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Soakin’ in the Summer Sun

Natural Sunscreen

In choosing a natural sunscreen labeling reading is our number one ally. The active ingredients in sunscreens are either chemical- or mineral-based. The mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and offer broad-spectrum effectiveness. Mineral based sunscreens are often well tolerated and cause few allergic reactions.

There is now the option of organic or made with organic ingredient sunscreens. Sunscreens that have the USDA Organic Seal, have meet the National Organics Standards Board, which bans the use of harmful pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and genetic.

The FDA (2007) has approved 17 chemicals for use in sunscreen. Here are some ingredients that due to controversial research results you may want to avoid and do further research on:

• Benzophenone-3, also known as Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate, also called Octyl-methoxycinnamate
• Homosalate
• PABA, Padimate-O, also called octyl dimethyl PABA

Eco-Friendly Clothing

Look for protective clothing made from eco-friendly fabrics and materials. This is another great area to put the 3R’s into action and look for clothing that you already own or choose vintage / recycled clothing.

Tips for protective clothing

• A tighter weave offers more protection as it will block more of the sun’s rays
• Thicker fabrics offer more protection as they too block more of the sun’s rays
• Darker colors will also offer great protection over lighter colors
• Hemp & bamboo fabrics offer natural UV protection
• A loose fit will offer additional protection as the space between the fabric and skin will allow the sun’s rays to diffuse

Stylish Sun Hats

One of the easiest and most stylish ways to protect ourselves from the sun is with a great sun hat. Again, this is area where we can seek to put into practice the 3R’s.

Tips for A stylish & Eco-Friendly sunhat

• A wide brim
• Tight weave
• Dark colors
• Natural materials and again, hemp & bamboo fabrics offer natural UV protection

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Sun Friendly Behavior Tips

• Seek the shade.
• Plan outdoor activities before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.; it is at these times the sun’s rays are less intense.
• If your shadow is shorter than you are, you are more likely to sunburn.
• Even on cloudy days continue to practice good sun care habits. As even on cloudy days one can get sunburned.

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Photo credit — Sun protection on the beach, ^©iStock.com/kazina; Straw sun hat, ^©iStock.com/dlerick