This post on natural skincare that keeps your family healthy is sponsored by iHerb.com. The review reflects Eco Child’s Play’s honest, authentic opinion.
Warmer temperatures naturally mean more time outside. Family outings to the park or beach or simply playing in the yard expose our skin to spring and summertime environments. From bug bites to sunburns, spring skincare needs differ from winter ones. Here are 5 natural spring and summer skincare tips and products for your entire family.
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1. How to Protect Your Skin From the Sun
When the weather shifts from cold temperatures, we naturally want to be outside enjoying the beautiful weather. Our skin is used to being covered to stay warm and is especially vulnerable to exposure to the sun. Mild temperatures cause us to stay out too long without protection or forget we need protection altogether, unlike on a very hot day. I unfortunately fell victim to this mistake this weekend.
Although we need some sun exposure for vitamin D absorption, health officials recommend we spend 15 minutes a day without sun protection to prevent vitamin D deficiency. For pale winter skin, that may be too much.
Sun protection products are not created equally. Many contain toxic chemicals and nanoparticles. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) explains the concerns regarding chemical sunscreens. We refer to their hazard and safety ratings throughout the post when it’s available.
Sunscreen is a unique body care product: consumers are directed to apply a thick coat over large areas of the body and reapply frequently. Thus, ingredients in sunscreen should not be irritating or cause skin allergies, and should be able to withstand powerful UV radiation without losing their effectiveness or forming potentially harmful breakdown products. People can potentially inhale ingredients in sunscreen sprays and ingest some of the ingredients they apply to their lips, so ingredients must not be harmful to lungs or internal organs. Further, sunscreens commonly include ingredients that act as “penetration enhancers” and help the product adhere to skin. As a result, many sunscreen chemicals are absorbed into the body and can be measured in blood, breast milk and urine samples.
The Trouble With Ingredients in Sunscreens
The best advice is to cover up and only use sunscreen as needed, as well as avoid peak sun hours. Otherwise, we highly recommend the following products for sun protection for your whole family. We did not specifically select sunscreen designed for babies or children because we believe this is not necessary as long as your sun protection is natural and does not contain nanoparticles.
Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 is a broad spectrum sunscreen designed for the whole family. It contains beeswax and shea butter, which I love because it hydrates as it protects your skin from the harmful rays of the sun yet remains lightweight.
Daily Sheer Sunscreen is the perfect protection for every day wear.
The unique, natural formula provides lightweight and natural Broad Spectrum UVA + UVB protection to babies, children or anyone with extra sensitive skin.
It contains a unique combination of clear zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as physical barriers to UVA & UVB Rays while also containing Aloe, White Tea, Avocado and Jojoba Oil which are powerful soothing and moisturizing ingredients.
This non-greasy, lightweight formula is allergy tested and unscented.
A very soothing formula which glides on easily and feels so good and clean on the skin.
Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
Although the product states it is fragrance-free, I detect a slight pleasing odor from the beeswax that I adore. I especially appreciate how this sunscreen is truly sheer and doesn’t leave a white film on your skin. I hate looking like a ghost after applying sunscreen. Babo Botanicals sunscreen is:
- Hypoallergenic
- 100% Mineral Active Ingredients
- Non-Nano
Cruelty Free - Toxin Free
- Dermatologist Tested
- Natural Anti-Oxidants
- Paraben Free
- Phthalate Free
This formula is especially great for extra sensitive faces and does not cause breakouts or blemishes. EWG gives Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Mineral Sunscreen a low hazard score of 2 and says it provides moderate UVA protection. The group calls it a “top choice for sun protection”. I agree!
Babo Botanicals is a Certified B Corporation meaning they “meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.” I always trust Certified B Corporations, and I definitely recommend this product.
Tip: Don’t forget to apply to your children’s hands and feet! These are common places we forget to apply sunscreen.
No Sunscreen on Infants Under Six Months of Age
Please be advised that sunscreen is not recommended for infants under six months of age. There are three reasons for this recommendation. Furthermore, sunburns can be extremely dangerous for an infant.
- Baby’s skin is thinner, thus offering less protection from chemical ingredients in sunscreens.
- Babies lack a functioning acid mantle. The acid mantle protects the skin’s surface from bacteria, viruses, and dehydration. This includes a lack of protection from chemicals in sunscreen.
- Babies have a higher surface-to-body weight ratio than adults. In fact, the difference is about four times the ratio in adults, which makes them more susceptible to increased absorption of sunscreen chemicals. [note]https://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/children/infants[/note]
MyChelle Dermaceuticals Replenishing Solar Defense Body Lotion SPF 50
MyChelle Dermaceuticals, Replenishing Solar Defense Body Lotion, SPF 50 comes in a very large tube. Not only does it protect your skin from sunburns and damage with a 100% mineral formula, but it also hydrates too.
Replenishing Solar Defense Body Lotion SPF 50 is a 100% mineral-based, hydrating body sun protection that melts into skin delivering UVA/UVB broad-spectrum protection without leaving behind a white cast or any greasy residue. Rich in Coconut Oil and Shea Butter, skin instantly feels nourished and hydrated. Water resistant.
EWG has given this product a very low hazard score of 1!
I’ve used other MyChelle products before and have always been pleased. This Solar Defense Body Lotion does not disappoint. It has a lovely light odor, and it rubs in smoothly without leaving your skin white. I definitely recommend this product. It has everything I look for in sun protection for my family.
All of MyChelle’s sun protection line is certified non-nano and safe for coral reefs. MyChelle is a company you can trust:
- GMO-free
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Petroleum-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- Ureas-free
- No Artificial Fragrances
- No Artificial Colors
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Tip: Put sunscreen on about 30 minutes before outdoor activity. Remember to reapply when you are out in the sun for long periods of time. This is true for all sunscreens.
2. How to Treat and Heal Your Sunburn
Even with the best intentions to protect our skin, sometimes we forget to reapply our sunscreen or stay in the sun too long. Even a cloudy day can result in a sunburn.
Also, outdoor activity at a higher elevations increases your sun exposure. In fact, for every 1000 feet of altitude, your exposure increases by four percent. [note]https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_f6qid5ri[/note]It’s easy to get tricked by the cooler temperatures at higher altitudes into thinking you don’t need much sun protection, but the opposite is true.
Children, in particular, have thinner skin than adults, and thus their skin burns more easily from the sun’s rays. Sunburns can be extremely painful for children, and as a parent, you may feel guilty and helpless to offer relief.
Most sunburns are no longer painful after 48 hours, but there are some things you can do to alleviate the stinging sensation and soothe the burnt skin. Note: If your sunburn has blisters (2nd-degree burn), covers a large part of your body, “is accompanied by a high fever, headache, severe pain, dehydration, confusion, nausea or chills” you need to seek medical attention. [note]https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sunburn/expert-answers/sunburn-treatment/faq-20057815[/note]
Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera 100% Gel
Aloe Vera is well known for its healing and soothing properties for all kinds of burns. I have split open plants to apply to sunburns before, but the rough edges of the plant cause irritation. It’s much easier to buy the gel and apply.
Fruit of the Earth, Aloe Vera 100% Gel is super affordable at just under six dollars. This Aloe Vera gel soothes sunburn immediately and absorbs quickly. You can use it as often as you need. It is especially useful for little kids who have a hard time tolerating the pain of a sunburn.
Cooling soothing gel from nature’s miracle plant of the ages. Made from fresh Aloe Vera leaves. Forms a protective barrier which helps retain moisture and promotes healing. Non-Oily Moisturizer provides effective relief from Sunburn, Minor Burns, Skin Irritation, Insect Bites, Chafing, Itching, Dry Skin.
Fruit of the Earth, Aloe Vera 100% Gel
As I previously mentioned, I made the foolish mistake last weekend of not wearing sun protection and got a sunburn on my neck, shoulders, and back. I immediately put Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera gel on it. It was cooling and soothing. The effects were long-lasting, and it sped up my healing. The hydrating qualities prevented my skin from peeling after the sunburn went away.
EWG gives this product a low hazard score of 3, although some of the preservative ingredients on their own score higher. Without the preservatives, this product would require refrigeration and have a shorter shelf life.
Tip: Apply Aloe Vera gel as soon as you notice redness from sunburn. Apply as often as needed.
Boericke & Tafel Califlora First Aid & Sunburn Calendula Gel
Another amazing gel for relieving and healing sunburns is Boericke & Tafel Califlora First Aid & Sunburn Calendula Gel. I used this product on the day after my recent sunburn. I was impressed with how well it soothed my skin and offered pain relief. It is a homeopathic remedy.
Califlora gel is the ideal natural pain reliever for a wide variety of skin conditions. It contains a therapeutic 10% tincture of Calendula officinalis, which has been used effectively in herbal and homeopathic form for centuries. It helps to soothe, cool and
Boericke & Tafel Califlora First Aid & Sunburn Calendula Gelrelieve sunburn, windburn, other minor burnsand chapped or irritated skin.
The product label does warn against using this on your breasts if you are breastfeeding and advises to consult a doctor before using on a child under two-years-old. It also cautions against using on “broken skin”.
Calendula has amazing healing abilities. From anti-inflammation to anti-oxidant properties, this beautiful orange flower should be part of any spring and summer skincare routine (and garden). I definitely recommend this calendula gel.
Tip: Use the calendula gel in conjunction with the aloe vera gel to get the healing properties of both.
Elizavecca Hyaluronic Acid 100%
Hyaluronic Acid has become trendy in facial products as the key to smooth, flawless skin. It’s actually something our bodies produce. Our skin cells product hyaluronic acid to help maintain moisture. This powerful ingredient has been dubbed a “magnet for moisture”.
Elle Magazine explains:
Just a single gram of Hyaluronic Acid has the impressive ability to hold up to six (yep, six) litres of water. Add to that, a super smart ability to regulate that moisture within the cells, so as not to drown them and you’ve got one genius ingredient.
Elizavecca Hyaluronic Acid is 100% pure. It is super concentrated, so this bottle will last you forever. You only need to use two or three drops on your fingertips, then apply to the face. It helps with preventing premature aging from sunburns.
This product is perfect for after sun care on your face, although you can use it anywhere on your body. It forms a protective layer on your skin, soothes the sunburn, and prevents dehydration of your skin which promotes healing and prevents peeling. I really love the way my face feels after I have applied it. It’s soft and nourished.
EWG gives hyaluronic acid a very low hazard score of 1.
Tip: Be careful to avoid your eyes when applying. Use this product when you have been in the sun a lot, even if a burn is not present. It’s best to avoid direct sunlight after using, so make it part of your nighttime routine during the spring and summer. It’s definitely become part of mine, as I love to be outside!
3. How to Protect and Treat Bug Bites
Spring and summer also mean the return of pesky insects that bite like mosquitoes, spiders, ants, ticks, gnats, etc. Many of these insects carry diseases. Picnics and dinner cookouts put our families outside during dusk hours when the bugs are bad and hard to avoid.
Children, in particular, seem prone to bug bites. Their bites may swell up, and they often have difficulty restraining from scratching.
Chemicals used in most bug sprays are very toxic. Of particular concern is DEET. DEET is considered “generally safe” although studies have found the following effects:
- Brain cell death
- Skin Rashes
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Lack of concentration
- Numb lips
- Muscle coordination
- Learning problems
- Memory dysfunction4
In the US, repellents can contain up to 99% DEET. You don’t have to resort to toxic chemicals to repel mosquitoes and other pesky bugs.
Aunt Fannie’s Mosquito Wipes
Aunt Fannies Mosquito Wipes uses the power of peppermint oil to repel insects. What I really like about this product is that it’s not a spray or lotion but a wipe. I find this easier to apply and better for my son who has some sensory issues. I have never seen a mosquito wipe before now!
We are microcosmic. Each of us is our own microbiome, with gazillions of invisible allies that keep us sage and strong. Even “Natural” products can disrupt it. Stay safe and be strong with Aunt Fannie’s. Modern products millions of years in the making.
Aunt Fannies Mosquito Wipes
This product is not recommended for babies under six months of age for the same reason sunscreen is not advised.
These wipes not only repel mosquitoes, but they also work with black flies, gnats, and ticks! There are ten individually wrapped wipes in each package, and wipe is effective for four hours. I love how non-messy they are to use.
Tip: Make sure you wash your hands after using the wipes so you do not accidentally touch your eyes. Peppermint oil in the eye is very unpleasant. You can also wipe down your clothing if the mosquitoes are biting through your garments.
Earth’s Care Anti-Itch Cream with Shea Butter and Almond Oil
To stop kids from scratching bug bites until they are reddened, swollen, and sometimes bleeding, try Earth’s Care Anti-Itch Cream with Shea Butter and Almond Oil.
An added bonus is this product works on poison oak and ivy rashes, as well as sunburns too!
Earth’s Care Anti-Itch Cream is a powerful combination of Natural Menthol and Natural Camphor-two ingredients proven to alleviate itching. Menthol provides a dual cooling/warming effect while Camphor soothes the itchy area. Both work quickly and naturally to desensitize sensory nerves so the itch sensation is suppressed
Earth’s Care Anti-Itch Cream with Shea Butter and Almond Oil.. Suitable for daily use, this proprietary non-greasy formula contains no steroids, phthalates or parabens.
This product is not designed for children under two years of age.
The shea butter and almond oil are very hydrating and soothing to the skin working well where scratching has already occurred. The camphor and menthol work quickly to get rid of the itchy sensation.
Obviously, scratching poison oak is a bad idea, as it spreads the rash. Doctors also advise against scratching bug bites. When you scratch, it actually makes the bug bite itch more! Histamine causes the itching, and when accompanied with more scratching, more histamine is released! As with anytime the surface of the skin is broken, if a bite is scratched until it bleeds, infection risks go up.
It can be very difficult to get a child not to scratch their bug bites, especially if they already display some obsessive behaviors. This product relieves the itch fast.
Tip: Give your child their own tube of Earth’s Care Anti-Itch Cream with Shea Butter and Almond Oil. This will empower them to use it as need and control their own response to the itch learning self-control. As a school teacher, I have seen children obsess over their bites to the point of distraction. This cream could solve that!
4. How Treat Minor Scrapes and Wounds
Who doesn’t remember the skinned knees of childhood? Playing outside does not come without danger for minor abrasions. Riding bikes, roller skating, sports, and skateboards all can lead to owies when hitting the ground.
Some kids can be overly dramatic when it comes to their reaction to owies. It’s best to let them express their emotions and offer assurances. Clean any wounds, then apply one of the products featured below.
NutriBiotic Skin & Wound Spray with Grapefruit Seed Extract
NutriBiotic is a company I have long supported and trusted. I credit their grapefruit seed extract with getting rid of my pesky toenail fungus. I rely on their throat spray for every sore throat. Their Skin & Wound Spray does not disappoint!
NutriBiotic Skin & Wound Spray with Grapefruit Seed Extract provides a gentle mist designed for easy application without having to touch irritated skin, which is helpful when dealing with small children or squeamish adults. Skin & Wound Spray is also an excellent after-shave product as it helps the skin to feel refreshed.
NutriBiotic Skin & Wound Spray with Grapefruit Seed Extract
Using the power of tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract, and lemon, this first aid spray is great for use on rashes, cuts, burns, insect bites, and itchy feet, as well as other minor skin irritations. It’s wonderful for supporting healthy skin tissues and healing. I highly recommend it!
Tip: Shake before using and remind your child of the gentleness of this product before applying. It is sure to calm their shaken nerves from whatever fall caused their scrapes.
Sovereign Silver First Aid Gel
Silver has amazing healing and anti-bacterial properties. It has long been used by the medical field to wound dressing and as a coating on medical instruments. This Sovereign Silver First Aid Gel taks that power and uses it to treat a large array of skin issues:
- Burning
- Stinging
- Itching
- Redness
- Stiffness and pain from minor wounds
- Minor Burns
- Bruises
- Ulcerations (minor cuts and scrapes)
- Blisters
- Bug Bites
- Skin eruptions from acne, eczema or infection
- Rashes
Sovereign Silver First Aid Gel works fast to relieve pain, calm inflammation, fight skin infections, and promote healing of minor wounds. This truly is amazing stuff I highly recommend! It should be in every first aid kit.
This silver gel absorbs quickly into the skin and has no odor. This truly is an amazing product that is very effective at treating so many different skin conditions. I cannot rave about this product enough! It is so versatile
Tip: Apply three times a day for maximum efficacy.
5. How to Soothe and Heal Dry, Over Exposed Skin
As we spend more time outside, even if we avoid all of the above-mentioned conditions, our skin still takes a beating. From swimming to digging in the garden, our skin dries out quickly when the weather warms. Add in extra hand washing and walking barefoot, and soon our extremities get cracked and dry. Sometimes we need deep moisturization, especially on our feet, hands, and joints.
Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream
I have long trusted Weleda Skin Food for my most challenging skin hydration needs. It goes with me on every backpacking trip, as well as travels abroad. I don’t leave home without it!
In fact, a few years ago I traveled to Italy with my mother. She had these sores on her legs, and her skin was very dry and cracked. I told her to try my Skin Food. She was amazed how in the morning her legs looked so good! She immediately ordered two tubes of her own!
The ultimate whole body moisturizer for dry, rough skin. Intensively hydrates with extracts of rosemary, chamomile and pansy in a nourishing base of sunflower and sweet almond oils to help unlock the look of radiance and give you a healthy-looking glow.
Our Commitment to You
No animal testing
Free from parabens and phthalates
Free from synthetic preservatives and fragrances
Skin Food’s miraculous formula has been transforming the look and feel of skin since 1926.
Weleda Skin Food
I strongly believe in Weleda’s ethics as a personal care company. The long history and quality ingredients, as well as their commitment to sustainability, gain my support for all of their products.
EWG gives Skin Food a hazard score of 4, the highest of any of the products we reviewed. The natural fragrance in the product raises the score. A majority of the ingredients rate as a 1.
Skin food is so nourishing and healing! I can’t live without it!
In conclusion, many of the products featured above have multiple benefits other than the categories in which they were placed. For example, they work on sunburns and bug bites. You really cannot go wrong with any of them, especially if you order from iHerb.com. They offer offers customer service 24 hours a day / 7 days a week in 10 different languages. Their discounts and loyalty program saves you lots of money!
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