I don’t even know where to start.
Your skin is the second most important thing to consider when it comes to health, the first being what you eat. Maybe they’re equally important. Your skin is the largest organ in the body (you know this) and it absorbs EVERYTHING. That which we place on it, and that which is in the environment.
So, what we actively choose to put on our bodies is as important as what we choose to put in them. It is all a part of our cellular makeup.
As gardeners, our skin is exposed to the elements outdoors more often than not, so we need to protect it from the sun, but we also need to be conscious of what we put on our skin, like we are conscious of what we eat.
Now listen here, Vitamin D is good and I am NOT saying to be a crazy person who blocks all of the sun’s rays – we need some of that too. However, we should be working to avoid sunburns, and to keep the harmful UV rays out.
My daily routine includes this: moisturizer, sunscreen, tinted moisturizer, then powder, etc. That moisture and sunscreen combo are so key for me.
So, when it does come to sunscreen, which ones are the best??? I’ve got you. These are based on my personal preference AND the highest ratings via EWG.org which showcases toxicity level, and sheds light on ingredients.
My favorite sunscreen brands for the whole family:
For the Mamas
This sunscreen scores BEST on the EWG website! I am so impressed by it, love how it’s lightweight and can even reapply over my makeup through the day.
Countersun Daily Sheer Defense For Face, SPF 25
For the Babies
High SPF is not better, even if you have babies with Irish skin, like mine. Go for low toxicity and make those kiddos wear a hat and long sleeves when you can still keep them cool. Even some “organic” sunscreens have ingredients that are uber-harmful for babies and can cause adverse and terrifying reactions.
Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
For the Dads
My husband is the hardest to get sunscreen on (no one is surprised), so he requires a spray. It’s not as clean as what I’d like, but he will wear this and it’s moderately healthy for him.
Alba Botanica Sensitive Sunscreen Spray, SPF 33, Fragrance-Free
Tips and Facts
Some other quick bits of info for you:
- Sunscreen expires. Check those dates.
- I buy sunscreen in bulk and keep it in the foyer for right before we leave the house, in my beach bag that sits in the hall closet, in my purse/diaper bag, and in each car. I slip one into my husband’s golf bag too!
- Spray sunscreen typically ranks lower in safety when it comes to toxins
- Organic is not always best. Some organic skincare is still full of other toxins
- Higher SPF is not better and gives a false sense of coverage
- The best way to prevent sun damage is to limit exposure/ be outside during non-peak sun hours
For full information about sunscreen safety, ewg.org has fantastic info about sun exposure and release as a sunscreen guide each year, PLUS you can search your sunscreen for a rating on safety.
Stay cool and safe my friends!
*This post contains affiliate links, but will not cost you a thing if you order any products. The statements made are true and these are the actual sunscreens that we wear.