Raw Elements
Brian Guadagno - Founder: " RAW ELEMENTS USA all natural sunscreen was developed because Skin Cancer is an epidemic. I have spent 17 years as an Ocean Rescue Lifeguard and during this time I have come to realize the damaging effects of environmental exposure and chemical sunscreens.
This really came to a head one day around my 30th birthday when I decided to have a UV photo damage scan done one my face.The image that appeared on the screen absolutely horrified me.I began to do extensive research on sunscreens and was astounded at what I learned about skin cancer, false label claims, chemical effects and so on.To be quiet honest, I felt foolish that I had never taken the time after all these years to learn what I was putting in my body and into the environment.
This discovery turned into a passion and I decided it was my time to make a difference.I don't want Skin Cancer, I don't want my friends and family to end up with Skin Cancer.I set out to develop the best sunscreen in the world, all natural, certified organic ingredients that are free of the chemicals and able to provide physical, broad spectrum protection . I am committed to spreading education and awareness toward Skin Cancer prevention and a responsible approach toward sun protection. This is WHY I developed RAW ELEMENTS USA Sunscreen."
Do you also want the reef to be preserved? Join World Reef Day on June 1.
How organic/pure is the line?
Very pure. Hypoallergenic. Also for babies and very sensitive skin. All ingredients are 100% natural or certified organic. 93% of the ingredients are certified organic or zinc oxide (a natural mineral that does not fall under organic). No synthetic preservatives. No unnatural perfumes. No genetically modified ingredients. No nano ingredients. Safe for aquatic environment and reef. Biodegradable. Animal testing free. Raw Elements gets a #1 rating from the independent year after year Environmental Working Group (EWG). Those (cosmetic) products and ingredients check whether they are safe for people and the environment.
How safe/effective is the line?
Very safe and very effective. This is evident from the number 1 rating of the EWG. Each year, the EWG tests more than 1,600 sunscreen products for safety and effectiveness. Of which only 60-100 receive a number 1 rating. Each ingredient and the product as a whole is rated from 1 (most safe and effective) to 10 (very questionable and least effective). The effectiveness of a product is assessed on the basis of protection against both UVA and UVB radiation, photo stability and long-term protection. Good to know: SPF only says something about protection against UVB!
The zinc oxide protects against UVA & UVB radiation. The other ingredients protect and restore the skin. They hydrate, protect by antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. These counteract skin damage from free radicals long after the skin has been exposed to the sun.
What makes the Raw Elements line special?
The fact that it is 100% natural, raw & effective, water and sweat proof for at least 80 minutes, can be applied to wet skin - handy for water sports enthusiasts - does not run, does not sting the eyes or clog the pores. And (as good as) does not leave a white blur on your skin. Which is the case with most products with zinc oxide as a protective filter.
Used by
Many top (water) athletes such as 'Extreme Big Wave Champion', Garret McNamara, professional (beach) volleyball player & coach, Andreas Olesen, diver of the USA team Dan Silveira. Testimonials can be found on the Raw Elements site.
Other interesting facts
SPF ONLY says something about protection against UVB rays. UVB rays are responsible for sunburn. They mainly damage the epidermis (outer skin layer). And can cause skin cancer. UVA radiation goes deeper into the skin. They provide tanning to the skin. But also for DNA damage to the cells, premature skin aging and wrinkles. And for skin cancer, such as melanoma. UVA radiation passes through windows. On the Raw Elements site you will find more interesting information about solar radiation.
Which SPF?
It is generally accepted that SPF 30 is what you need to adequately protect against UVB radiation. Controlled tests show that SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB radiation. SPF 50 only blocks 1% more (98%) and SPF 100 only 2% (99%). In practice it is very unlikely that more than 97% of the UVB radiation will be blocked. Extremely high SPF claims of sunscreen with synthetic filters can give a biased idea of safety, as high levels of questionable chemicals may be required.
It's important to to lubricate well and not only to use a sun lotion as protection : 2mg per square centimeter of skin is necessary to meet the SPF claim. This means about a teaspoon for the face, neck and ears. No matter how waterproof, it is wise to reapply sun protection after you have been in the water, sweating or toweling off. Find the shade, wear protective clothing, avoid being in the sun for too long, make sure you don't burn or tan too dark. Because both UVA and UVB radiation can cause skin cancer!
View the Raw Elements range here