Summer is here but we still want to practice safe sun exposure! ☀️ The sun has amazing healing properties. That said, we try to avoid going in direct sun between 10am and 2pm. When we do, we wear rash-guards, hats and apply safer sunscreens.

Unfortunately some sunscreens are laden with the following:
- Fragrances
- Octinoxate
- Homosalate
- Oxybenzone
- Avobenzone
- PEGs (polyethylene glycol)
- Parabens
- Phthalates
- Sodium Laurel Sulfate
- Retinyl Palmitate

This is why we use @gothinkco think baby, think sport, @badgerbalm, @earthmamaorganics @pipettebaby and @rawelementsusa stick

If you still want to use a spray, the best ones I’ve found are @coola and @goddessgarden. Spray sunscreens should only be used outside. For Coola, I would not use this as it does have ingredients that I do not like, but it is better than most. I am sure there are others out there and I will be reviewing more.

*a new investigation has uncovered the presence of benzene (a carcinogen) in 2 raw elements products, along with many other sunscreen brands. While this is still being debated, it’s important we stay on top of this as consumers because we want to protect our children.

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It is best to wear a wide brim hat and long sleeve shirt, and if your child will wear them, some quality sunglasses. Babies under 6 months old should not wear sunscreen, so providing good coverage with clothing and staying in the shade are the best options. But some sun exposure is actually beneficial- just be mindful to avoid peak sun hours (10am-2pm)❗️❗️❗️

Higher SPF can often mean more chemicals, so personally I prefer SPF 30, and I apply it more often. There is a big controversy if you should apply sunblock during the day or let your skin get vitamin D from the sun. 75% of people are deficient in Vitamin D but skin cancer, unfortunately, is on the rise. Personally, this is tough for me because there is a family history of melanoma; so I think it is all about balance, even living in Southern California. Do I give my kid's vitamin D3 every day? No! Do I apply sunblock everyday? No! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Let's talk about the toxins. Here is the list of chemical toxins that you do NOT want in your sunblock:
oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate. These toxic chemicals are endocrine disruptors that are causing reduced sperm count in men and endometriosis in women. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
All of Badger sunscreens are ones that I approve of. If you are ever unsure about your sunscreen go to the EWG data base and type in the exact name. Some brands have products that are great and other products that don’t make the cut. You really need to look up each product individually.

As for bug sprays and care, I like the Badger spray, Badger balm and the Bug Bite Thing suction tool. I also use Forager’s Balm from Living Libations to treat bug bites.