Summer is in full swing and many families are looking forward to outdoor activities, road trips and vacations. Although summer is a time when children of all ages get to spend more time outside; there are some things you can do to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Did you know that we need sunlight to help our skin convert 7-dehydrocholesterol to vitamin D3? This reaction is very important and provides our bodies with the best form of vitamin D. If you slather sunscreen or sun block on before reaping the benefits of the sun rays you may become deficient in vitamin D.
A good rule to follow is to wait 20 to 25 minutes so that the sun can convert 7-dehydrocholesterol into vitamin D3 and then if you stay out in the sun for longer than that put on a sunscreen that has lower levels of chemicals.
During the summer we are constantly reminded to wear sunscreen to help prevent skin cancer. According to the Environmental Working Group some of the sunscreen that we put on our skin and on our children may actually cause the cancers they claim to prevent. I have picked out 4 Sunscreens that EWG says are the least harmful, which means they have lower levels of cancer causing chemicals like avobenzene.
Here are the Top 4 Sunscreens for Kids
Baby Time Episencial Sunny Sunscreen
Alba Botanical SPF 30 Very Emollient Mineral Sunscreen for Kids
Badger Kids Sunscreen Cream SPF 30
Yes to Cucumbers Natural Sunscreen Lotion for Kids SPF 40
The sunscreens are rated by EWG by the degree of protection and levels of harmful ingredients listed on the label. The sunscreens are rated on a scale of 0 to 10; 0 has low levels of harmful chemicals and 20 has the highest levels of harmful chemicals. Out of the four sunscreens, #’s 1-3 are in the low hazard (0-2 range) and # 4 is in the moderate hazard (3-6) range. If you would like more information you can go to the EWG website.
I hope this helps you and your family stay safe in these hot summer temps!!
Dr. Blessing
Earnest Holistic Health