My family just got home from a few days away with my parents in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. We knew we would be outside for at least part of the day. On the way there, we had a discussion about all of the yucky stuff that’s in sunscreen. My mom commented that they usually buy the kind that’s made for kids. Not only do you get better protection, you also avoid some of the nasty chemicals that are in adult sunscreen. Some. Not all.
I’ve been doing some reading about some of the benefits of sunshine and the dangers of sunscreen. I know that soaking up some sun is the best way for our bodies to make vitamin D naturally. I WANT us to get outside so that we can do that. But I also know that the sun’s rays can be damaging. We used to just spray on the sunscreen. After reading about the harmful side effects of some sunscreens, I hesitate.
So how are we supposed to balance staying safe from overdoing the sunshine and reaping the benefits of the sun? We like to take in the outdoors early in the morning or after 4 p.m. This allows us to enjoy the sunny days without being out in the intense rays. Plus I just don’t like the sticky, hot middle of the day. đ So I’m good with being inside during the warmest hours.
Our hotel for this week had an awesome water play area for kids. Emma was determined to get out there and splash in the fountains. So we opted to head out after dinner. The sun was heading down. It was still warm. She got to play. Win-win.
Better Products
We can’t always avoid the midday sunshine during the summer months. So when we do have to use sunscreen, I want to use something that’s safe.
I just found out that Banana BoatÂŽ has started making Natural Reflect, the first mass brand sunscreen that offers sun protection using naturally sourced sunscreen actives that deflect UVA and UVB rays. Three cheers from this family!
- Itâs oxybenzone, PABA and paraben free and uses 100% naturally-sourced mineral sunscreen.
- It provides protection against sunburn and helps prevent long-term skin damage.
- Itâs a great option for children and babies â the baby and kids formulas are pediatrician tested and gentle on sensitive skin.
- It’s water resistant (up to 80 minutes).
101 Days of Summer Play
To celebrate summer fun (in the sun!), Banana BoatÂŽ has launched 101 Days of Summer Play. This is a seasonal campaign to encourage families across the US to create and capture happy, healthy summer memories, while highlighting the importance of sun protection.
Pledge to enjoy fun outdoor fun with your family every day, all summer long. Each pledge taken will trigger a donation of one bottle of sunscreen to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp â a nonprofit organization that provides camp experiences for children coping with cancer and other serious illnesses. You can click here to pledge, triggering your donation.
In addition to the pledge, the Banana BoatÂŽ Facebook page provides parents with an activity guide that offers easy and fun ways to spend time with your family outside every day this summer. Click here for your activity guide.
You can also enter the 101 Days of Summer Play Weekly Photo Contest on Facebook. Submit your best photos of you and your family enjoying fun in the sun for a chance to win some great prizes. And be sure to enter for the grand prize â an all-expense paid adventure vacation to the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming! Now THAT’S summer fun!
This post content was sponsored, but all opinions are my own… especially those about hot, sticky days being yucky.
Jenn says
I live in Arizona and use naturally sourced sunscreens called Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, both of which are the two active ingredients in Banana Boat’s Natural Reflect. They are far superior to chemical sunscreens in blocking UVA/UVB rays and not irritating skin. I cannot put a chemical based sunscreen on my face without stinging and breaking out. It’s nice to see I can find one for my body too.
Jennifer says
Thanks, Jenn! I love that these are natural, and I totally get the problems with the chemical-based ones. Thanks for chiming in with your experience.