I seldom used or use sunscreens on myself or my children.
I did a search and found this thread, just as I was curious to see if there were others who shared my fundamental suspicion of the practice.
Never used on either baby; we simply practiced moderation in exposure, big hats/other clothing, and judicious use of shade.
As they got/get older, we only use sunscreens for long-term exposures (the beach, trip to the mountains, more than an hr outside in full sun.)
I must note that my kids are fairly dark skinned, like myself (Not sure if it is the English or the French blood, but DH is mostly German, and he is fairly dark as well!) We just do not burn easily, and tan rapidly. My kids look like hazelnuts by the second week of spring, even with very minimal sun exposure!
My issues with sunscreen are:
My kids HATE it! And I HATE to apply it/wear it. It stinks, stings, runs into your eyes, clogs your pores, and is next to impossible to wash off.
It blocks or inhibits the production of vitamin D from sun exposure on the skin.
It takes 20 min or so of direct exposure on the face and arms to kick this into gear. (even when we use sunscreen for long-term exposure, we wait at least this long to apply it)
I think it hinders the development of any degree of tolerance to sunlight, making one more prone to burns/damage in the long term.
The chemicals, yes. A physical would be better, ita.
The cost. I must admit, it is sky high, esp. when you look at the quantities you have to use and multiply by a family of 4 for every outside activity. Be real! (of course, if I really felt it were crucial, I would cough it up)
All in all, I think moderation is key; avoid mid day sun and get exposure in the mornings and afternoons. Limit your exposure with shade, clothing/hats/parosals/reasonable time limits, use sunscreen sparingly for prolonged exposures only.
We also take in full spectrum light (sunlight) through our eyes, and it is a nutrient, in a sense, which helps regulate our body clock, hormones, and brain chemistry, and I do not think it is beneficial to wear sunglasses at all times either. Same basic rules; some moderate exposure is beneficial, but use for prolonged or intense exposures.
I guess I am a relic, lol, but I see the current sun phobia as unhealthy when carried to the exteme. yes, we have to be aware of the increased risks of UV due to atmospheric conditions, and yes, we have to protect ourselves from excessive exposures, but we NEED SOME SUN! JMHO.
Lilith