Natural Sunscreen - Seeking a General Discussion & Suggetions

Buy her light weight long sleeve shirts, pants and an awesome hat from REI that are SPF 50+. Best protection I've found.

If it's not too bad outside, i don't worry about sunscreen, other than that a hat and a light long sleeved shirt that is loose when worn

Dr. Hauschka makes a childrens sunscreen that is entirely mineral. It is expensive, but effective. There are some alternative sunscreens at vitamin cottage, The one made by Sun called mineral sunscreen is the least chemical that I have found. The other great thing is wearing sun suits. You can find them online. Sunskin is a great brand out of Australia, and a good value

Hi Angie,
I have the exact same dilemma! There are so many chemicals in Sun Block!!
I feel that the truth is, is that there isn't one “truly” safe sunscreen. It's actually safer to limit the time in the sun and use the UVA protective clothing.

Here is what I have researched. Anything that is micronized, or has nano-particials is really bad. The Denver Post just wrote an interesting article about the nano-particals. Zinc oxide is better than titanium dioxide, which doesn’t say a lot. The best product I have found is Reflect Organic Outdoor Balm from MiEssence. Its USDA organic, even the fragrance is organic, cold-pressed essential oils. However, it contains Zinc Oxide and only has a SPF of 15.

There is always Shea Butter, but there has to be a better way of applying it. It doesn't spread very well.

If you find anything, I would love to know!! Maybe we could swap recipes?

Take care and good luck!!

PS.. I would like to add a little more info about Nanoparticals.
They have been proven to penetrate through broken skin, acne, eczema, or shaving wounds. If you take something as simple as a pencil lead, a single straind of it as a nanopartical is stronger than steel. We absorb 10 times the amount of products through our skin as we do if we ingest it. Titanium Dioxide can be very toxic. There is so much that hasn't been studied about Nanoparticals. The FDA has a lot of work to do!!

The Denver Post even wrote an interesting article on nanoparticals.
http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_###-###-####

Hello Angie J,

When you say you are not interested in sunscreens on the market I am assuming that you are not talking about the organic market,so I was wondering if you have tried Aubrey Organic SPF 25 for little ones? I don't believe that a little sun is bad but, when my daughter will be out for a prolonged time Aubrey is what we use on her.Hope you find this helpful.There are so many companies out there and trying them out one at a time can get real pricey.

A Little about us:
My daughter was born at home,she was breastfed for 20 months,before my daughter was born we did much research and decided to opt-out of vaccination.My daughter has only had need of antiboitics once in her 12 years of life and quickly recovers for colds.
I am a stay at home full time wife and Mom.
I love to take long walks with my husband and daughter,care for and ride our horses, grow in fellowship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and grow and store as much of our food as possible.

J. S

Angie,

I don't have an all-natural alternative, save for limiting sun exposure. We use the swimsuits made by Sunwise, and have been VERY pleased. Some brands are Sunsafe, Sun Busters, and Sunwise. You can search Google for "baby swimwear SPF 50." We also make my daughters wear wide-brimmed hats. If they do not want to wear their hats, they are not allowed to go in the pool or to the park. For the first summer it was a fight, but now there is no discussion, arguements or complaints. This was something that I really stuck to my guns about, and it has paid off.

As far as commercial products, the Skin Deep website has a lot of good information. Several posters have already linked to their 2008 Sunscreen report, which includes top and bottom 10 products and sun safety tips. You can also read their specific articles about different aspects of sunscreen. They have some downloadable information, including a wallet-sized card that recommends which ingredients to avoid and which to look for - perfect to take while shopping if you decide to buy commercial sunscreen.

As far as the nano-based particles, I would recommend reading the Skin Deep article about it and doing your own research before you make a decision. You can find the Skin Deep article at http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens2008/r.... Based on information from many different studies - both US and European - they DO recommend nanoparticle based sunscreen ingredients. Some posters have claimed that these ingredients are "really bad" and are "known" to absorb into skin. The Skin Deep article summary states, "We also reviewed 16 peer-reviewed studies on skin absorption, nearly all showing no absorption of small-scale zinc and titanium sunscreen ingredients through healthy skin. In the past year a new European Union assessment of nano-scale titanium penetration has been completed with no evidence of absorption of particles through pig and human skin, including patients with skin disorders (NanoDerm 2007)... On balance when it comes to sunscreen, EWG researchers found that zinc and titanium-based formulations are among the safest, most effective sunscreens on the market based on available evidence. "

Also, one poster mentioned complete protection from skin cancer. I think it is important to state that no natural products, no sunscreen, no amount of avoiding sunlight guarantees that you will not get skin cancer. For any product, natural or otherwise, to claim that it offer complete protection from the sun is misleading in the extreme. From one trying to be natural mama to another, you will likely find that sunscreen, like many other things is a tradeoff. Some chemicals for some increased protection. Some cost for some increased safety. Some fun in the sun lost for some reduced sun exposure. You do your research and try to make the best compromises you can. I guess that's all any of us can do!

Best of luck,
S.

Sunrider makes a nice natural sunscreen. it is super concentrated and contains no animal products or petroleum based products .as with all of sunriders products they are plant based. i havent yet tried it my self but i do use many of their other products and enjoy them immensely. they are pricey but you can save money by opening a ditributors account(20%) but you don't have to actually be a distributor if you don't want to. Gl, www.sunrider.com

Angie, I don't know if you would consider Listerine natural, but my in-laws put Listerine in a spray bottle and use as repellent where they are living this summer, near a mountian lake with lots 0' bugs. ann

My husband, a chiropractor, gave a lecture on suncreen and what not once. Afterward I asked him to give me a list of sunscreens that meet with his approval. He often uses Dr. Mercola's site as a resource. Here is the list he gave me (which I have yet to look at):

blue lizard.com
mexitan.com
kabana skincare.com

I use coconut oil for my facial moisturizer and it does have some sun protection qualities, but I would guess not enough to count as slathering on sunscreen! :)

Good luck!

Good question, Angie. Actually, it's the $64 million question.

I've read all the responses, and since I'm in the industry, I feel uniquely qualified to help you with your dilemma. (I have a skin care company. We use ONLY natural/organic, sustainable, food grade ingredients. www.MARImagic.com)

The problem with ALL commercial sunscreens are the active ingredients. Zinc oxide and titanium oxide are the two most widely used in "natural" products. Of the two, zinc is far safer. But, as was pointed out by someone else, it does not provide full UV protection.

Anything that has micronized particles should be avoided like the plague. They contain nano particles of zinc & titanium oxide. Nano particles are hundreds of times smaller than a single cell and actually penetrate the cell wall. The problem is there is NO evidence to support the safety of such bombarding of the human skin cell with such intense and potentially dangerous elements. Anecdotal evidence is NOT good.

The other problem with many "natural" sunscreens are the parabens, phfalates and alcohols.

So.

What to do.

I've done extensive research on the issue, because I get sooo many requests for a safe sunscreen, and I'd like to use something on my own family that doesn't come with a warning on one or more of the ingredients.

There is a lot of evidence that supports a diet very high in antioxidants can help immensely in creating an internal natural screen. But that still doesn't help when you're sitting at the beach or pool or on a mountain top on a spotlessly sunny day with your small children who won't touch your special antioxidant elixer and refuse to wear the cool hats you bought for them.

Here's what I do (until our M. sunscreen is released). Pure, unrefined shea butter has a natural sunscreen of about 3 -4. Not much, but it is completely natural and safe enough to eat (as long as it's pure and UNrefined). We use it as our everyday moisturizer. I honestly don't know if it has a cumulative effect, but it can't hurt. And on those days when we MUST have something more, we use plain old zinc oxide, hats and long sleeve shirts.

Most zinc oxide is in some kind of petrochemical, which I'm not crazy about. But since we use it very infrequently, I don't feel too bad about it.

Having said that, I'm going to check out the mineral powder sunscreen. I like the sound of it.

Please feel free to contact me if you'd like further information or discussion on the topic of safe skin care.

Blessings,

M.

There is no "natural" alternative. There are sunscreens with organic ingredients, but all sunscreens have the same chemicals in them to block UV rays. I suggest you keep your baby out of the sun if you don't want to use sunscreen, or just cover her up with long sleeves, a hat, etc.

Hi Angie,
I don't know that "Beeyoutiful" will carry sunscreen but they are a very natural healthy store that carries a huge variety of safe/healthy products. Go to Beeyoutiful.com
God Bless!!

This may sound totally crazy but I am going to share it anyhow. You should introduce spinache. It is supposed to be a natural sunscreen. My mother in law swears by it.

Hi Angie,
We refer to this website for safe products to use on the entire family from sunscreens, makeup, shampoos etc.
http://cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens2008/

Homemade soaps: visit www.coloradosoap.com Creighton Thomas is the owner and it is great to be able to buy local. He makes beautiful products. He is at the Southlands Farmers market on Thursday mornings.

Farm Fresh Goats Milk: This milk is so yummy and it is raw. Sharron Dugan is the owner ###-###-#### (cell)
1/2 share is $20/month for 1/2 per week
1 share is $40/month for 1 gal per week

"Whole Food" Nutrition: visit www.DenverJuicePlus.com. Gummies (for kids)$5/week and capsules(for adults)$10/week It's whole food and you can not overdose on it. I started my son on the gummies at 10 months. I just cut them in quarters for him. I contribute his great health(and ours) to this product It is not synthetic or manmade in a lab! You'll be amazed by the research. It is about being heathly from the inside out. L. Christiansen ###-###-####

"VOC Free" Paint: www.mysticpaint.com

Safe Cleaning Products: Shaklee ###-###-#### Emily

I hope this helps. It definately a way of life, and safe products are out there.

L.

I haven't read all the responses but via this website: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php?nothanks=1

I researched sunscreens and found California Baby and Jasons Sunbrellas to be lowest on the toxic scale.

That web is a great tool for mainly your own cosmetics/soaps but also some baby stuff...

wow!! really!! that is wonderful that she is all natural, I do think that is a great way to raise kids if you have the disapline to stand by it all the time, Good for you! wow! and no pain meds when you had your baby I hope it was an easy and quick labor and delivery!! i didn't know there was a home made remedy of the sunscreen and if there is do you think it works as well as the childrens 50spf? I know that stuff is like a blanket when you put it on, you can literatly feel the sun stop burning almost instantly, well good luck on your search for all natural things!!

Hi Angie,

I think it is awesome that you are going natural and green. We do the same thing for our little guy as much as possible. Here is my recommendation.

Shaklee has a Sunscreen SPF 30 by Enfuselle. Shaklee is now starting removing ALL parabens from their lines. Parabens are in almost ALL cosmetics and personal care products. Go to www.shaklee.net/touchofgeen if you are interested. Also, a good resource for any questions on hazards in cosmetics is. www.cosmeticsdatabase.com is a good place to start.

Hi,
My name is M. and I sell Shaklee. I know for a fact that a lot of people that can't use regular sunscreens due to the chemicals they put in them "can" use Shaklee. Another fact is that SPF 15 is good for 98% coverage. The other 2% in higher SPF's is just harsher chemicals to make up the difference (except Shaklee's SPF 30). Also, our Sunscreen is healing your skin while protecting it with our patented "Vital Repair Plus" which goes into all our skincare. If you want anymore information, please go to shopwithmarycamp.com. If you do any research you'll find out that our company has a distinguished past and integrity. Thanks

erbaviva makes a great natural sunscreen but it is quite pricey, i also love their other products for babies, i use the chest balm and the lip and cheek balm quite often in the winter

UV block clothing would likely be a great alternative. There was a recent study done by the Enviromental Work group about Sunscreen and saftey.
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens2008/i...
This is also great for all products you put on your skin....

L.

Zinc oxide is a very good way, but doesn't fully cover what you need. You need UVA and UVB protection however to prevent the risk of skin cancer.
Call your local dermotologist as most carry a line of sunscreens that are free of harmful chemicals. I just went to have my skin checked and had a long detailed conversation with the dr about the new "scare" about sunscreens and the chemicals in them. Whole foods has something called Alba Botanica or something like that.
Go to that website cosmeticsdatabase.com too for finding what the ingredients are and what products are safe

Hi Angie,

I don't know if you've ever heard of Melaleuca products, but we have been customers for almost 5 years now, and absolutely love their products. All of their products are made with the best of science and nature. They are an international wellness company that has been in business for 23 yrs now. They have a sunscreen that is excellent. It contains a natural zinc oxide and also a rich blend of antioxidants and vitamins, and it's ultra waterproof. They have it in a lotion and in a spray as well. If you want to take a look at it, go to www.melaleuca.com, and you can see all of their products there. If you are interested you can get back in touch with me, and I would be happy to get you all the details on how you can become a customer. I love it because all of the products are shipped to us and it saves my family so much time and gas and money.
www.DoYourPartShopSmart.com

I think L'Occitaine carries a natural sunscreen, it is quite pricey( $30.00 or so per container). They have a store at Cheery Creek mall. I totally agree with you on trying to use natural products but it does get very expensive and some things you may have to compromise on. Good luck to you!

I am also a Chiropractor and LOVE Dr. Mercola's site. For kids he recommends Green Tea Sunblock for Children by Aubrey Organics.

http://shop.mercola.com/Personal_Care-Green_Tea_Sunblock_...

He also has one for adults.

http://shop.mercola.com/Personal_Care-Natural_Sunscreen_S...

I've also found Blue Lizard to be really effective and Vanicream (also great for eczema) has a great product.
Good luck and keep up the great conscious parenting. High five for exclusive breastfeeding beyond the norm. :)

Dr Mercola has some on his website. www.mercola.com. I Haven't used it yet but plan to order some. Lots of great info on there. You can get a free newsletter via email as well.

Angie:

I would recommend Arbonne Baby Care (ABC) SPF 30 sunscreen. product. It is water-resistant, PABA-free,
pediatrician-tested, dermatologist-tested,
and provides broad-spectrum protection
against UVA and UVB rays. This sunscreen
is formulated with antioxidant vitamins A,
C, and E and soothing botanicals.
recommended for: Babies 6 months and older, children, and
adults with extremely sensitive skin. You can purchase it through my website at www.charlenemalsom.myarbonne.com.

Like ANY sunscreen product you need to apply to the skin 20 minutes BEFORE going into the sun to ensure maximum protection and reapply often - especially if playing in water. Although it's water resistent..it's not waterproof. So even the ADA American Dematology Association is recommending that in addition to sunscreen applied often, that children and adults also wear t-shirts for added protection.

Hope this helps.

Melaleuca has a nice mineral sunscreen that works for us.

California baby is my favorite. I have tried them all from Nature's Gate, Aubrey, Alba Badger etc... Eventhough it cost $15 a tube it's totally worth it and effective. 30 SPF but my kids have never been burned with it, it does make them look somewhat like ghost but it protects them.

It looks like you already have a bunch of responses, but here is what I do. I too look for as may natural solutions with my son,(cloth diapers, breastfeeding, home made organ foods...) and we have found that going without sunscreen is just not an option. Through my research I have found Blue Lizard Sunscreens. There sunscreen is different it is a physical barrier, you can learn more about it there website: www.bluelizard.net

If you are looking for an effective natural bug reppellent that is safe for babies too check out Skedattle.

Also I highly recommend the cosmetic data base that so many of the other responders have suggested.

California Baby was rated highly for uva and uvb protection and safer ingredient list. As well as Colorscience which is a powder with a brush. I like this one for my face and on the part in my scalp as it's not greasy and works great. It's a mineral based sunscreen which you can get tinted if you want it to blend with your skin tone.

Not so much for kiddos that young, but for older kids and adults you can make a really strong green tea, and then soak organic orange, lemon and lime peels in the green tea for a couple hours. If you drink this regularly, the anti-oxidants give some sun protection, and help you to tolerate the sun longer. Probably not the best for a long day at the beach but could help with normal, day to day exposure.

Good luck!

There was a post not too long ago regarding this topic. I learned that most sunscreens are not really safe as far as chemicals but there is a website that lists the most effective with little side effects. I saw it on channel 4 news in Denver and they had a link. Check out the other post or the news website. we are with you to find a more natural alternative. Look into the beauty fitness topic and cosmetic and supplies. There is that other post.

I use Arbonne sunscreen for myself and kids but also love melaleuca products, just haven't tried theirs yet.

This is a great question and i would also like to know the answer too. Thank you for asking it!! Good job taking care of your family!! Good luck and god bless you and yours