Less Use Of Sun Block Chemicals on baby's skin

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Permalink Reply by Heather on May 27, 2009 at 5:47am

Here is a recent post from my Earth Promise blog,


I envy those people who have fair, smooth, sun blotch-free complexions. Being that I live in Florida, I’ve been using sunscreen (almost) everyday—for years. I’m used to lathering on the lotion each time I go to the beach, am out by the pool, or knowing that I’ll be outdoors for an extended period of time. What about on a daily basis when I’m out and about running errands? I’ve always used it for my face and wear a big floppy hat that my girls are not thrilled that I don in their presence. What about the rest of my skin that is exposed walking to and from the car, when I get the mail, or just being outside long enough to water my plants?

I’m always up for trying chemical-free sunscreens. One that I’ve tried for myself and my daughters is Aubrey’s Natural Sun SPF 25 Green Tea Protective Sunscreen . It was recommended by a friend last summer. My girls are quite picky when it comes to sunscreen, especially the scent. I personally didn’t mind the smell, but for them, they disliked it immensely! Also, it doesn’t spread very well, leaving a slight white hue on our faces and bodies. Since I am very active and need a truly effective sweat-resistant lotion, Aubrey’s Natural Sun, does hold up to that part of its claim. Best of all, I never get a burn or tan lines after cycling for over three hours in the intense Florida sun. When I typed in Aubrey’s Natural Sun SPF 25 Green Tea Protective Sunscreen, into the Cosmetic Data Base , I was surprised to learn that this particular lotion is considered “moderately hazardous.” Yikes!

My blogging comrade, Stefani, who blogs for various eco-sites, recently wrote an informative blog entitled, Sunscreen Wars - The Battle Over SPF. Stefani writes:

Last week, the New York Times ran a piece about the new sunscreen “big guns”** being released by major brands this summer. And if I can be so bold to say, “OMG! and WTH!” about the SPFs (sun protection factor) these companies think they can create. Neutrogena’s new sunscreen has an SPF of 100?? Is this a marketing ploy or a serious play on scaring the beans out of people regarding skin care?

Be sure to read the remainder of Stefani’s post at Filter For Good.

It is really difficult to know what sunscreen (or any product for that matter) is considered “safe” these days. I personally trust the Environmental Working Group’s, Skin Deep Cosmetic Database . There will always be people who find the EWG as scaremongers, but I suppose in the end you have to do your own research and make an educated decision.

If you are not a member already, be sure to join the Earth Promise family and start making your promises today!

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Permalink Reply by Christi Paul on May 27, 2009 at 7:00am

I live in WI, so even though we probably should, we don't pay much attention to sunscreen use during the winter. My daugher is 21 months old, and now that the weather has warmed up, LOVES being out in the sun! I've checked the Skin Deep database myself, and am so happy to see that the sunscreen I use only rates a 2 on their scale of 0-10, with 10 being most hazardous. I get mine from an online wellness company that has made the commitment to only providing products that are safe for you and safe for your family, so I feel very comfortable using the sunscreen on my daughter. Heather, their products are also 100% guaranteed, so if your daughters didn't like it, you could return it for a full refund, even after using it. :) Nice!! Let me know if you'd like more details.

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