Growing up, I remember using sunscreen on sunny summer days. Not every day when I played outside (my family lived in the woods … I was used to shade), but definitely any trip to a swimming pool, lake, or vacationing in Florida. When I was a teenager and my family started taking beach vacations, I used sunscreen, but after laying out for hours I looked like Neapolitan ice cream – white where my bathing suit had been, brown where I had tanned, and pink in the areas that burned. I used an awful lot of aloe vera gel to relieve my painful sunburns.
As I grew older, I didn’t think of sunscreen much, unless I was at the beach. That all changed once I had children, though. Suddenly I was aware of how much I was exposed to sun and shade because my babies were, too.
When Big Brother was an infant, I knew he should stay out of the sun for six months – babies’ skin isn’t protected by melanin yet. But once he turned 6 months old, I didn’t want to slather him with sunscreen, either. What was in it? And really, what was more dangerous? UVA and UVB rays, or the toxic chemicals in most sunscreens?
Really, it’s not terrible to soak in some sunny rays. Sunshine is beneficial. We all need it. Sunshine produces vitamin D, and vitamin D reduces the risk of cancers, strengthens bones, helps the immune system and regulates genes. However, seven in ten children have low levels of vitamin D. Because of this growing problem, the American Medical Association recommends 10 minutes of direct sun without sunscreen a few times each week. 1
As a new parent, I decided to take a protective stance. When we were outside we stayed in the shade as much as possible, as well as protecting ourselves with clothing and hats. I did try to sneak in sunshine on sunny days. Every so often – beach trips and long hikes – I would apply a minimally hazardous sunscreen. But I still didn’t like the thought of the chemicals and crazy ingredients.
This summer I decided to bite the bullet – financially speaking – and “invest” in a natural, mineral-based sunscreen. I knew it would be pricey, but I also longed for some sort of a sunscreen peace of mind.
After referring to Environmental Working Group’s Sunscreen Guide, I went with the Badger SPF 30+ Unscented Sunscreen. (It offers broad spectrum protection – UVA and UVB – it’s not made with nanoparticles, and it’s water resistant.) I love it!!! It cost a pretty penny – $15 for 2.9 fl. oz. – but I’ll buy it again, just because it is so effective and SAFE. I love slathering it on my children before we head to the zoo or playground, because I know I’m not coating them in poison. In fact, I know exactly what I’m coating them in: non-nano uncoated zinc oxide, extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, vitamin E, and an extract of seabuckthorn. Who would have guessed that all of those natural ingredients could make a rocking sunscreen?
(If you’d like to try some of the Badger sunscreen on your own family, just click here
Other methods
Besides sunscreen, there are other ways to avoid dangerous UVA and UVB rays. Like I mentioned, stay in the shade. You also can wear clothing and hats to keep the sun off your face and bodies. And try to limit your time outside during the brightest times of the day – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What’s next
Source
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So the stuff you bought…question about it. Does it put this white-ish coating on your kids skin? That has been my beef with the couple natural sunscreens I’ve bought. On lighter skin…you don’t notice it. On darker skin, it makes my kids look purple! :)
Just curious.
Sometimes, Hil, I hate reading your posts. Not because of you or your writing but because I hate finding out that so many things are bad for us. Sigh. BUT, I’m so grateful to be able to take advantage of all your work and research. Thanks for keeping us posted.
Shannon,
I’m sorry for the bad news! Sometimes I feel like this is such a crazy snowball! When I started questioning one thing (and I don’t even remember what it was … cloth diapers? Breastfeeding? Childbirth?) I never would have dreamed my entire life would change. Ignorance truly is bliss. But then again, I really don’t want to expose myself to what’s hiding out there. So I guess I’d rather know.
You may want to skip reading the rest of the week … I flipped out when I discovered the information I’m covering in tomorrow’s post.
BUT I’m devoting July to a good news month. Every single day. :) Thanks for reading!
Anne,
When I first put the sunscreen on, it DOES leave a whitish coating on my kids’ skin. I just keep rubbing it in until it disappears, though. I only catch a couple glimpses of white then … like in their ears, or the creases of their noses.
Purple kids would definitely look pretty crazy! :)
THANK YOU SO MUCH! I need these posts!!!
Have you considered making your own sunscreen? I’ve been reading about it and am going to try some this week.
I never thought of doing that … mostly because I’d be afraid about ensuring the right amount of protection.
Just out of curiosity, I googled recipes, and found this informative link: http://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/blogs/dont-make-your-own-sunscreen