I understand why this is a hot topic. I kinda want to hide under the table as I type to dodge the rotten tomatoes but here it goes. My mom had skin cancer, and I don’t put regular sunscreen on my kids. There I said it. Skin cancer hit close to home and I had to do the research. What I found is that some of the most popular brands contain scary toxins that can harm us. I know some of the more natural and organic websites are a tough pill to swallow for those of you seeking peer based research so I thought I would meet you in the middle by asking this question. Since we started using sunscreen on ourselves and children almost every time we are outside have the rates of illness decreased or increased?
That’s it.
Chemical Sunscreens Include:
Benzophenones (dixoybenzone, oxybenzone)
PABA and PABA esters (ethyl dihydroxy propyl PAB, glyceryl PABA, p-aminobenzoic acid, padimate-O or octyl dimethyl PABA)
Cinnamates (cinoxate, ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate, octocrylene, octyl methoxycinnamate)
Salicylates (ethylhexyl salicylate, homosalate, octyl salicylate)
Digalloyl trioleate
Menthyl anthranilate
Avobenzone
All of this penetrates our skin, the body’s largest organ. Yes I know that we are conditioned to wear it. All that I ask is that you do your own little bit of research and decide if you want these chemicals on your children’s skin. I am not saying to completely disregard sunscreen but maybe opt for the healthier brands instead. Here is a list of the one’s that come out on top.
http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/best-sunscreens/best-beach-sport-sunscreens/
Great point Penny. I too don’t regularly put sunscreen on my children not just b/c the chemicals but living in Canada we all need the sun light for vitamin D production. I just read in Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom by Christian Northrup that 30 min a day, with at least hands and face exposed for 6-7 months of the year (Apr-Oct) will benefit us. However, we happen to be outside during the mid-afternoon I do put on organic sunscreen as the UV is just so high.
Great post…I’ll be checking back regularly!
Great point Trisha. Vitamin D is so important, as well as protecting our children’s skin. It’s all about moderation in the sun and trying to be as chemical free as possible in order to keep their little bodies healthy!