With schools letting out for the summer, it’s more than
likely your kids will be spending a lot more time outside. Whether they’re playing around the neighborhood, splashing in the pool, or sandcastle-building at the beach, kids need to be
protected from the sun now more than ever. Early protection will help kids prevent the onset of
skin problems later in life. —%uFFFD
The Truth About Sunscreen
Susan Hunt Stevens, Founder and CEO of Practically Green, is
a strong advocate for using natural sunscreens. “I think a lot of awareness has been built over the last few
years due to The Environmental Working Group and their research into the hazard
ratings of sunscreens,” explains Stevens. “People are interested in protecting
themselves from the sun, but at the same time not exposing themselves to
unnecessary potential health risks from some of the chemicals.”
The most common sun-screening ingredients are the chemicals
oxybenzone and octinoxate, plus the minerals zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Chemicals get absorbed into the skin, while minerals sit on top as a block. Oxybenzone
gets a 9 hazard rating from The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep
database. Octinoxate gets a 6. Stevens suggest that parents look for sunscreens that have
zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as their main ingredients. Also, parents should
be wary of other ingredients in creams, like artificial fragrances,
formaldehyde, triclosan and parabens.
“Some people won’t like it because it leaves a little bit of a
white layer on your skin, and some people want it to rub all the way in, but it’s
kind of good that it leaves a layer on your skin because it means that
the sunscreen doesn’t have nanoparticles in it,” says Stevens.
The safest way to protect your kids from the sun is
wearing hats and long-sleeves. If you are going to use a sunscreen, try to find
one that offers good sun protection (SPF 30) without having other ingredients in it
that are harmful for kids like artificial fragrances and parabens.
Choosing A Sunscreen
If you’re wondering which sunscreen to use on your kids, our
Born & Bred blogger Elisabeth Reed Frankel suggests
a number of green sunscreens for kids. They are all mineral-based and have
none of the chemicals that can cause irritation and other potential health
issues.
You might also want to try Supergoop–a highly water-resistant sunscreen that protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Using only
eco-friendly ingredients, this brand comes in a conveniently-designed pump bottle.
Another good choice is Baby Blanket’s Tender Scalp Sunblock Spray, which comes in SPF
45 and offers broad spectrum YVA/UVB protection. What’s more, this scalp protector is
hypoallergenic, non-stinging, and water-resistant. For older children, try So Cozy’s Protective Conditioning Mist with Sunscreen. It protects your
child’s scalp and hair from sun damage and works on both wet and dry locks.
If you’re looking for a product that will keep you fully covered, check out Episencial’s Fun Summer Skincare Value Kit. The organic skin care line packages its vitamin-boosting sunscreen, protective face balm, and soothing cream (with summertime faves, aloe and cucumber) in one convenient and kid-friendly box.
For yourself, keep lips polished and protected with Bobbi Brown’s Treatment Lip Shine SPF 15. The lightweight formula provides lasting moisture while
Peptides and Vitamin C stimulate collagen production. And don’t forget Philosophy’s ever-popular Hope in A Jar Oil Free Moisturizer. Use it as a daily
moisturizer for broad-spectrum sun protection against environmental damage and aging.
Sun Care By The Numbers
For even more fun in the sun, be sure to read our trusted Sun Care By The Numbers guide. From the proper steps to take after getting a sunburn to the lowdown on all the different SPFs, you’ll learn everything there is to know about skin exposure this season. Plus, we’ve provided a handy sunglasses guide for choosing the right shades.
Sunshine Essentials
Before you hit the beach, make sure your beach bag has all
of our sunshine essentials for summer. Your family will thank you. And don’t forget to pack your cutest bathing suit! Our style and shopping director, Joy Sherwood, has rounded up the season’s most adorable suits for your bathing beauties.
