Summertime Sun

I am in constant flux over the use of sunscreen on my babes. We spend a lot of time outdoors, and living in Southern California I am very aware of the importance of skin protection, but at the same time wonder about the long-term affect of all those chemicals found in sunscreen being absorbed through their skin. Skindeep, a "cosmetics and personal care safety guide", and touchstone when i am considering such things, reports that the most popular kids' sunscreen I know, can also lead to serious health concerns.

In our search for balance, we opt to use a chemical and fragrance free, mineral based sunscreen,such as this, with UVA and UVB broad-spectrum reflective protection through a physical barrier rather than a chemical one. We always (well at least we always try) to send them out with a good, wide-brimmed, or "flapped" hat, and we look for clothing that is cool, comfortable, but also provides another level of SPF protection. (While i am not sure about the enviro-sensitivity of the fibers used in sun-protective clothing, again, for me, it is all about balance...)



The pool is open!