It’s No No to Nanoparticles in Your Sunscreen

When we were kids we didn’t think much about the effects of playing in the sun. Now there’s usually a bottle of sunscreen by the door and children aren’t allowed out in the nice weather without a generous coating of the stuff.

Skin Cancer from exposure to the sun is a serious risk. Luckily it can be prevented if we cover-up and wear sunscreen. But wearing sunscreen can create a new problem and all sunscreens are not made the same.

Conventional sunscreens have suspected carcinogens like DEA and TEA. Add on parabens, benzophenone, homosalate and octinoxate which research has linked to hormone disruption and PABA which can cause a skin rash and we have a chemical cocktail that causes concern.

But that’s not all, now they’ve added Nanoparticles to the mix, to make the sunscreens we use more transparent.

As you can guess from the name, these particles are very tiny. Because of their size they can easily penetrate skin, especially the skin of a baby or toddler, which is thinner than that of an adult.

Since babies and toddlers are more vulnerable than adults and because the jury is out on the effects of Nanoparticles…it’s no no to Nanoparticles.

We can’t keep our kids inside all summer long, so here’s a few good options you could consider using when you slather up:

Bright white zinc oxide (like the lifeguards use)
California Baby SPF 30+
Baby Avalon Natural Sunscreen
Ecolani
Alba Botanica
Jason’s Chemical Free Sunblock

Now go have fun in the sun.

P.S These chemicals are not only bad for us; they’re effecting animals and fish as well. But that’s a story for another day.

Babes Of Summer – Keep It Fun Products to Your Little One From The Sun

We’ve come a long way in our quest for increased sun protection. Back in the day, my friends and I used to bake ourselves in baby oil. We now know that this is no longer safe sun behavior. The effects of too much sunlight are well-known and manufacturers are jumping on the bandwagon to provide consumers with items that will allow them to enjoy the sun yet still be well protected.

The sensitive skin of infants must receive special attention and parents can find a plethora of products (including clothing) that will be kind to the skin of a baby and protect them from the rays of the sun. Keep in mind that The American Academy of Pediatrics does not advise direct sunlight for infants under the age of 6 months.

Here’s a list of skin products and clothing that will help protect your little one’s skin from the damaging rays of the sun. All of the following can be purchased online and delivered right to your front door.

- Sunblock:

California Baby SPF 30+ Sunscreen Lotion – 2.9 oz. – $17.99

This sunscreen is fragrance free, paraben free, free of chemicals and uses 70% organic ingredients. You can purchase this item directly from the California Baby website.

Jason Natural Products Earth’s Best Organic Baby Sunblock – 4 oz. – $9.00

Jason’s sunblock is SPF 30+, organic, fragrance free and paraben free. This product is made without mineral oil or petrolatum. Purchase this item from your local natural product store.

Alba Botanica Sun Care Kid’s Sunscreen 30+ – 4 oz.- $5.99

Skin-loving line Alba Botanica has made its way into the kid’s sunscreen market with this wonderful product.. Alba Botanica has enriched their product with vitamins and organic herbs including green tea which soothes and repairs skin. This sunscreen is water-resistant which makes it perfect for splashing around. Purchase this item from your local natural product store.

- Just in case baby gets burned, these products will help with healing:

Earthlings Organic Baby Lotion – 4 oz. – $8.95

Another great baby lotion is from Earthlings. This lotion contains aloe vera and jojoba along with organic shea butter. Comfrey added for healing.

Angel Baby Organic Lotion – 4.6 oz. – $14.95

This gentle lotion contains rooibus which is used to soothe eczema and skin allergies. Aloe leaf juice is a key ingredient in this product. Fragrance free, paraben free. Angel Baby is a certified vegan lotion.

Protective Clothing:

Cabana Life – They have an adorable selection of infant clothing with UPF protection of 40-50+. Styles are available for both boys and girls in sizes up to 6x/7. Some of the many items for girls are dresses, coverups, hats & tee shirts. For boys, they carry baseball hats, sunhats, tee shirts and hoodies. This clothing is easy to launder, holds up well and does not require special care. Purchase from the Cabana Life website.

BluKuda by Sun-Togs

All clothing by BluKuda is rated UPF 50+. They have a large line of items including playsuits, hats and bathing suits for both boys and girls. Sun-Togs also has swimming accessories. Order from
the Sun-Togs website.

Coolibar has some great swimming items for infants. Their infant swim suit really gives full coverage for baby, is easy to get off and on (usually a big issue) and is made with baby’s comfort in mind. Sun protecting hats are available to match the suits. Order from the Coolibar website.

Eye Protection:

Baby Tudes by Parker Grace – These are so adorable and practical, too. The sunglasses are built into a protective hat, so when baby’s head is protected, so are the eyes. Baby Tudes are impact resistant and the lens will easily flip up once you go inside. $34.00.

Baby Banz Sunglasses – These cute sunglasses block 100% of UV rays. They are adjustable & safe (shatterproof with a strap). Comes in 9 colors. $13.99.

Frubi Shades – These sunglasses provide complete blockage of UV rays. They wrap around baby’s head with a velcro closure. Frubi Shades come in solid colors & designer prints. $14.95 or 3 pair for $29.95.