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July 13, 2011 at 6:00 am
Sunscreen used to be easy. You didn’t use it unless you were going to spend a day at the beach.
Remember those days? It wasn’t so long ago that many of us were stealing Mom’s coconut-scented Hawaiian Tropic from the medicine cabinet.
But by the time my son was born, parenting magazines were suggested putting at least a shot-glass full of SPF 45 on my kid 30 minutes before stepping out the door.
That was only 7 years ago. Since then, a lot more research has come out about Vitamin D, and the importance of soaking up a little sun safely.
So what’s an organic parent to do? And when choosing sunscreen, how do we know what to look for?
Twice in my life I have had pretty nasty allergic reactions to “conventional” sunscreen. Something in the formula made me break out in a itchy rash.
Because I also have a child with senstive skin, and because we like to avoid chemicals, parabens and other additives like fragrances in our personal care products, I have spent a lot of time on the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database researching options.
Three that we feel good about are Badger brand, Alba brand and California Baby.
These brands are almost universally more expensive, but I have found them to be very effective and to work well in my family — no rashes, no reactions.
And we don’t apply sunscreen all the time. We try to soak up a little Vitamin D each day, via arms and legs and not during the peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
But I want to ask you, what you do in your family? What brands of suncreen do you trust?
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Until this year, I rarely put sunscreen on my kids, and never had any sunburns. We ventured out during the safe times for the most part. And when we did, we used safe sunscreens (Alba, Badger) and my kids always use a rash guard so I don’t have to slather them up with a ton of sunscreen. My kids HATE sunscreen. On that note, my older boys have been attending a day camp where they are outside all day (and having to be responsible for re-applying their own sunscreen). I decided to go with a spray sunscreen. I bought the Kiss My Face Spray Oil Sunscreen. It’s not on the top of the safest list, but it is still low. They LOVE it. And it’s very easy for them to apply, and they don’t use that much of it either because it spreads so easily and it’s only getting put on necks, forearms, and lower legs. I also bought the Badger Stick for face application. They love that, too. So given the choice of having them not reapply and burn or use a sunscreen that may not be 100% safe, I feel ok with it.
Comment by Kari — July 13, 2011 @ 10:47 am
And on the topic of vitamin d, this is a fantastic resource!
http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/about-vitamin-d/how-to-get-your-vitamin-d/uvb-exposure-sunlight-and-indoor-tanning/
Comment by Kari — July 13, 2011 @ 10:57 am
Great info Kari! Thanks for sharing it!
Comment by Kara — July 13, 2011 @ 5:23 pm
We like Badger too! (stick for the face, balm for lips, & lotion for arms, neck, ears, etc.). I try to catch it on sale–though it seems to last fairly long.
In the summer, we also try to avoid peak hours, wear hats, rashguards, use umbrellas, tents & try to choose shady spots when possible (I know, I’m a little crazy about it!).
In the other months, I do allow a little vitamin sunshine time for Vit D as we live in the Northeast and don’t consume a lot of milk.
I let my kids use the stick on their faces (I cover up any missed spots) & they seem to really enjoy having a little involvement.
It’s something we do almost every morning & it has just become part of the routine. My almost 2 yr old daughter starts shouting “Cheeks, nose” when it’s time to head outside & I grab the stick for her. It’s pretty cute!
Comment by Rachel — July 13, 2011 @ 8:52 pm
So both of you have mentioned rash guards … fill me in!
Comment by Kara — July 13, 2011 @ 9:03 pm
Rash guards were originally worn by surfers to avoid getting a rash on their chests from the wax they smear on the top if their surfboards. My hubby surfs so that’s always what I have called it. Now a lot of people who buy them call them swim shirts, or something similar. They provide a range of UV protection but also are a swimming cover up. They have full suits for babies, too. In previous years, you could only get them at surf shops, but now you can get them pretty much anywhere, and online.
Comment by Kari — July 14, 2011 @ 8:44 am