It seems to be inescapable these days, everyone is talking about finding a safer sunscreen or sunblock. As someone who spends a lot of time at the beach, and is very fair skinned, I am a major buyer of sunscreen products. The EWG Guide that was released this year got my attention as a number of my favorite products did not get a great score. Many of these are products marketed for “Babies” so I expected them to be on the safe side. Little did I know that the active ingredient could potentially be harmful.
The FDA is responsible for regulating the sunscreen industry, yet it does not have any clearly defined rules to govern products making the claim of organic or natural. As news reports come out about the potential health hazards of sunscreens with nanosized particles of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, the FDA has been awfully quiet about it. That leaves all of us to determine what is safe to put on ourselves and our kids, and sort through all the latest information in the media.
Here is what I chose to do.
1. Try out some mineral sunscreens
2. Buy a cute cover-up
3. Dress my little one in a wet-suit like swimsuit plus a hat.
My new favorites in the sunscreen class are California Baby for little Madison, and Miessence Reflect Outdoor Balm for myself. I used California Baby SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion
The Miessence is a product line I recently got introduced to. I won a giveaway and got to try a number of their facial care products. My favorite is the Balancing Skin Conditioner., but the products together made my skin feel so fresh and clean, especially after a day at the beach. The Reflect Outdoor Balm worked great and didn’t drip, even on the hottest days. It did give my skin a slight white cast, but it was hardly noticeable once I was outside.
Want to try the Miessence Organic line? One lucky reader will win a $25 gift certificate to Organicology.com. Stop by their site and check out all the great products they have to offer. I’m making it really simple and you just have to leave a comment here to be entered to win the giveaway. Giveaway will close on July 31st.
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Good luck with finding the right sunscreen for your family. The important thing is to protect your skin. Using an umbrella (we use this one: 6 ft Solar Guard Beach Umbrella – UPF 150+ Wind / Water Resist
***Congratulations Janice, lucky # 6! You are the winner of the $25 gift card to Organicology.com. Thanks to all that entered.
Disclosure: I was provided a sample of the Miessence product to test. It in no way influenced my opinions voiced here.
I have been so confused and a bit disturbed even to learn about the recent report. My neutogena line I love was on the avoid list. Thanks for the info. I plan to do a follow up to mine soon too.
My sunblock didn't make the cut, either. It's either I find a new one or start shopping for a hat! (I'm so not a hat person…)
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I follow you on GFC (Jennifer Mo).
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I follow you on Twitter @noteasy2begreen.
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This is really disturbing..and I am grateful that your have pointed it out! I just started using one this summer called Sunforgettable by Color Science-it's a powder. Will check the list next.
our sunblock is a bit outdated so this is great timing 🙂
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following @RandomRecycling as @cappytweet
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