Which are the best natural skin protectors? I had a reason to research this. My eldest daughter and I are brown-eyed and have dark blond hair. Because we live in Florida, we have to protect our skin from the sun year-round. Now, my youngest is a white-skinned, freckle-faced, grey-eyed redhead, which makes skin protection an even more pressing issue for us. Add to that a family history of melanoma, and you’ve got us either staying indoors all day, or doing everything we can to enjoy the great outdoors while staying safe.
A good sunscreen is an everyday must for us. I like something natural for the kiddos, without parabens, and even fragrance-free, such as Ava Anderson Sun Protection Without Harmful Chemicals 30+spf ($18.95). It contains zinc oxide, and provides broad-spectrum protection. You need to knead the tube before each use, and apply it at least 15 minutes to a half hour before you hit the pool or the beach.
Now, if you’re looking for the convenience of a spray paired with a natural sunscreen, then you’ll love Alba Botanica Natural Very Emollient Sunscreen Sport Spray SPF 40 ($10.99). It is so easily absorbed the kids don’t put up a fight when they see me coming, blue dispenser in hand.
For a little more staying power if you plan to be soaking in the pool for a few hours, go for Nature’s Gate Broad Spectrum Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen ($10.69), which won’t rub off easily. Once again, make sure you apply it before you leave the house, and reapply often once you’re under the sun.
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For Mom’s face, 100 Pure Argan Oil Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 ($26.00) is a good bet under or instead of foundation. Aside from protecting you from the sun it will also moisturize and nourish your skin.
Now, this next one’s been a lifesaver for our family ever since my baby girl was a year old. We’ve bought a new one every single summer—she’s 9 now. Instead of having to hover over her every day, all day, the Coolibar’s Girls Neck to Knee Surf Suit UPF 50+ ($45.00) does the trick for most of her body! It’s a cinch to apply sunscreen to the exposed areas. And yes, we still pack a hat, such as Girl’s Packable Beach Bucket Hat ($15.00) to protect her face even further, both in and out of the water.
After the beach, and a good refreshing shower, it’s time to moisturize our skin. Atopalm Paraben-free Moisturizing Body Lotion ($30.00) won’t disappoint. It leaves your skin feeling plumped-out and silky, even when you’ve been soaking in salt or chlorinated water.
