It’s not just about sun protection; it’s about protecting our health, too.

🚫 Popular Sunscreens to Avoid

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has flagged many popular sunscreen brands for containing toxic ingredients that pose risks to both humans and the environment. Some of the worst offenders include:

Neutrogena – Contains oxybenzone, linked to hormone disruption. Some formulas were even recalled due to benzene contamination!
Banana Boat – Uses avobenzone and other chemical filters that can penetrate the skin.
Coppertone – Often contains octinoxate, a chemical that disrupts endocrine function and harms coral reefs.
Hawaiian Tropic – Marketed as “reef-friendly” but still contains questionable ingredients.
Supergoop – Some formulas contain avobenzone, which is known to break down in the sun and cause skin irritation.

These brands may be widely available, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe.

Why I Choose Crunchi SPF Instead

So, what makes Crunchi SPF different from the rest? Here’s why I trust it for my entire family:

🌿 100% Mineral Protection – Crunchi uses non-nano zinc oxide, which sits on top of the skin to protect against UV rays without absorbing into the body. Many chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, are absorbed into the bloodstream within minutes.

🚫 No Chemical Sunscreens – It’s free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, and other harmful chemicals commonly found in traditional sunscreens.

🌊 Truly Reef-Safe – Unlike many brands that claim to be “reef-safe” but still contain harmful ingredients, Crunchi is Hawaii-compliant and free from any chemicals that damage marine life.

🧴 No Artificial Fragrances or Toxic Fillers – Many sunscreens are loaded with synthetic fragrances, parabens, and preservatives that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Crunchi keeps it clean with gentle, nourishing ingredients that are safe for babies, kids, and those with sensitive skin.

✔️ Certified Clean Beauty – Crunchi is EWG-verified and held to the highest safety standards, ensuring that every ingredient is safe, effective, and non-toxic.

Because Sunscreen Shouldn’t Come with a Health Risk

Sunscreen is meant to protect us from harm, not expose us to dangerous chemicals. That’s why I’ve made the switch to Crunchi SPF, and I’ll never go back! It’s a simple swap that makes a huge difference for both our health and the planet.

Want to try Crunchi SPF for your family? Drop a ☀️ in the comments, and I’ll send you all the details!

Or grab yours here for 24% off the entire month of March! -> https://crunchi.com/?als=jessicaderico

Vitamin C!

We’re digging into some Vitamin C info this month!

Vitamin C offers tonssss of skin benefits, making it a highly sought-after ingredient in skincare products 😍

Let’s talk about some of its key benefits:

1. Powerful Antioxidant: Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and damage to the skin. This protection can help prevent premature aging and maintain a youthful appearance. 🤩

2. Collagen Synthesis: Vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen production, a protein responsible for maintaining the skin’s structure and elasticity. By promoting collagen synthesis, vitamin C can help improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 💁‍♀️

3. Skin Brightening: Vitamin C inhibits melanin production, making it effective in reducing the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. It can also impart a radiant and more luminous complexion. 🥰

4. UV Protection: While not a substitute for sunscreen, vitamin C has been shown to offer some level of photo-protection by neutralizing free radicals generated by UV exposure. 🌞

5. Wound Healing: Vitamin C is involved in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, crucial for wound healing and tissue repair. It can help accelerate the healing process and improve the overall appearance of scars. 🤓

6. Hydration and Moisture Retention: Vitamin C can help improve the skin’s moisture barrier and enhance its ability to retain moisture, leading to better hydration and softer skin. 💧

7. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm and soothe irritated or red skin, making it beneficial for individuals with sensitive skin or conditions like acne. 😘

8. Protection Against Environmental Stressors: By neutralizing free radicals caused by pollution and other environmental stressors, vitamin C helps protect the skin from damage and maintain its overall health. 🤗

So, incorporating vitamin C into your skincare routine can contribute to healthier, more radiant, and youthful-looking skin! I must add that the effectiveness of vitamin C can vary depending on its form (not all vitamin C is created equal!) concentration, and the overall formulation of the skincare product.

Need a recommendation for a safe Vitamin C product? Just let me know!

Like what you see here and want more low-tox info? My wellness community is my main hub for all things clean living! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean/

Toxin Free Summer Vacay

A lot of people are taking vacations right now and while it’s harder to maintain a healthy and low tox lifestyle while away from home, it’s not impossible. Having a toxin-free summer vacation is a great way to prioritize your health and well-being. Here are some tips to help you achieve that:

  1. Choose a Natural Destination: Opt for vacation spots that are known for their natural beauty, such as national parks, forests, or beaches with clean water. Avoid areas with heavy pollution or known environmental hazards.
  2. Research Accommodations: Look for accommodations that promote sustainability and use eco-friendly practices. Check if they have non-toxic cleaning products, organic bedding, and natural ventilation systems.
  3. Pack Your Own Toxin-Free Products: Bring your own toiletries and personal care products that are free from harmful chemicals. Look for organic, natural, and biodegradable alternatives for items like sunscreen, insect repellent, shampoo, and soap. I will link some of my faves at the bottom of this post 🙂
  4. Stay Hydrated with Clean Water: Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it with filtered or purified water to avoid consuming water from potentially contaminated sources. This helps reduce your exposure to toxins and minimizes plastic waste. You can also get filtration water bottles, I will link one below.
  5. Eat Organic and Local Foods: Seek out local farmers’ markets or organic food stores to buy fresh produce and ingredients for your meals. Choose organic options to reduce your exposure to pesticides, hormones, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). I’ll be heading to Florida next week and my roomies and I will be making a Publix run when we get in to stock up on healthy foods to have in our hotel room.
  6. Avoid Fast Food and Processed Snacks: Steer clear of fast food chains and heavily processed snacks, as they often contain artificial additives, preservatives, and unhealthy trans fats. Opt for healthier alternatives like fresh fruits, nuts, or homemade snacks. I love eating out on trips but I always try to find the healthiest options and avoid fast food at all costs.
  7. Embrace Natural Sun Protection: Shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays by wearing loose-fitting, lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs. Use a non-toxic mineral-based sunscreen (linked below) and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
  8. Choose Non-Toxic Activities: Engage in outdoor activities that don’t involve exposure to harmful substances. Instead of renting motorized watercraft, try kayaking, paddleboarding, or hiking. Avoid activities like smoking or being in proximity to secondhand smoke.
  9. Minimize Plastic Waste: Reduce your use of single-use plastics by bringing your own reusable shopping bags, water bottles, and food containers. Dispose of any waste responsibly and recycle whenever possible.
  10. Connect with Nature: Spend quality time in nature by hiking, swimming, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Research shows that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall well-being.

Remember, the key is to make conscious choices that prioritize your health and the environment. By implementing these tips, you can have a toxin-free and eco-friendly summer vacation without skimping on the fun!

Helpful Links:

Facial SPF – http://ltl.is/dqtbyvh

SPF – https://amzn.to/43rkQMy

Insect Repellant (just search “insect”) – https://earthley.com/ref/dericoj/

Shampoo/Conditioner – https://attitudeliving.com/a/rewards/r/M2iLkVsC

Charcoal Body Bar – http://ltl.is/m46kr92

Makeup/Skincare – crunchi.com/jessicaderico

Filter Water Bottle – https://amzn.to/46LtJ6t

 The Importance of Using Daily SPF 

Summer or winter, rain or shine, there is one skincare product that should be a non-negotiable part of your daily routine: SPF! Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, using SPF every day is crucial for maintaining healthy and youthful-looking skin. Check out some reasons why incorporating SPF into your daily skincare regimen is an absolute must:

1️⃣ Protection against harmful UV rays: The sun emits two types of ultraviolet rays that can damage your skin: UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can prematurely age the skin, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. UVB rays, on the other hand, are responsible for sunburns. Both types of rays can contribute to the development of skin cancer. SPF acts as a shield, blocking and absorbing these harmful rays, reducing the risk of sun damage and protecting the skin.

2️⃣ Prevention of premature aging: Did you know that exposure to the sun is one of the primary causes of premature aging? The sun’s rays can break down collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, leading to sagging, wrinkles, and a dull complexion. By applying SPF daily, you provide your skin with a layer of defense against these aging effects, helping to maintain a youthful appearance.

3️⃣ Reduction of skin cancer risk: Skin cancer is a significant concern, with the incidence rates increasing globally. Regular use of SPF has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, including both melanoma and non-melanoma types. It’s a simple yet effective way to prioritize your long-term skin health.

4️⃣ Prevention of hyperpigmentation and dark spots: Sun exposure can trigger the production of melanin, leading to hyperpigmentation and dark spots on the skin. Applying SPF daily helps to inhibit this process and prevent the formation of uneven skin tone and discoloration, keeping your complexion more even and radiant.

5️⃣ Defense against photoaging: Photoaging refers to the aging effects caused by sun exposure, including wrinkles, leathery texture, and uneven pigmentation. By using SPF consistently, you can significantly minimize the damage caused by photoaging, helping your skin to maintain a healthier and more youthful appearance over time.

6️⃣ Guarding against sunburns: Sunburns not only cause temporary discomfort but can also lead to long-term damage to the skin. Using SPF helps to prevent sunburns, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities without the risk of painful burns and subsequent skin damage.

Remember, incorporating SPF into your daily skincare routine is not just for beach vacations or sunny days. UV rays can penetrate clouds and windows, meaning your skin is exposed even on cloudy or indoor days. To fully protect your skin, choose a TOXIN FREE broad-spectrum SPF with a minimum of SPF 30 and apply it generously to all exposed areas of your body, including your face, neck, and hands.

Your skin is an invaluable asset, and taking proactive steps to care for it will pay off in the long run. Make SPF a daily habit and your skin will thank you with its healthy and radiant glow for years to come! 🌟

My all time favorite toxin free Facial SPF just went on sale! It’s lightweight and absorbs right in not leaving the typical whitecast a lot of toxin free sunscreens leave. Find it here -> http://ltl.is/4dnvkmw

Melanoma Awareness Month

Sun Protection is SO important… but not all sunscreen is safe.

Who’s looking to preserve their skin AND stay as healthy as possible??

If you want to have beautiful skin AND decrease your risk of melanoma- sunscreen is ESSENTIAL.

Melanoma might be the least common form of cancer, but it is also the deadliest. 

In 2022 in the United States, it is estimated that:

  • There will be 197,700 cases of melanoma diagnosed. Of those, 97,920 cases will be noninvasive and 99,780 cases will be invasive. Of the invasive cases,
    • 57,180 cases will occur in men.
    • 42,600 cases will occur in women.
  • There will be 7,650 deaths from the disease.
    • 5,080 will be men.
    • 2,570 will be women.

The link between melanoma and sun—especially sunburn—is abundantly clear:

  • The vast majority of melanomas are caused by UV exposure from the sun.
  • Your risk for melanoma doubles if you’ve had more than five sunburns.
  • One blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles your chances of developing melanoma later in life.

This is the product you DO NOT skip, friends. You, your partners, your kids, and anyone else you care about should be wearing a toxin free facial SPF every single day of the year and a toxin free body SPF when you’re going to be outside in the sun for any amount of time. 

Why is choosing safe sunscreen so important?

Did you know that 78 popular sunscreens were recently found to contain 3 X the FDA restricted levels of Benzene? Did you also know that Benzene is known to cause >> CANCER << in humans according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the World Health Organization, and other regulatory agencies?

*Source: study by Valisure May 2021

Additionally, these⚠️toxic ingredients are also commonly found in chemical sunscreens👇

❌ oxybenzone

❌ octinoxate

❌ parabens

❌ propylene glycol

❌ phenoxyethanol

❌ BHT

❌ fragrance

…also linked to cancer & other health concerns!

So which sunscreens should you go with?

My favorite Facial SPF (every human should be wearing everyday of the year) can be found here and is currently on sale for Memorial Day (Just got to “shop” “skincare” “sunlight facial SPF”) 👇

crunchi.com/jessicaderico/event/31720

My favorite body SPFs are the Think brand and All Good 👇

https://amzn.to/3kHCrfc https://amzn.to/3kHLehi

Like what you read on this blog? You’ll LOVE the Raising Clean Facebook Community 👇

https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean

𝒮𝓀𝒾𝓃𝒸𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒟𝑜’𝓈 & 𝒟𝑜𝓃’𝓉𝓈

1.)Wear Sunscreen Daily-UV radiation can still make its way through the clouds so don’t skip on cloudy days. ☀️ ☁️

2.)Give your body some love…skincare isn’t limited to your face! 

3.)Load up on antioxidants they will help protect your skin from free radicals

4.)Remove makeup before bed so your face can breath 

5.)Don’t forget to moisturize daily…even if you have oily skin that can be a sign you need more moisture

6.)Don’t over exfoliate

7.)Don’t neglect your neck and décolletage area…these show signs of aging first.

8.)Don’t skimp on sleep- you need at least 7-8 hours of beauty rest a night.

Happy Tuesday, friends! 🌱

Don’t forget to join our wellness community on FB for more tips and links to the best toxin free skincare out there -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean/

Family Fun Month

Did you know that August is National Family Fun Month? I just learned this myself!

In our family, fun revolves around traveling, fitness, and being outside. Right now the way we incorporate all three of these things can’t fully include Adeline because she’s too young, but we’re hoping when she’s old enough she’ll want to get involved as well. We spent this last weekend doing something we love, racing a Spartan Race.

Christopher and I have gotten really into Obstacle Course races this past summer. We love that they allow us to do all of our favorite things: travel, stay fit, and be outside! They also fall perfectly into our lifestyle and our goal to raise Addie in a toxin free, healthy environment as she’s being exposed to these events, watching us train for these events, and we keep with our toxin free lifestyle during them as well.

I see so many people at these races slathering on the toxic sunscreen, and I so badly wish I could educate them on the dangers they’re causing their bodies while they are trying to prevent their bodies from harm from the sun! Spray sunscreens are the absolute worst because of everything you’re inhaling in conjunction with what you’re putting on your skin. But, even most lotion sunscreens are harmful, even the ones claiming to be clean. I make sure to apply my toxin free facial SPF in the morning (which I do every morning anyway) and bring my toxin free body SPF!

Here’s some info to help you choose safe sunscreens for yourself and your family…

You’ll want to avoid ingredients Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Homosalate, and ALL spray-on SPF (to avoid inhalation of chemicals and/or minerals), and common chemical preservatives like: parabens, and phenoxyethanol.

You’ll want to look for non-nano Zinc and Titanium Dioxide mineral SPF with no sketchy preservatives.

To learn more about the harmful sunscreens to avoid and also grab my safe swap recommendations, go here 👉 https://forms.gle/j39yLgwiVcHaLYKR9