2 questions about sunscreen

[starbuckmom]

I know what I am going to use my kids this year but I need something for myself with a higher spf.  The one for my kids is spf 30.  I am fair skinned and burn easier than normal skin people.  I do other things to protect my skin but want something that is all natural, works and has a higher spf #

Also, what sunscreen do you use for your face? 

[bluebackpacks]

I look forward to reading the responses.  There are so few 'safe' options, and so many of these are yucky.  Last summer I was so disgusted with battling between sun exposure and exposure to neuro-toxins that I bought a hat with an enormous(ly ugly) brim.  I wore sleeves to cover my shoulders.

I have extremely fair skin and multiple autoimmune diseases (oh, genetics!), so I really feel caught between and rock and a hard place when I want to be outdoors midday.  

[starbuckmom]

I did check out Skin Deep (www.cosmeticdatabase.com) for some ideas and came across a few that may work.  I am getting TruKid for the kids this year and it rate a 1 which made this mama happy!

[bluebackpacks]

Yeah, I love SD!  Unfortunately, the two sunscreens I purchased (based on their safety ratings) were not a good choice for me.  One stunk enough to cause a migraine.  The other had a sticky, grainy texture that made application quite difficult.  

[bluebackpacks]

The TruKids looks good.  I just checked out their website, too.  You'll have to let us know what you think when you get the product.  Let us know if it has any strong smell to it and whether it goes on smoothly.

On a similar topic, what do you do for bug repellent?  I have a compromised immune system.  Last summer, I had a scare with a really severe presentation of Fifth's Disease.  Of course, my neurologist didn't know what it was in the beginning.  Because I hike a lot and am exposed to frequent mosquito bites, he thought it might be EEE virus.  That was terrifying!  I don't know if you have EEE in your neck of the woods, but it is a deadly virus.  Fortunately, it is very rare.  I happen to live where it is more prevalent (though, still very rare).  Long story short... my all-natural bug repellent has to work... otherwise, I use DEET products.  If I didn't live where I do, this wouldn't be such a huge issue (though, I'm sure there would be other issues with which to contend).  

[starbuckmom]

Bug repellent:  I use something from Babies R Us.  It's an all natural product. It's called Natrapel.  It says that it's proven as effective as DEET.  I like it.  It seems to work just fine.  I use it on the kids. 

I have also heard that spraying on diluted REAL vanilla is supposed to work.  I have a friend who does that for her kids and she swears by it.  I may have to try that with my kids this year.

For around the yard, I am hoping to plant some Lemon balm bushes and around the house where the kids play.  It gives off a lemon scent that mosquito don't like.  Here is where I am going to buy it:  http://www.seedsavers.org/Details.aspx?itemNo=464%28OG%29  I will probably just plant them in containers.

I also came across this really cool website about all natural products.  She has a repellent made from essential oils.  You could try that: http://healing-scents.com/insect_repellent_products.html

I am having fun looking at all the things she makes making a list of things I want to try!

[lindberg99]

Ugh, Fifth Disease sucks as an adult! I had it in June 2009...it lasts for so long.

I've used Natrapel too. It smells pretty strong though so if smells bother you, take a whiff before you buy.

[eireann]

Have you thought about purchasing a few rash guards instead of sunscreen? I realize sunscreen is still needed at times but I put my DD in a rash guard and a hat most days and it does the trick. They are lyrca and lightweight, but  with a 50 SPF, and they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors (for adults, kids, and babies.) DD has two long sleeved ones with hoods, and even a full body one. I love them. No goop or anything usually makes DD a lot happier, too.

They need to be hand washed to preserve the SPF, but thats about it.

http://www.nextag.com/o-neill-toddler-rash-guard/products-html

BTW, the link is just to see what I'm talking about. There are better prices all over the web than what is listed.

[bluebackpacks]

Originally Posted by eireann 

Have you thought about purchasing a few rash guards instead of sunscreen? I realize sunscreen is still needed at times but I put my DD in a rash guard and a hat most days and it does the trick. They are lyrca and lightweight, but  with a 50 SPF, and they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors (for adults, kids, and babies.) DD has two long sleeved ones with hoods, and even a full body one. I love them. No goop or anything usually makes DD a lot happier, too.

They need to be hand washed to preserve the SPF, but thats about it.

http://www.nextag.com/o-neill-toddler-rash-guard/products-html

BTW, the link is just to see what I'm talking about. There are better prices all over the web than what is listed.

The bugs here bite through clothing.  No, I am not exaggerating.  Mosquitoes and black flies have bitten me through blue jeans!  I'm sure someone from northern New England or Alaska will chime in and confirm my story.  There is a 10-day span every year when I have to wear this at our camp in Maine.  And, STILL, I get bitten!!!