Summer is here, the kids are out of school, and vacations are being planned. It's that time of the year when we all think of being outside, enjoying the sun, going on adventures, and relaxing with friends and family. Now, as nice as that sounds, it can quickly turn into a not-so-fun situation if sunburns become part of the picture, especially if it's your child who's burnt.
Today, I want to talk about how you can safely expose your child to the sun before sharing a quick-and-easy DIY sunblocker cream recipe that can help you if you're going to be outside for an extended amount of time.
Healthy Sun Exposure
Most people know that we need to get out in the sun in order for our bodies to make adequate levels of vitamin D, but too much of a good thing can become a bad thing when sunburns are the result. So how do you balance getting the vitamin D your child needs from the sun and preventing getting burnt at the same time? You limit your sun exposure and you protect your skin.
The Problem With Chemical Sunscreens
Preventing sunburns can be achieved in a variety of ways, but for most children, chemical sunscreens are the go-to product. The problem with chemical sunscreens, though, is two-fold. First, they are filled with chemicals that are toxic to your child's body; and secondly, they can block UV rays so much that they prevent your child's body from making the vitamin d s/he needs to stay healthy. So what's a natural-minded parent to do?
Mineral-Based Sunscreens
One of the ways you can make sure your child isn't getting too much sun is to protect their skin using a mineral-based sunscreen. Mineral-based sunscreens often contain zinc oxide or titanium oxide which sits on the surface of the skin and acts as a reflector to UV rays. This helps to limit the amount of rays that enter your child's skin, thus preventing them from being burned.
Now, like most things that are natural, mineral-based sunscreens are not as effective at preventing burns as chemical sunscreens; however, they are safer and there are ways to use them to help them be more effective. First, choose a sunscreen that contains ingredients that have a natural SPF (Sun Protection Factor) to them. Next, make sure the sunscreen uses non-nano zinc so the particles sit on top of the skin and aren't absorbed into the skin. Next, reapply the sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
So there you have it! You can enjoy summer while keeping your child healthy and protecting his/her skin, and it doesn't have to be a ton of effort. Summer is supposed to be relaxing, right?
Author Megan Visser is a registered nurse, an herbalist, a mom. She is deeply committed to raising children naturally. Visit her blog, Growing Up Herbal to inspire and teach you how to take charge of your children's health naturally. You can do it. You don't have to have any letters behind your name.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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