Recently released scientific studies by Switzerland's Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, conducted in 2001, prove a link between synthetic sunscreens and hormonal disturbances in the body. The chemical compounds in synthetic sunscreens have been found to accumulate in body fats and in breast milk, and, by mimicking the effects of estrogen, can induce undesirable hormonal changes.

lavera is proud to say it uses 100% natural mineral pigments to deliver effective UVA, B and C protection in the SUN product line. Mineral pigments create a physical shield that sits on the surface of the skin to block UV rays and do not in any way affect the healthy functioning of internal organs or the normal balance of reproductive hormones.

lavera is the leader in 100% Mineral base Sun Protection and lavera sunscreens are a Naturally Safe Choice For Everyone!

lavera's Mineral based sun protection uses only titanium oxide as the active ingredient. This natural mineral builds a physical protection layer on the skin and reflect the sun light naturally without transforming into a toxic compound. There are several advantages to 100% Mineral Based Sun Protection:

• Titanium Dioxide = active ingredient, non-estrogenic
• 100% non-toxic and safe for the whole family, including babies & kids six months and up
• It does not accumulate in the body and also does not interfere with the hormonal system.
• PEG and PABA-Free, so do not cause sun induced irritations
• Light and almost invisible on the skin and very easy to apply
• Effective immediately after application - no wait time necessary
• Broad spectrum UV protection UVA, B and C
• Paraben-Free

• Mineral pigments protect as they build an almost invisible film on the skin's surface, reflecting harmful UVA, B and C rays without the need for chemical filters. Skin is protected against UV damage, sun-induced aging and sunburn
• Skin care benefits: additional, nurturing ingredients such as evening primrose oil, jojoba and calendula nourish and hydrate
• Waterproof formulas protect upon application
• Ideal for sensitive skin
• Wide range of sun protection factors from SPF15 to SPF40
• Biodegradable
• Vegan

• 4-Methyl-Benzylidencamphor
• (4-MBC)
• Oxybenzone
• Benzophenone-3
• Octyl-methoyl-cinnamates(OMC)
• Octyl-Dimethyl-Para-Amino-Benzoic Acid(OD-PABA)
• Homosalate(HMS)

• 1. Apply sun screen carefully and generously. Re-apply after swimming.
• 2. Apply sun protection even whilst in the shade; you are still exposed to 40% of the sun's UV radiation.
• 3. At the start of the summer, choose a high factor (SPF 30 and up), and only stay out in the sun for short periods so as to acclimatise your skin gradually.
• 4. For the best protection under make-up, use Anti-Aging Sun Screen SPF20 Face for two in one moisturization and sun care. Use a small amount and allow a few minutes for the light fluid to absorb before applying make-up.
• 5. Take particular care of babies and children in the sun, and always ensure they are wearing clothing and a hat for extra protection. Pediatricians recommend babies under 6 months stay in the shade and receive minimal exposure to direct sunlight.
• 6. Sunlight is strongest between 11 am and 3 pm. Avoid direct sun exposure at these times.
• 7. When traveling, remember: if you are bound for snow or water, they reflect sunlight, intensifying its UV rays, so you will need to choose a higher sun protection factor – SPF 30 and up. Near the equator and in mountainous areas, the sun's rays are also more intense, so again, use SPF 30 and up.
• 8. Swimming and sweating will remove sun screen, always re-apply after exercise.
• 9. Natural, mineral based sunscreens are especially important for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Studies have shown that the chemicals in synthetic sun screens can accumulate in the body, and can mimic the effects of estrogen. They have even been found in breast milk.
• 10. After sunbathing, treat skin to a generous application of After Sun Lotion. With organic jojoba and vitamin E, it works to re-nourish and nurture sun sore skin.

Ultraviolet rays can be subdivided into three different wavelength bands: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. This is simply a convenient way of classifying the rays based on the amount of energy they contain and their effects on biological matter.

UVA(Ultraviolet-A)
UV-A rays do not have enough energy to break apart the bonds of the ozone, so UV-A radiation passes through the earth's atmosphere almost unfiltered. UV-A penetrates the skin deeper than UV-B, causing wrinkles and skin aging. UV-A may directly cause some skin cancers, including melanomas.

UVB(Ultraviolet-B)
UV-B rays have a higher energy level and a shorter wavelength than UV-A. As their energy is often not sufficient to split an ozone molecule, some of them extend down to the earth's surface. Burns skin in less time than UV-A light. Causes basal and squamous cell carcinomas, types of skin cancer.

UVC (Ultraviolet-C)
UV-C is most energetic and most harmful. Luckily, most of UV-C rays do not reach the earth’s surface because of the ozone layer.

Both UV-B and UV-A rays can be detrimental to our health, so it is important that we protect ourselves. This can be done through a variety of ways. The most obvious is to reduce the amount of time one spends in the sun, particularly between the hours of 11 am and 3 pm, when the sun is at its highest in the sky. However, especially during the summer holidays, this may be difficult to adhere to. Alternatives include covering up with clothing, or applying sun-protection.

Lavera offers a variery of mineral-based sun-protection products that are safe and effective for your entire family.

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, increases the length of time you can stay outside in the sun without incurring sunburn or irritation from UV-B rays. At present there is no standard to measure protection from UV-A rays.
Calculate your recommended SPF:
• 1. Rate yourself:
  Select your skin type. The corresponding amount of time indicates how long you can stay safely in the sun before burning.
  • Fair skin – 10 minutes
  • Olive skin - 15 minutes
  • Dark skin - 20 minutes
• 2. Look at the SPF on your sunscreen Note which SPF is stated on the product labeling, eg. SPF 20.
• 3. Calculate your protection time - the amount of time you can stay outside before burning:
  
  Multiply the sun safety time for your skin type with the SPF listed on your sunscreen.
  eg. 15 minutes (for olive skin) x SPF 20 = 300 minutes (5 hours) of sun protection
  Result: Olive skin using a sunscreen with SPF 20 can under ideal conditions stay in the sun for up to 5 hours.