natural sun protection for children Chemical sun blockers in sunscreen can be absorbed through your child's skin. You may have chosen to use natural sunscreen—but, did you know most natural sunscreens—even those readily available in natural food stores—are chemicals in a natural base? We make it easy to choose truly natural sun protection for your children.
5 ways to beat the rays ☀ natural sun protection
Follow our sun care tips, then see our grab and go sun guide of our favorite all natural sun protection items, below.
1 • Keep a sun block stick in your purse for spur of the moment stops at the park, for a picnic or play. The handy sticks are portable, and small enough to pack in your pocket, diaper bag, or picnic bag—leaving no excuse not to have one with you. Opt for mineral, non-nano, zinc-based formulas. Avoid stick or cream sunscreens with chemical-sunblock ingredients like Octinoxate and Octisalate. Many natural and organic sunscreens contain these chemical blockers as active ingredients in their products; so, read labels.
2 • Wide brimmed sun hats offer excellent protection for the child's face, scalp, and ears.
3 • Set a time limit. Enjoy full rays on the beach or in the water; then, switch up for some under tree or beach umbrella shade time.
4 • Rash guards (swim shirts) protect the shoulders and upper arms from the sun, while offering a lightweight, easy-to-swim-in protection that will not wash off in the water like sunblocks eventually do.
5 • Generously apply zinc sunscreen cream (and, reapply periodically), to the remaining exposed areas of the body. Remember ears and the tops of feet too. I am loving this natural sunscreen lotion (it comes with a handy natural sunscreen stick too)
(Amazon Affiliate link) — the sunscreen lotion goes on smooth and creamy, without a greasy sunblock feel.
Here are more of our all natural favorites to create the sun armor needed to keep your child's skin healthy for years to come—
links to our sun favorites, above (Contains Amazon Affiliate links): infant and toddler long sleeve rash guard shirts • Seventh Generation Baby Sunscreen SPF 30 • natural sun stick
• cotton bucket hat for kids
• infant bucket hat in many colors
• organic mineral sunblock
• brim sun protection hat for babies and children
Love spray sunblocks? Wondering why we did not include any in our favorites? This sunscreen is popular because it goes on so quickly and easily. And, spray sunscreen avoids the part we like least about applying sunscreen—greasy hands and skin. The problem? Spray sunscreens are chemical blocks that are absorbed into the child's body—and, breathed into their lungs while it is being applied. Opt for the almost-as-handy zinc sticks, or choose hats and clothing that offer sun protection.
And, remember, these sun care tips are good for you too. You and your children can enjoy the sunshine—and, keep your skin healthy—together.
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