Healthy Sunblock: Use less chemicals

     If we have so much knowledge about skin cancer and how to prevent it, then why are there higher rates of cancer now than there were before sunscreen was available? I don't have the answer, and frankly there could be many factors, but I do know one thing - commercial sunscreens have a lot of things in them I need a few minutes figuring out how to pronounce. There are a ton of chemicals in these products that we are smearing all over our skin and our children's skin. Their little bodies are absorbing things we've never even heard of before and we don't know what they're doing to us. You can find explanations about what some of these chemicals are and how they can be harmful to your body here.
     It is important to remember that a little sun is good for you. Sunshine can help with mood disorders and depression. Plus, Your body absorbs a lot of vitamin D through soaking up some sunshine. As most of us know, vitamin D is important for calcium absorption and has also been linked to preventing cancers such as breast cancer. However too much is a bad thing. Anyone rocking the lobster look after a beach vacation could tell you that. But chemical lotions and sprays don't seem to be much better for you. This is a link to the doctor Oz website. In this article, you will find a doctor's point of view on chemical sunscreens. If you're in panic mode about tossing away your favorite brand of lotion, don't worry. There are plenty of things you can do to avoid using these toxic chemicals.

• Don't forget a hat! Try purchasing hats with wide brims to cover your little one's face.
• Find some shade. Sitting beneath a tree, pavilion, or under an umbrella will help keep your little one from overheating as well.
• Remember the sun is most aggressive near midday - from about 10am to 4pm in most places.
• Sun damage can occur in any season, not just summer.
• Try finding zinc oxide or titanium oxide creams instead.
• Don't forget sunglasses, even on overcast days.

     Here is some information I took directly from skincancer.org about what you need to look for when you buy your sunglasses:

For proper protection, sunglasses should offer the following:

• The ability to absorb and block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB light. Ideally, they should also guard against HEV light.

• Sufficient size to shield the eyes, eyelids, and surrounding areas. The more skin covered, the better. Wraparound styles with a comfortable, close fit and UV-protective side shields are ideal.

• Durability and impact resistance.
• Polarized lenses to eliminate glare, especially when driving, but also out in the snow or on the water, where reflection greatly magnifies glare. Continuing glare can cause fatigue, headaches, and even migraines.  www.skincancer.org.

     For smaller children, Realkidshades.com is a great place to get sunglasses. And here is what they have to say about their products (taken from realkidshades.com home page): "All Real Kids Shades are third-party tested to provide 100% UVA/UVB protection as measured by the strictest American, European, and Australian governing bodies. They’re CPSIA compliant, CE certified, and FDA approved are lead-free with no bisphenol A or phthalates. Oh, and they’re really cute."

     I feel like this is a product that can really be trusted for your children's precious peepers. 
     Also, I have been finding a lot of recipes online for DIY sunscreens or homemade sunscreens and while I applaud everyone who tries to do things at home, this one was a little concerning to me. The 
ingredients I was seeing didn't seem solid enough for me to trust. After a bit of research, I came across this article. If you are thinking of making your own sunscreen, you may want to read this and take their point of view into consideration. 
     I hope these tips and links were helpful to all of you. Please let me know what you think about making your own sunscreens! Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine, mommies!



     

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