What kind of sunscreen do you use?
I’ve been asked this question a few times lately and I thought I’d share the answer here …
None.
That’s right - all summer, we haven’t used sunscreen.
I know your next question - how many burns have you all had?
None.
That’s right - all summer, no sunscreen, no burns.
Yes, I do own sunscreen. After seeing the Environmental Working Group’s Summer 2010 Sunscreen Guide, we bought some Badger SPF 15 sunscreen, but haven’t yet used it.
Want to know my sun rules?
- Out of the sun by 11 AM - short walks are okay (ie. heading home from the park or a friends’ house)
- If outside between 11AM and 4PM, make sure it’s somewhere with plenty of shade - very little sun exposure. Toddlers do NOT understand the concept of “stay in the shade, honey!”
- Outside again after 4PM
- Hats in the sun are a must
That’s it. Seriously. All summer we have played outside before 11 and after 4, making sure we’re in the shade if we’re outside between those hours. It may seem difficult, but I’d rather respect the power of the sun than slather chemicals on me or the kids in order to protect us. And it hasn’t been hard … it’s mostly been the opposite. We’ve been following a daily rhythm with times built in to enjoy outdoor play and indoor play, respecting our bodies’ need to rest when it’s hottest outside - have you ever had any luck with asking a toddler to come sit down it’s too hot to run around? I haven’t! It also means we’re getting sun exposure to give us Vitamin D.
I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the summer without sunscreen 
