The Safest Sunscreen You'll Ever Find: Instinct

Instinct is an important part of safety.  In nature, those with the best natural instincts have the best survival rate.  There is a reason we have instincts, and choosing to ignore them, or to deceive them, can be unhealthy. 

While watching my three children play on a hot summer day I noticed a key point to sun safety.  In the heat, children naturally choose to play in the shade.  The only way children will play in the direct sun on a hot summer day is when they are playing in water.  The water cools them off.  The water is, in effect, tricking them into thinking they are cool and, therefore, safe.  Without the water, children gravitate to shade, and don't play in direct (hot) sunlight.  This is a lesson we need to learn.  Our instinct is to stay cool. While playing in water is fun, it can actually be deceiving our instincts into thinking we are safe.  Consider this vital bit of information when planning summer days in water.

The beach, water park or outdoor pool:
Plan these fun times during the less intense sun rays.  Go in the early morning and get home before 11am.  Or go in the afternoon.  After 4pm the sun rays are less intense and you will be exposed to less direct sunlight and UV rays. 

Sprinklers, slippery slides, or splash pools:
Set up water toys in the shade.  Children will play happily in the water on hot days even in the shade.  Full shade is one of the best ways to cut UV exposure. 

Clothing:
Wear loose, light coloured clothing or UV-protective swimwear, and hats.  Clothes can be as good as up to 50 SPF without any chemicals from sunscreen being on the body.

Sunscreen:
Sunscreen is important if you are going to be in the direct sun mid-day.  Choose your sunscreen carefully!  Many popular sunscreen brands have parabens, phthalates, SLS, PEGs and more.  Safe Mama explains very clearly why you MUST avoid these ingredients.  She also recommends safer sunscreens that do NOT contain these ingredients, including my favourite, Badger.  For a list of the top 10 safest sunscreensbased on Environmental Working Group"s findings check out Healthy Child.

Cloudy days:
Remember that cloudy days still allow UV rays through.  I know many fair-skinned people who have burned through clouds!

You:
And for goodness sake, be a good example!  While I secretly love having a "healthy glow" (we all know the truth about that) it is very important that I don't spend hours sunbathing.  My children, aged 3,5 and 9 are at a very susceptible age (aren't all ages susceptible?!) for imitating. As well, I want to live to see and play with my grandchildren.  Maybe even my great grandchildren.   Lead by example.  Cover up, and explain to them why it is important for them to keep safe from the sun too. 
 
Take care of yourself and your little ones this summer by listening to your body, covering up, and lubing up safely.  And have fun!

This post has been linked to Healthy Child Healthy World.