Protect Your Family From The Sun Naturally This Summer

Sun protection is important year-round, but with summer in full swing and beach days upon us, it’s more important than ever. The problem? So many sunscreens on the market are loaded with chemicals and ingredients that do more harm than good! Sure, they block the sun’s harmful rays and prevent burns, but the trade-off is pretty scary! Today, we’ll talk about the drawbacks of “traditional” sunscreen and a solution that offers a better way to protect your family from the sun naturally!

Why is sun protection so important?

Unless you’ve been living totally off the grid for the last few decades, you probably already know the gist of why sun protection is so important. When it comes to skin damage from sun exposure, the sting lasts long after the burn fades.

Did you know that even just one single sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer? See, that burn isn’t just turning the surface of your skin red, it’s actually damaging the genetic material that makes up your skin cells.

Best case scenario, you’ll end up with wrinkles well before your time. Worst case scenario? Melanoma skin cancer that can metastasize to other locations in your body. Many cases of brain cancer actually begin as melanoma.

That is why sun protection is so incredibly important. However, not just any old sunscreen will do! Let’s find out why.

Why can’t you use just any old sunscreen?

Environmental Working Group, the company behind the Skin Deep Database that scores skin products based on how safe they are, released a comprehensive guide to sunscreen ingredients that will make you think twice about grabbing any old sunscreen off the shelf.

At a glance, the worst offenders are:

• Oxybenzone- Causes allergic reactions at a relatively high rate and affects your hormone levels. It’s also ending up in oceans and causing major problems for sea life to the point that Hawaii banned it, along with Octinoxate.
• Octinoxate – Like Oxybenzone, it’s a major allergen and minor hormone disrupter. Again, it also damages sea life.
• Homosalate – Not quite the offender as the first two, homosalate still disrupts hormones and causes minor skin allergies in some users.

On the other side of the debate, doctors at the American Academy of Dermatology continue to recommend sunscreen with these ingredients because they feel that the “minuscule amount” that makes it’s way through your skin and into your body isn’t enough to increase your risk of health problems. Why risk it, though, when there are more natural and overall safer options?

So, if you can’t just go grab the cheapest sunscreen off the rack, what should you use? Of all the natural sun protection options, zinc oxide is the best way to go.

What makes zinc sunscreen the best choice?

Zinc oxide (the form of zinc used in sunscreen) has an EWG rating of just 2 when used topically and is considered to be one of the safest ways to protect your family against the sun naturally (aside from avoiding the sun entirely).

It not only has an excellent safety record, but allergic reactions are very rare. That’s not to say they never happen (anything is capable of causing an allergic reaction) but the chances are significantly lower. In fact, zinc is often used to soothe rashes associated with allergic reactions. Zinc also won’t cause hormonal disruptions and won’t leak through to your breast milk.

Of course, none of that matters if it doesn’t actually protect your skin from sun damage, right? Well, you’ll be happy to know that zinc does a better job of blocking harmful rays than most other ingredients, and it’s the ONLY sunscreen ingredient that’s FDA-approved for infants.

Sunscreens made with chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate work by absorbing the sun’s rays and breaking down the UV radiation. Zinc oxide, on the other hand, works by sitting on top of your skin and acting as a barrier against the sun’s rays.  In other words, it truly is a “sunblock.”

Not sure which zinc sunscreen to buy? Keep reading for my favorite brand that will help you to protect your family from the sun naturally this summer!

My #1 Recommendation for Natural Sun Protection

Years ago, you had just one choice for a 100% zinc sunscreen spray: Babo Botanicals. Today, you’ll find plenty more options but the original still remains my #1 choice.

First, let’s just be clear, this isn’t a sponsored post. I do receive samples from Babo Botanicals from time to time, but I only recommend them because I love their products. They are safe, natural, and just perfect for my family. They have quite a few natural sunscreen options, but my favorite is the Sheer Zinc Continuous Spray Sunscreen because it’s easy to apply and won’t stain your clothes. It has only one single ingredient: Zinc Oxide.

I first fell in love with Baby Botanicals a few years ago when they sent me their Swim Collection Shampoo and Conditioner for review.  I really loved the fresh fragrances and the quality of their products. I have been using the shampoo and conditioner since my son was very little. They’re fantastic because they don’t irritate my kids’ eyes like other brands I have tried in the past.

All Babo Botanicals products are made with a certified organic nutri-soothe blend  rich in anti-oxidants and vitamins. Their products do not contain parabens, formaldehydes or phthalates or any other toxic chemicals. In my opinion they are the best in the market.

As a mother, I am always concerned about the toxic ingredients many sunscreen products contain. Now, I can relax and enjoy being outdoors because Babo Botanicals’ sunscreen is natural, safe and effective. I live in Miami Beach and this summer I feel good about having my new Zinc spray sunscreen from Babo Botanicals. Have fun in the sun without worrying about sun damage.

Along with the  Sheer Zinc Continuous Spray Sunscreen, I also regularly use the Super Shield Sport Stick Sunscreen and the Nutri-Soothe Lip Treatment to protect my family’s face and lips. If you have very little ones or extremely sensitive skin, you may want to try Babo Botanicals Baby Face sunscreen.

Even if you’re diligent about sunscreen and completely avoid sunburns, spending hours at the beach or theme park can still leave skin feeling parched, hot and uncomfortable. Finish off your day with Babo Botanicals After Sun. It’s a hydrating aloe gel that really soothes and cools, and it’s safe for the whole family.

While just about any zinc sunscreen will help you protect your family from the sun naturally this summer, I really do highly recommend Babo Botanicals! Check out their entire line on Amazon!

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