Non Toxic Sunscreen Guide
The kids are officially back in school and I’m dreaming of cooler temps, but the reality is… it’s still HOT HOT HOT here in South Carolina. Now that we have a pool in our backyard, the kids are wanting to swim 24/7 when they’re not at school and I am making sure that they are covered in sunscreen. There will be no burns on my watch!
Before I had kids, I was really lacking knowledge in the sunscreen department. My idea of protection was slathering on Banana Boat body oil and feeling the burn! (cringe!) After I had Nolan, I started researching about sunscreens to use and was shocked at the information I found relating to them.
Did you know that most well known sunscreens harbor tons of toxic ingredients?
Vitamin A, (aka RETINOL PALMITATE) has been known to speed the development of skin tumors when exposed to sunlight. Another ingredients, Oxybenzone is a common allergen. These two ingredients are in most sunscreens and can cause you years of damage if you use them. Think that you should skip the goop and use a spray? Think again! Spray sunscreens are even WORSE. They release nano-particles into the air which can then be inhaled. Ever start coughing after spraying your kids down with spray sunscreen? That’s why. Some studies even indicate that nanoparticles can harm living cells and organs when administered in large doses. What’s a nano-particle? Nanoparticles in American sunscreens are either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
Beautycounter has won my heart in the sunscreen department. I’ve tried Honest, Babyganics and the other “all natural” and “organic” brands but I don’t love the consistency or ingredients listed. The Beautycounter sunscreen is an all-over formula that is all-natural, cruelty free, safe for all ages, water resistant, AND SPF 30. Beautycounter offers a couple different choices when it comes to their sunscreen.
Depending on your preference, you can use the stick, the lotion, or the mist. For myself and my family, we prefer the lotion and the mist. If you have little kids as well, you know how hard it is to apply sunscreen on them. The spray mist is SO great for this because I spray, rub, and they run off to play. Game changer come pool time!
No matter which option you choose, all of the Countersun Mineral Sunscreens were created with the entire family in mind. This lightweight, water-resistant sunscreen is formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, so it blends seamlessly into skin without leaving white streaks, protecting you against both UVA and UVB rays. Aloe helps hydrate skin, while antioxidant-rich green tea and blood orange extracts fight free radicals. Depending on which option you choose, it is also water resistant for up to 80 minutes and states you should reapply every two hours. It goes on smooth and doesn’t leave white streaks! I really love how it protects our skin without using all of the yucky ingredients like regular drug store brands.
If you’re into sunscreen sticks, the Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Stick is right up your alley! Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, our Stick Sunscreen provides sheer protection from UVA/UVB rays and glides on smoothly without leaving white residue. Compact and easy to use, our kid-friendly stick is suitable for face and body and provides water-resistant sun protection for the entire family. Organic ingredients, including coconut oil and acai fruit oil, help to hydrate and protect your skin. It Comes in a limited-edition Sweet Tooth scent, a delicious aroma that comes from rich organic cocoa butter. I do have one of these sticks and I keep it in my purse with no fear of it spilling onto the contents of my bag! This sunscreen is also water resistant for up to 80 minutes and states you should reapply every two hours.
Whatever sunscreen you normally use, I highly suggest downloading the Healthy Living app or heading over to www.ewg.org and typing in the name of your products. These two references will break down your product ingredients and tell you exactly what the chemicals inside them are linked too. If you choose to order Beautycounter, be aware that their products come with a 60 day money back guarantee and that if you don’t like them (which I know you REALLY will love them), you can send them back and get a full refund!
I would love to help answer any questions you might have about the products, so send me an email if you want to talk more!
