Safe, Natural, Green Sunscreen anyone?

**IntlMom** · 05-03-2010, 10:39 AM

Ok, so it's getting to be that time of year. Has anyone thought about what we're putting on our (and our kids') skin? I've thought about it. A lot. I have been needing to get myself down to the store to "get me some" new sunscreen this year..... I'm done with the junky, toxic sunscreens of years gone by. Here's an excerpt from TheDailyGeen.com about sunscreen, along with a dozen or so great suggestions:

"...many of these sunscreens contain potentially toxic ingredients which are absorbed into your skin and bloodstream, potentially releasing skin-damaging free radicals, disrupting your hormone system, causing allergic reactions or building up in your body and contributing to various health issues."

Read more: 14 Natural Sunscreens - Natural Sunscreen - thedailygreen.com

Do you have any great products that you use that you love? Inquiring minds would love to know!

**Debbie-cat** · 05-03-2010, 10:42 AM

I have skin that doesn't burn. I tan right away. I dont use a sunscreen because if I do then I burn badly. I always wear a hat and if I have to be out for a long period of time... Such as on a boat or working in the garden, I then I wear light long sleeves and long pants.

Good question though. Those sunscreens are entering your body....scary.

**Dancing Lotus** · 05-03-2010, 08:27 PM

Purchase plain zinc oxide ointment at a drugstore and mix it into your favorite skin lotion to make your own sunscreen.

**Contrary Housewife** · 05-03-2010, 08:38 PM

I don't use sunscreen. Heresy, I know. I enjoy the sun and the outdoors but I either stay in the shade so I don't get so much exposure, or I cover up with clothing.

In the 70's and 80's the trend was for tanning. I didn't think it was safe. People thought I was a nut. I was pale when everyone else was 'healthy'. Then the tide turned to sunscreens. They made me nervous, too, so I seldom used them. Oh, now look, those aren't safe either.

**Teresa T** · 05-03-2010, 09:18 PM

Originally Posted by AnnK

Purchase plain zinc oxide ointment at a drugstore and mix it into your favorite skin lotion to make your own sunscreen.

I never thought of that. Will it stay white or disappear? My brother always put zinc oxide on his nose when out in the summer for a long time.

Good point also Debbie-cat on the long sleeves and pants. I have actually felt cooler wearing a light loose fitting cotton pant than wearing shorts when very hot. Light clothing protects the skin but still allows your body to breathe. Not practical for kids I guess, but works for adults. And I do burn.

**IntlMom** · 05-05-2010, 10:48 AM

ok - I bought some Jasons yesterday - I'll let you know what I think of it in a week or so.......

**Mom2-3** · 05-05-2010, 11:58 AM

I don't use sunscreen. I don't like the feel of it on my skin.

**Dancing Lotus** · 05-05-2010, 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by Teresa T

I never thought of that. Will it stay white or disappear? My brother always put zinc oxide on his nose when out in the summer for a long time.

Good point also Debbie-cat on the long sleeves and pants. I have actually felt cooler wearing a light loose fitting cotton pant than wearing shorts when very hot. Light clothing protects the skin but still allows your body to breathe. Not practical for kids I guess, but works for adults. And I do burn.

Sorry I don't actually know, never tried it. Im not a sunscreen user

**monkeywrangler71** · 05-05-2010, 04:22 PM

I rarely put it on myself, but feel like I have to put it on my kids. I've read these articles about chemicals the last few years, and it's one of those issues as a parent that I just don't know what I'm supposed to do, I'm not sure which is the greater harm. I've never seen any of these other alternatives in stores.

We just bought the kids new swim suits, they look like shorts and t-shirts, so their most sensitive skin will be covered (belly, shoulders, back). We make them wear hats in the summer, I try to get ones with the brim all the way around (camp hats) to protect their neck as well as face. So we end up only using sunscreen on arms and legs. Hopefully I'm limiting their exposure to both the sun and the sunscreen enough that neither will hurt them too much.

**lullaby80** · 05-07-2010, 12:05 PM

We use California Baby's sunscreen, the one that is more of a physical bloc than a chemical one. Has worked great for all of us.. it's pricey but a little goes a long way.

**Judi Dial** · 05-08-2010, 08:12 AM

Kiss my face had some for kids that also is a bug spray. I got 2 bottles last year and that's what I'm using. PABA free, don't remember the name?

Judi

**Liane** · 05-08-2010, 11:18 AM

Thank you for posting this. I have eczema and have to be careful what I use. The derm recommended neutragena products and clinique. When we went to Discovery Cove they had panama jack that was good for the environment. How good it is for humans, not sure. Have to find something that is good for my skin and my health. I burn like a french fry-Crispy.