Sun Protection

Did you know our skin is our largest organ? You must be cautious what you slather on it. Traditional sunscreen contains toxic chemicals and then we bake that into our body when out in the sun! Also, sunscreen blocks vitamin D production. We have all have heard the importance of vitamin D. Being outside for 15-20 minutes uncovered DAILY is all the average person needs to produce adequate levels of Vit D. The more skin you expose the more vitamin D you are producing. I'm not promoting nudity....just sayin'! What about in winter?? You need to take a supplement. ​

As parents we are covering every square in of our kiddos in something toxic then baking it in! Did you know Zinc oxide is the only FDA approved sunscreen for use on children under 6 months of age? You have to watch the form of zinc oxide used though. Scientists are formulating it with nano particles and there is growing concern that these teensy tiny particles get absorbed and can even cross the placenta possibly exposing your fetus! 
Some sunscreen chemicals have hormone disrupters not to mention can also cause skin irritation and rashes. Cancer producing chemicals, ya think??
A few Important Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid: Retinyl Palmitate, Oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinixate, benzophenone, Amino benzoin acid, homosalate, preservatives, octocrytene and fragrances. 
So what CAN you use? Look for mineral sunscreens that have ingredients you can actually pronounce, especially ones with no nano particles! These are my favorite brands that doesn't clog my pores, doesn't give me a rash AND actually work! I know some people make their own too using essential oils and I will tackle that in the future. 
Oh and let your kiddos (and self) go uncovered for a bit (15 minutes) then layer it on. We NEED that sunshine for our soul AND vitamin D. Start your sunscreen research now so you are ready come summer.