After some research, talking to some dermatologists and other researchers, and going through some of the best sunscreen reviews, I had to write this information to put this issue to rest.
It is normal today for everybody to strive for beautiful and good-looking skin, but what I have found out recently is that this search for beauty has made some people’s situations worse, all because of a lack of information about what to do, how to go about it, and how to pick the right product(s) for their skin.
Let us begin by learning how to select the best sunscreens and avoid the worst sunscreens. I’ll also go over some specific brands I recommend you buy as well as ones to stay away from.
Best Sunscreen Reviews
The sun is actually good for the skin because of its vitamin D factor. So, our skin does need a bit of sunlight. We all need to get some direct sunlight on our skin for about 20 to 30 minutes a day if possible, but at the same time, we don’t want to get burned because too much of that same sunlight will actually increase the risk of skin cancer if we are getting burned on a regular basis.
Some Sunscreens Risks
The truth about sunscreen is that most of these conventional sunscreens out there actually contain cancer-causing ingredients. For that reason, most people prefer to go the natural way like DIY, if possible.
Now, here are some sunscreen risks and how to choose the best sunscreens.
Oxybenzone:
This is a chemical found in many sunscreens and sunblocks available today.
It has:
- Hormone-disrupting chemicals.
- May increase your risk of kidney issues, and adrenal issues.
- Throw off your hormones.
- And also throw off issues like your estrogen and your progesterone.
Again, hormone-disrupting chemicals are found in some of these conventional sunscreens out there. Consider how harmful that could be, especially to a child, a young boy, or a girl. Many men today, including young children, exhibit more feminine characteristics, which is not uncommon.
A lot of women today have estrogen levels that are too high at an early age, which can increase the risk of infertility, PCOS, and a number of health issues. So, please stay away from those chemically-laden sunscreens because they’re hormone disruptors.
Sometimes, it can also cause an allergic reaction. Any type of bump on the skin or redness of the skin indicates that there is an allergic reaction going on. Read more about Oxybenzone here!
Skin Cancer
I’ve heard people say the sun can cause skin cancer. It’s not true. Getting healthy amounts of sunlight without getting scorched or burned does not increase the risk of skin cancer. On the contrary, it fights against skin cancer because vitamin D has been medically proven to decrease cancer risk and naturally boost your immune system.
The problem here is that a lot of these chemicals today when you apply them, put chemicals on your skin. They interact with the UV radiation from the sun causing carcinogenic compounds that can cause skin cancer.
Again, you want to stay away from these chemicals because they increase your risk of skin cancer. So, the sky-high SPFs that prevent you from getting any vitamin D are a problem.
Learn More!
Inhalation
They are preventing your body from absorbing vitamin D both directly and through inhalation. You know, a lot of these chemicals you’re inhaling while sitting in the hot sun all day. We know that’s going to cause toxicity not only on the skin but also in the bloodstream, the brain, and many other areas of your body.
How to Choose the Best Sunscreen
Below are a few methods and factors to consider when selecting the best sunscreens and which to avoid.
Sunscreen Products to Avoid
Sunscreen Sprays
You have to avoid sunscreen sprays because most of these sprays are the most toxic of all of them. Stay away from the sprays.
Oxybenzone and Retinal Ingredients
You also have to avoid oxybenzone and the retinal ingredient, as mentioned above, especially this oxybenzone. That’s one of the things. You can flip over your current sunscreen and ensure it doesn’t have any of these ingredients.
Fragrance Ingredients
Stay away from any product that says “fragrance” in it.
Best Sunscreen For Kids
Now here are the best sunscreens and the best brands.
All-Terrain Aquasport Lotion SPF 30
This is another brand to consider for natural skin protection and natural sunscreen. Best sunscreens for active lives that are naturally Oxybenzone Free and Fragrance-Free. Not slip dry grip, 80-minute water resistance, and non-greasy, and protects against sunburn. It reduces early skin aging brought on by the sun when taken as instructed and in conjunction with other sun protection methods.
Badger Baby Sunscreen Cream SPF 30
Badger is a great brand there as well!
Avoid exposing your baby to the sun’s damaging rays. It is soothing and hydrating and has 40 minutes of water resistance. With just 7 safe, straightforward ingredients (including relaxing chamomile and soothing calendula), it offers broad-spectrum, secure protection. With sunflower oil as its foundation for a simple application, it is hypoallergenic, pediatrician tested and authorized. one of the sunscreens with the highest ratings according to the Environmental Working Group.
- Attitude Family Sensitive Skincare.
- Bare Belly Organs.
- Waxhead SunDefense.
These are all good options.
The Worst Sunscreens for Kids
Now, here are the worst sunscreens for kids, and look they’re the big ones. These are the big companies.
Supper Toxic Ingredients to The Body
According to the Environmental Working Group, you can look up the harmful ingredients on their website.
Coppertone Foaming Kids Wacky Foam
Not a good one. Another Coppertone brand is Neutrogena. These are the ones you’ll notice most frequently. The ones with more than 60 SPF are the ones I recommend you avoid. Going natural with All Terrain, Badger, and some of these other brands is what you want to do.
Some Ways to Avoid Sun Exposure
- You need to get exposed to the sun for like an hour or two (since the body needs some sunlight) and then cover-up, is a good option.
- Wear some clothes and a hat after a certain period. Wearing rash guards and wet suit tights is a good option too for reducing sun exposure.
- Always get in the shade, try to wear sunglasses, always avoid the sun at its peak and check the daily UV index.
- Added to that, we all need a bit of sun daily but trust me you just don’t want to get burnt by getting too much.
So again, getting in the sun and then putting on some sunscreen—if that’s what it takes to not get burned, or to cover up—is the best strategy there.
Let me say that you can also make your own sunscreen at home!
Simply do a mixture of:
- Zinc Oxide.
- Coconut Oil.
- Lavender Oil.
- Myrrh Oil.
Mix them all together in a bowl to produce a fine mask. When your mask is ready, apply it to your skin. That’s how simple it is. Mixing these three ingredients, zinc oxide, coconut oil, and essential oils of your choice like lavender oil and myrrh oil, is a great way to get natural skin protection there as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How frequently should sunscreen be reapplied?
A good rule of thumb is to apply sunscreen for at least 30 minutes before you want to go outside. For best results, aim to reapply every two hours with the same amount (about the size of a shot glass). Reapply soon after swimming, or sweating, or using a towel to dry off yourself to keep your skin from drying out.
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How do I know that my sunscreen is expired?
Sunscreen, like all skincare products, has a shelf life. If you don’t see the expiration date on the bottle, write down the date you purchased the product—the FDA recommends keeping it at least for at three years. However, if your sunscreen is exposed to direct sunlight or heat, it may be damaged before this period. If you notice any changes in the formula, such as strange odors, colors, or textures, it’s time to throw it out. It’s dangerous to use expired sunscreen since it raises your risk of getting sunburned or developing cancer the skin.
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How can I know which sunscreen is best for my children?
Because of their thinner skin, infants and children are more susceptible to chemical irritation than adults are. Apply liberally mineral-based SPF creams.
The “American Academy of Dermatology” and the “Skin Cancer Foundation” both recommend that you keep your baby out of the sun (and prevent the use of sunscreen if possible) if your child is below six months old.
If you want to avoid sunburn, wear clothing that blocks out the sun. This includes long pants and hats, as well as sunglasses.
Conclusion
As I conclude this article on the best sunscreen reviews, there are some things I want you to keep in mind. To avoid additives while still getting an effective sunscreen, choose mineral-based natural sunscreens, which are also thought to be reef-safe, and you are good to go. Most effectively, do keep an eye on the above tips, they will help your kid’s experience with sunscreen.