Just in Time for Summer: Sunscreen you can trust

     It is that time of year again, thank goodness.  This past winter was the most normal winter in years!.  The bitter cold is gone and now it's time to prepare for summer.  Most of you are probably outside planting your gardens and getting out with the kids; and so, I thought this would be the perfect time to suggest some sunscreens to help you soak up the sun without the harmful skin damage.

  Here are a few products I have researched and for your consideration:

Badger:  Natural Sunscreen

     I have been using Badger for the past few years and I have been very happy with this product.  Badger is based in New Hampshire and they support Fair Trade and Community Farming initiatives.  As a company, Badger donates 10% of all of their profits to support non-profit organizations which focus on the health and well being of children.  Their products are very affordable and they offer a large variety of sunscreens with the highest SPF being 35.  Zinc Oxide based and Nano-Free, I have been surprised with the level of protection from this product during a day at the water park.  This is not the sunscreen you grew up with, as it has a chalky consistency and may turn you a little whiter, which is something that I really like about this product.  When you put on your Badger sunscreen you can see the barrier, unlike conventional sunscreens which go on clear and you never know if you missed a spot until it's too late.  If you are a new Mom your baby can use this product as well. Badger makes their sunscreen for people of all ages from infant to adult sport star; and all skin types, from slightly scented to specifically unscented.  Beware of the water resistance of this product, as it is not water proof.  Some people make the mistake in thinking that something you put on your skin is going to stay there.  Badger requires two or three applications when enjoying a day at the pool or beach.  Apply frequently and you will not be disappointed. In Canada, I have purchased Badger sunscreen at The Natural Food Pantry and Whole Foods; but, if you are out of reach of these places and still would like a bottle, you can order it on-line.  It is reasonably priced at $15.99USD on their website; and rest assured, I still have most of my bottle left from last year after I took five day trips to the water park wearing a two-piece.

Just Skin Food:  Natural Sunscreen

     Based in the United States and owned by a single Holistic practitioner, who only has a first name, Gabriella; Just Skin Food is chemical and fragrance free.  Zinc Oxide based and Nano-free, this sunscreen has the added bonus of having no water in the ingredients, which means it is much more concentrated than your leading tube brands.  Although I have never used this product, I like what I see in the ingredients list.  This is a bare-bones basic product, and if you don't have an allergy to coconut oil, this might be for you.  You can order this product on their website, or if you live in New Jersey, New York or Illinois, there are a few stores/gyms/spas which carry this product.  The price is not too expensive, $12.99USD; but there is no mention of how it keeps up in water.  Overall, if I wasn't using Badger, I would give this one a go because the ingredients list is so short and it's purchase means supporting an independent entrepreneur.

Loving Naturals:  Sunscreen

  Safe for babies, Gluten, Nano, Paraben and fragrance free, this one has it all for everyone; however, the price tag is a little higher at $24.99USD.  Loving Naturals, like Badger, is also based in New Hampshire USA and as a company they have a commitment to chemical free products.  The only down side, and this I have not researched or emailed further, is that they use Palm Oil and they do no specify if it is from a sustainable source or if it comes from Indonesia where they are stripping the rain forests to grow Palm trees for Palm oil purposes.  There area a lot of specifics missing from this website, and I do prefer the companies I purchase from to have as many specifics as possible already listed so that I can make a sound judgement without having to email them directly.  Regardless, the Skin Deep Database gives Loving Naturals a low rating of 1, so I have decided to include it in this post.  Although, the price tag for me is a little high; but, it might be worth it if the whole family can use it. The only other downside, if you order this you need to ship it to a US address as the international and Canadian websites listed do not work or do not carry the product on-line.

After Sun Relief

     From many experience with bad sun burns I can tell you that the after sun gel that you buy in the store is garbage.  Most of the time it contains alcohol, and that will dry out your skin adding much more injury to your already damaged and painful skin.  The absolute best thing is straight from the aloe plant itself, split a leaf and apply generously.  If you do not have an aloe plant large enough to handle your burn, my next best advice is to purchase the aloe at the store which you can drink.  No, I do not mean the aloe beverages loaded with sugar; I mean the aloe drink which is usually prescribed for stomach problems and may come with the labels: "Herbal Aloe Drink",  "Aloe Stomach Formula", or simply "Aloe Vera Juice" .  I have found it in the Natural Foods or Organic sections of a lot of major grocery chains.  It's usually hidden on a bottom shelf, so it does require some looking.  Your best bet to find this drinkable burn cure is at your local health foods store.  It may or may not be refrigerated, but I swear by it as the best sunburn solution ever.  All of my burns have healed quickly using this drinkable aloe and it keeps excellently in the fridge.  Ensure that it is not flavored with anything that may look like sugar, artificial flavour, or anything else besides a root.  It will most commonly be an off-white colour and very thick, this is what you want and what your skin will thank you for.  It might seem crazy, but it actually makes a lot of sense taking something you can eat and then putting it on your skin.  If it is good for your insides, it is probably alright for your outsides.

     I hope these suggestions will help you make the switch to a better sunscreen for you and your loved ones.  Until next time, and remember to: READ THE LABEL!.