With the rising cost of living, fuel, and food, beach vacations, and travel may not be an option for your family, but you can still get outside and get some fresh air and vitamin D no matter where you are.

Forty percent of people are deficient in vitamin D. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin D for an adult is 800-1000 IU. Doctors recommend a diet rich in vitamin D foods along with 5-15 minutes of unprotected midday sun several times per week since regular sun exposure is the simplest and most natural way to get vitamin D. If you have darker skin or live further from the equator where the sun’s rays are not as strong, you may need more than 15 minutes outside.

Chemical vs Mineral Sunscreen

Chemical Sunscreen

Chemical UV filter sunscreens contain toxins such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, and octocrylene to aid in absorbing the sun’s rays safely but are then absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream.

These chemicals can also be inadvertently passed to babies through the breast milk of nursing mothers. Potential side effects of these toxins in chemical sunscreens include neurological, hormonal, and reproductive problems or inflammation in the brain causing cognitive impairment.

Mineral Sunscreen

Mineral sunscreen reflects the sun’s UV rays instead of absorbing them like chemical sunscreen. The active ingredient in mineral sunscreen is usually titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Mineral sunscreens are considered safer than toxin-filled chemical sunscreens but can leave a white residue on the skin (and clothing) and make the skin feel sticky.

BEWARE of products advertised as “pure” and “natural”!

The terminology and symbols on the ingredient panel of sunscreen and other health and beauty products can be difficult to translate.

Some products may be advertised as “Natural” or “Pure” but can still contain toxic ingredients. There is little to no regulation on the labeling of products this way.

Learn ways to decode these labels by educating yourself on labeling terms and symbols or using an app like EWG‘s Healthy Living app.

My Top 4 Mineral Sunscreen Picks:

*Kiss My Face Kids Defense Continuous Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50

*Supergoop 100% Mineral Sunscreen Mist, SPF 30

*ATTITUDE Mineral Baby and Kids Sunscreen Lotion, Fragrance-free, SPF 30

*Love Sun Body Natural Mineral Sunscreen, Fragrance-free, SPF 50

For other safe, toxin-free sunscreens, check out EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens.

Choose Wisely

So when you are able to get outside, don’t forget to protect yourself and your little ones from the sun AND from harsh toxins and chemicals by choosing a clean, mineral-based sunscreen.

I have filled you in on my favorites and I would love to hear what your favorites are too!