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sunscreen
The weather is warming up and everyone seems to be headed outdoors for some fun in the sun. It is important however to protect yourself and your family from the sun’s harmful rays. When the sun is directly overhead in the middle of the day, its rays are the most harmful. So, if you can’t avoid being outdoors during that time of the day and can’t find any shade, make sure to apply a good sunscreen. Look for brands that protect you from UVA and UVB rays and don’t contain potential hormone disrupting compounds. Avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone, Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) and added insect repellents. Invest in brands that have Zinc, Titanium Dioxide, Avobenzone orMexoryl SX. Here are a few brands that provide UVA and UVB protection to try:
Goddess Garden- This sunscreen (which comes in lotion and spray form) has a non-greasy formula which is easy to apply and distribute. It is made with 82% organic ingredients and has a light natural scent. The active ingredients are Titanium Dioxide and Zinc giving the product an SPF value of 30. It is water resistant, but must be reapplied every 90 minutes or immediately after swimming or bathing.
Episencial Sunny Sunscreen- This sun lotion is not greasy and is easy to apply. This mineral based sunscreen contains Zinc and Titanium Oxide to provide an SPF level of 35. It also contains many natural and organic ingredients giving it a pleasant, light scent. It is water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Kinesys- This alcohol-free and fragrance-free sun spray is also oil-free, but has a bit of a greasy texture when applied. The spray makes it easy to apply (you must also rub it in to get the best coverage). This brand contains Avobenzone and has an SPF of 30. It is water resistant, but you must reapply after swimming or exercise. Otherwise, the recommendation is to reapply every two hours.
Beyond Coastal- This natural sunscreen is a non-greasy, thick lotion that takes a little work to rub in (as many mineral-based brands do). The SPF is 30+ and is provided by the active ingredients Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. The natural ingredients give the lotion a barely noticeable fragrance. It is water resistant and it is recommended that you reapply as needed. This brand also makes a nice broad spectrum lip balm.
Dr. T’s Supergoop- The “Everyday” variety of this sunscreen comes in spray and lotion. Both varieties are non-greasy and easy to apply. Avobenzone is one of the active ingredients giving this product its SPF level of 30. No fragrance is added to the product and it claims to be “very water resistant” up to 80 minutes in the water. Users should re-apply every two hours for maximum protection. Dr.T’s also makes sunscreen wipes (which can be handy for parents), SPF 30 lip balms, sun sticks and an anti-aging UV damage repair complex sunscreen.
To see how your favorite sunscreen rates, check out Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep website at http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
Resource:
http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/top-sun-safety-tips/
We are giving away a sunscreen sampler consisting of products made by the companies mentioned in this article. Please make a comment below and include your e-mail address if you’d like to win this prize!