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What kind of sunscreen do you and your family use?

748 Views 18 Replies 15 Participants Last post by  memory maker
I need to get some sunscreeen for me, dh and particularly dd. I'd love suggestions....
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Well right now I use oil of olay, but I am going to start making my own as soon as I get some cash

Use 1 cup oil to 1 oz beeswax and 1-2 Tablespoons zinc or titanium oxide. Heat the oil just enough to melt the wax (grate or chop it first), then add the titanium or zinc oxide.
May be just easier to buy some DEET free/PABA free sunscreen with a high SPF for outdoor play and watersports (SPF 30 to SPF 50). For daily use, you can use Oil of Olay Sensitive Skin SPF 15.

UV protection will require certain minerals and chemicals - I doubt it would be easy to make it at home and have good results. Also, those kind of minerals and chemicals need to be in balance (as only a company would know how) to avoid skin irritation and damage.

There are more natural versions of sunscreen, but they still have certain chemical compounds.
I can burn to a crisp in 5 minutes and its just not practical to always hide in the shade, so I throw any leanings towards natural out the window when it comes to sunscreen.

I use Coppertone Sport. Its doesn't tend to run and doesn't feel quite as greasy as other brands. I also buy sunscreen spray for applying to my scalp. I will burn through my hair very quickly. I wear hats (I have a huge collection at this point) whenever possible, but sometimes I want to go swimming and be able to go under water.
Pumpkin is right - I would not chance skincare and UV protection with homemade solutions.
We use Coopertone Sport also. All 3 of my kids are swimmers so we spend A LOT of time at pools. We need something that protects well, lasts a long time without reapplying, and stays on in water. The kids will only put up with one major application in the morning and maybe a touch-up later in the day...the more natural stuff isn't waterproof and needs more reapplying. I also have one of those sunscreen sticks that I use to swipe at their noses and cheekbones when I can get them to stand still for a moment.
here's the link to the best baby sunblock I've EVER seen. http://www.pureandsimple.ca

It is not necessarily better to use a sunblock above a 30 because of the amount of chemicals added in order to get a higher SPF rating. This website has an explanation of what I mean as well.
We all use Aubrey Organics Green Tea Sunblock. Great for the kids' sensitive skin.

Meg
Quote:

Originally Posted by faerybugmady
We all use Aubrey Organics Green Tea Sunblock. Great for the kids' sensitive skin.

Meg
Linky?? We're looking for a new sunblock for the kids as DS has sensitive skin. I usually don't wear any
: and neither does DH (and we're both pretty light skinned.... I know... I know...) but I don't take chances w/ the babes.

When DS was a baby, the ped said to use the WaterBabies on him. Well, DS broke out in the worst hives EVER!!! I finally figured out why after 2 applications and switched to Banana Boat's Baby Magic, but I'd like something more natural for them.
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Haven't you guys heard the Sunscreen song that was on the radio some years ago? It's very important.

As an Asian-American, people always comment to my mother and myself on how undamaged our skin looks. We wear some light SPF (15 or less) on our faces most days and we definitely schmear the higher SPF if we're outdoors in the spring and summer.

The biggest misconceptions people seem to have is that if they're not out long (few hours to half a day) or not in the water they don't need sunscreen, or that sunscreen will reduce their tanning ability. I can attest that that's not true because Asian people do NOT want to become tan and no amount of sunscreen prevents tanning (believe us, we've tried).
Quote:

Originally Posted by Zack419
Linky?? We're looking for a new sunblock for the kids as DS has sensitive skin. I usually don't wear any
: and neither does DH (and we're both pretty light skinned.... I know... I know...) but I don't take chances w/ the babes.

When DS was a baby, the ped said to use the WaterBabies on him. Well, DS broke out in the worst hives EVER!!! I finally figured out why after 2 applications and switched to Banana Boat's Baby Magic, but I'd like something more natural for them.
Here's a link of one place to buy Aubrey Organics Green Tea Sunblock for Children:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ance&n=3760901

Another & great article on sunblocks:
http://www.mercola.com/forms/aubrey_sunblock.htm
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Some Coppertone & Banana Boat products are rated as high risk on the skin deep site. There is also news lately about sunscreen lawsuits. See http://www.webmd.com/content/article/120/113843

The No-Ad SPF 45 Babies Sun Block is good. I'd be interested in trying the Aubrey Organics Green Tea sunscreen for both of us. I'm going to check that out. DD is blonde and fair skin and I'm redhead and freckled fair skin so we slather on the sunscreen and wear hats. I have sensitive and skin prone to breakouts so it's hard to find sunscreen that doesn't make my skin break out. I use Avalon on my face during the week (SFP 15) and during play and when I'm running I've been using Panama Jack since it seems to work well.
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I'm using Alba's lavendar 30 spf on my body and their facial sunscreen 20 spf on my face. I have liked the lavendar body sunscreen for awhile, but it stings if I use it on my face (made that mistake once!) The facial sunscreen doesn't sting, but I think it does clog my skin a little, so next time I'll try something else.

http://www.albabotanica.com/?id=72

My DH really likes the Jason sunscreen we just bought for him the other week (I think the 26 spf) -- it smells like coconut
Admittedly, I think I like the smell better than the lavendar Alba I'm using...

http://www.jason-natural.com/products/sunbrellas.php

The EWG report on those products lists them as between the 2-2.2 range. Not great, but not too awful. Next time I need to buy sunscreen, I'll be checking out the listing first
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Thanks for all the quick replies! I'm def. gonna have to check-out the articles and links. Many thanks
I like the sound of the Aubrey Organics. I think they sell that at our Co-op health store.
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None here. Ick. Don't trust it.

http://www.terressentials.com/faq.html#sunscreen

I am as pasty as I can be, too and can burn easily. I just use huge floppy hats and breathable, layered clothing.
We use Mexitan products----they have no chemicals in them and they work great!! www.mexitanproducts.com
I am going to check out the Mexitan products!
Quote:

Originally Posted by faerybugmady
We all use Aubrey Organics Green Tea Sunblock. Great for the kids' sensitive skin.

Meg
and it smells wonderful too!!
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