Our Blog

If there is one thing we have all been hearing since we were very young, its just how important it is to use sunscreen. But what do you really know about it?

What’s the difference between a Mineral and a Chemical sunscreen?

A mineral sunscreen is just what it sounds like—a sunscreen that uses minerals as its active (protective) ingredients. The minerals most often used are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Both of these ingredients occur naturally, although they can also be created synthetically.

Mineral sunscreens are sometimes called physical sunscreens because they provide a physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s rays. Think of these minerals as tiny mirrors resting on the surface of your skin, bouncing away harmful UV rays! 

Chemical sunscreens penetrate your skin and use synthetic compounds like oxybenzone, octisalate, avobenzone and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, to create a chemical reaction in our skin. This reaction transforms the UV rays from the sun into heat and is released into the air.

Current Debate Around Actives

There is an ongoing debate about sunscreen ingredients, specifically chemical UV actives and their effect on hormones and we have all heard about the damaging effects those sunscreens containing two common chemicals have on coral reefs.

Australian Standard

The Australian Standard for sunscreens allows a maximum sun protection factor (SPF) rating of 50.  While this sounds like a significantly higher level of protection than an SPF30 the difference is not really in the amount of UV protection.  An SPF 50 sunscreen will filter 98% of UV radiation while an SPF30 product filters 96.7% so the difference is not large.

What Does SPF Mean?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. SPF numbers are an approximate indication of how much protection from the sun a product will provide for your skin. Everyone’s skin is different and each person’s skin can be exposed to the sun for different lengths of time before burning. Those with fair skin will burn faster than people with olive skin. Sunscreen extends the time before burning by a multiple of the SPF. For example, if you have fair skin and would normally burn in 10 minutes without any sun protection then an SPF 30 will give you 30 x 10 minutes protection or 5 hours.

The issue is that all sunscreens will rub off over time with normal activity and perspiration and so in some cases, the higher SPF can give a false sense of security. The most important thing to remember is that no sunscreen provides total protection and will rub off over time, that's why it is always important to reapply regularly (every 2 hours) and cover up using appropriate clothing and eyewear especially during the hottest part of the day.

Can using SPF every day cause Vitamin D deficiency?

No, you will still be able to absorb enough Vitamin D from incidental places such as your scalp, nails or that spot on your back where you just cant reach when applying your sunscreen.

Infants and People with Sensitive Skin 

It’s important to note that an infant’s skin is different from an adult’s. Our bodies produce a pigment called melanin that protects our skin from ultraviolet damage by causes it to darken/tan. An infant produces less melanin than an adult which means that their skin will burn more quickly.

An infant’s skin is thinner and contains more water than an adult. Also the top layer of an infant’s skin called the epidermis doesn’t bond as tightly to the layer below called the dermis. So unlike adult skin that has a tight seal between these layers, an infant’s skin is easier to pass. This is significant when also coupled with the fact that infants lack fully developed detoxification systems.

Babies and infants should be kept out of direct sun exposure but if you need to use a sunscreen choose a sunscreen for sensitive skin with a physical active like zinc that is dispersed in a natural lotion.  

People with sensitive skin often find that they react to conventional sunscreens, so a natural sunscreen alternative with gentle ingredients and an SPF of 30 will be their best option too.  Always check the label and look out for toxic ingredients that may have been added to make the sunscreen more smooth or wearable such as parabens, phthalates, sodium laureth sulfate, and fragrance (unless it’s a natural preservative). Unfortunately, unlike in the USA and Europe, Australian regulations which are set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), do not require sunscreen brands to disclose all ingredients on the packaging. We believe that this is wrong as it effectively leaves consumers in the dark as to what they are putting on their and their kids bodies. We have contacted the TGA to address this and will continue working to see regulations change.

How much sunscreen should I apply?

All too often, we don’t apply enough sunscreen and forget to reapply. The Cancer Council recommends the following:

“Sunscreen needs to be applied 20 minutes before going outdoors. Use a generous amount of sunscreen. When applying sunscreen, you need at least one teaspoon per limb, one for the front of the body, one for the back and one for the head. A full body application for an adult should be at least 35mL or seven teaspoons”. (https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/about-sunscreen)

Always remember to wear appropriate clothing, hats and eyewear, stay out of midday sun and reapply sunscreen regularly. And then just enjoy the great outdoors!

Find out more about choosing the right sunscreen for you on our website, or visit @environmentalworkinggroup sunscreen hub, for a 101 on sunscreen ingredients! www.ewg.org/sunscreen/

The softness of a newborn baby's skin is legendary, however challenging skin conditions such as Eczema are common in babies and kids and can be rather anxiety inducing for parents.

 I’m sure that googling “Atopic dermatitis on baby’s face” or “Baby skin cracking in folds”  is not something you thought you’d be doing, certainly not in the first 6 months of parenting, however Eczema is a very common condition in babies and children and usually first appears between ages 3 and 6 months.

 Here at WOTNOT, we pride ourselves on creating natural, toxin free baby products that are safe and nourishing for baby’s skin. Along the way we have gathered some tips on how to manage Eczema, based on our experience as parents, feedback from our customers and our insights into creating organic and natural products. Eczema is a uniquely challenging journey for each family. We encourage you to reach out to your baby’s paediatrician or family GP for a definite diagnosis and treatment plan.

 What Is Eczema? (EK-zeh-ma):

 Eczema is a condition where the skin gets irritated, red, dry, bumpy, and itchy. There are several types of eczema, but the most common is ‘Atopic dermatitis’. Usually, some family history of asthma, hay fever, and skin rashes may make a child prone to developing eczema. However, any child may develop this skin condition. Additionally, an environmental exposure may trigger the rash, causing a predisposition towards having a reaction in the future.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Eczema?

 Symptoms can vary:

• Infants younger than 1 year old usually have the eczema rash on their cheeks, forehead, or scalp. It may spread to the knees, elbows, and trunk (but not usually the nappy area).
•  Older kids and teens usually get the rash in the bends of the elbows, behind the knees, on the neck, or on the inner wrists and ankles. Their skin is often scalier and drier than when the eczema first began.

How can parents help?

The goals are to ease itching and inflammation of the skin, increase moisture, and prevent infection and stay away from triggers that cause flare ups.

 Below are some tips on eczema relief for kids:

•  Baths or showers with warm, not hot, water. Air dry or gently pat dry the skin afterward. You can set a timer to try to limit the length of a bath. This is helpful for parents to keep track of timing but also for toddlers who need some warning for transitions out of the bath! Use a gentle, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic cleanser. We suggest Wotnot 100% Natural 3 in 1 Baby Wash, Shampoo & Bubble Bath  that has also nourishing ingredients to replenish the skin.
• Don’t scratch the skin. Try to keep your child from scratching as it makes the condition worse and can also cause infection. It’s easy to say ‘Don’t scratch’ but getting your little one to listen when it’s oh so itchy, is another story. Kids may be less likely to scratch if it’s covered up. Moisturising, loose clothing and some distracting them can also help.
• Keep fingernails short. Trim or file your child’s nails to keep them short and prevent scratching. You could try having your child wear comfortable, light gloves to bed if scratching at night is a problem. Or you might have a sleep suit where you have the option to cover the hands.
• Use moisturisers – use moisturisers frequently. Apply them directly after the bath ideally within 3 minutes after your child gets out of the water so as to avoid skin drying out. Keep a moisturiser next to the sink after hand washing. It’s also important to apply moisturiser throughout the day to the body. Look for moisturisers with natural ingredients to benefit sensitive skin and avoid environment irritants.

We highly recommend the WOTNOT 30 SPF NATURAL BABY SUNSCREEN because of its clean ingredients, it’s super moisturising and also a sunscreen (win -win) so you don’t have to apply both during the day. We receive rave reviews about how much it helps little ones with Eczema.

** WOTNOT pro tip: if you’re applying moisturiser or sunscreen to a toddler, use a make-up brush! We use the WOTNOT VEGAN MAKEUP BRUSHES Amazingly applying with a brush takes away the toddler battles (most of the time). It is truly a game changer! You can keep one brush aside for their sunscreen and one for other body moisturisers.

• Wear soft, natural clothing. Try to find clothes that “breathe” such as those made from cotton. Wool or polyester may be too harsh or irritating.

• Keep Cool. Try to keep your child as cool as possible. Getting hot and sweaty can make your little one more uncomfortable. Avoid using a heater as it’s a fast way to dry out skin.

• Drink water. Encourage kids to drink plenty of water by having a water bottle on hand.

• Stay away from Triggers. Various factors can contribute to a flare up. Common triggers include irritants such as wool, soap or chemicals Other triggers include allergens such as eggs, dust mites or pet hair. For more information about triggers check out our chat about Eczema with Belinda Kirkpatrick – Naturopath and Nutritionist.

• Change products. Look at swapping out products such as bath soaps, laundry detergents, pyjamas and baby wipes. The WOTNOT 100% NATURAL BABY WIPES gently cleanse without stripping natural oils.

• Begin taking photos or notes. Take photos of your child’s skin when there are flare ups – try to get a before and after photo and take notes of possible triggers such as food, weather, clothing. You can save these to notes on your phone, so they are easily accessible when you talk to a medical professional.

• Seek Medical Advice. Please remember to talk to your child’s paediatrician, or GP for guidance and treatment. They will be able to help with a treatment plan or they might refer you to a dermatologist if the eczema is severe.

It is very stressful and emotional watching a child deal with any kind of illness or challenging condition. If you are reading this blog, you are probably searching for how to best help your child manage their Eczema. We hope that some of these tips can help guide you a little on your journey. If you have any questions about our products and how they might help your family with skin conditions, please GET IN CONTACT. We would love to hear from you.

Contributor: Marianne Randall

Since 2009, Wotnot has proudly been supporting Bear Cottage children’s hospice by donating a percentage of profits from our natural baby range to help this amazing facility.

When families are told that their child's life will be cut short, their everyday existence takes on a monumental change. As they embark on such a terrible journey, there are limited options available to help them get through each day and answer the many questions that arise. Bear Cottage believes that life, however brief, should be enriched, enjoyed and celebrated.

As a respite facility, Bear Cottage is a home away from home, as far removed from a hospital environment as possible. Staff do not wear uniforms, no medical procedures are carried out in the bedrooms, the children's rooms are designed to like a normal bedroom, and they even have a family pet, Beau, an adorable Labrador. Staff and volunteers are always on hand to take care of the cooking and cleaning, allowing families to forget about the stresses of everyday life and to be able to spend quality time together. 

Bear Cottage is the only children's hospice in NSW and in the last 12 months has cared for 239 children and families for respite and end of life care. 

The facility was established entirely through community support, at a cost of $10 million, and was officially opened on St Patrick's Day, 17 March 2001. This outstanding facility cares for children from across Australia, regardless of where they receive their primary care, although the majority of families that access the service are from NSW. There is no cost to the family for a stay at Bear Cottage and relies on the community to ensure that they are always there for those who need them.

“In addition to the generous monetary contributions made by Wotnot, the donation of the Wotnot wipes for our own internal use at Bear Cottage has been invaluable. They are used throughout the Cottage by our nursing staff, housekeeping staff and Art and Child Life Therapists alike”

(Bronwen Simmons, Community Relations Manager at Bear Cottage)

To find out more, visit http://bearcottage.org.au/

Are you that person who checks the weather app daily or hangs their head out the window in the morning to see what the day’s doing before you apply sunscreen?…..well think again!

Sunscreen is the daily skincare routine that should never EVER be missed.

It is a no brainer in the middle of summer and it’s boiling hot outside to remember to apply sunscreen but what about in winter?

Although the sun might not feel as hot in the cooler months, rest assured the risks of sun damage (aka skin aging) are still very very real.

 UV rays can cut through winter clouds

Even if it looks overcast outside, don’t be fooled! Up to 80% of the sun’s rays can still penetrate cloud cover and even worse, reflect off it.

There are two types of rays you need to know about -

• UVA rays have a longer wavelength which causes skin damage that leads to skin aging and wrinkles. The shortest wavelengths of UVA rays also contribute to sunburn.

• UVB rayshave a shorter wavelength which can cause sunburn and play a key role in developing skin cancer.

So the take away is – it’s important to protect your skin from both types of UV rays all year round.

Sunscreen is the key to anti-aging.

In winter, your skin is noticeably drier because of the much harsher weather conditions and indoor heating. This can cause noticeable dehydration and result in dull looking skin.

An easy way to combat this is by using sunscreen daily. It not only locks in the skin’s natural moisture, but it will keep skin looking fresher and plumper.

Wotnot Naturals Tinted Face Sunscreen comes with built in SPF 40 and anti-aging serum plus mineral make up coverage. Our unique formula is proven to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by up to 16% when used daily for 8 weeks thanks to the clever inclusion of COSMOS approved plant collagen. What more could you want?

An Australian Study published in 2013 through the QLD Institute of Medical Research compares 903 people aged 25-55 using SPF 15 daily at their own discretion for a four and a half year period.

The results were that 24 percent of participants were less likely to show increased signs of aging. Regardless of sex, age, skin colour, occupation, skin cancer history, weight and smoking everyone benefitted from daily sunscreen use.

Now that’s compelling!

Winter elements can remove sunscreen

When you’re hot and sweaty at the beach and swimming regularly it’s a given that you reapply sunscreen every 2 hours but what about on a windy winter’s day or at the snow?

The answer is, yes? Strong winds can wear away sunscreen and snow reflects up to 90% of UV rays. This means that the sun is even MORE potent and highly likely to burn you.

A zinc based natural sunscreen like Wotnot’s SPF 30 is packed full of nourishing organic ingredients that are perfect for soothing dry winter skin and preventing sun damage at the same time. And since it's a physical sunscreen, you don't need to worry about absorbing unnecessary chemicals into your bloodstream. It’s a win-win!

You can get sun damage indoors

Don’t be tempted to skip your sunscreen in the morning even if you’re working inside all day. UVA rays can still sneak through glass, so be mindful of time spent in a car or on buses.

Pay attention to where your desk is positioned in a room. If you’re sitting near a window, even a small amount of light may affect your skin.

Bottom line – there is no harm in applying sunscreen daily - bonus if it has an anti-aging serum and make up coverage to not only save you time, but also help your back-pocket by using less beauty products!

Winter can be just as damaging to the skin as summertime is, so make sure you apply a good quality face sunscreen with at least SPF 30 as part of your everyday skin routine.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/daily-sunscreen-can-slow-skin-aging-study-finds-flna6c10180303

https://actcancer.org/prevention/sunsmart/at-the-snow/