Staying Safe in the Summer Sun
With the Victoria Day long weekend in the rear-view mirror, June upon us, and with the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel in sight, it’s time to take a look at some of our summer favourites. Here are a few things that will keep you and your little ones safe, comfortable, and happy all summer long.
Safe Sunscreens for Fun in the Sun
Applying sunscreen should be an Olympic event. It requires patience, skill, grit, and a little bit of luck to get a squirming child adequately covered. While we can’t make your little one love the process, we do provide safe options to give you peace of mind.
But with sunscreen, comes questions. Which is the best for me and my family? Is a higher SPF better? What even is SPF?!
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. This number tells you how long the sun’s UVB rays would take to burn your skin if you apply the sunscreen as directed compared with the amount of time without sunscreen. SPF numbers can be misleading. Remember these are tested within lab conditions, so different environmental variables can greatly change the efficacy. A higher SPF can also lull people into a false senses of security. Sunscreen does not prevent burning, but delays it. This is why it is important to reapply as needed and take breaks from sitting in the sun.
More information on SPF can be found through the Environmental Working Group.
Many conventional sunscreens contain chemicals that can penetrate the skin and cause reactions or even disrupt hormones. Our line of mineral sunscreens avoid these troublesome ingredients using safer ingredients like zinc oxide.
Green Beaver Natural Mineral Sunscreen Spray
What’s in it:
Zinc Oxide, Sunflower Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glyceryl Isostearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Silica, Jojoba Esters, D-alpha Tocopheryl acetate, Raspberry Seed Oil
Safety Check:
SPF 27. Approved by Health Canada, Hypoallergenic, Non-greasy, Non-nano, Non-silicone coated, Non-Whitening, Biodegradable and Reef Safe. Contains natural and organic ingredients certified by ECOCERT Greenlife. Cruelty Free, GMO Free and Vegan.
Why We Love It
Made for kids on the go, Green Beaver has made a spray sunscreen to make it easier for parents to apply quickly. Spend less time wrestling little ones and more time having fun in the sun!
What’s in It:
Zinc Oxide (non-nano), aloe barbadensis leaf juice, capric caprylic triglycerides, sorbitan stearate (coconut based), pine wood resin, vegetable glycerin, cetyl dimethicone, hydrogenated castor oil , magnesium sulfate (epsom salt), sunflower oil, jojoba oil, ascorbic acid (vitamin c) , tocopherols (vitamin e), olive oil, raspberry seed oil, cranberry seed oil, hyaluronic acid (made from vegetable), glucose & glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase, papaya
Safety Check:
SPF 50, Broadspectrum UVA and UVB protection, 80-minutes of water resistance, non-aerosol formulation, easily absorbed, free of biologically harmful chemicals, no animal by-products or testing.
Why We Love It
Thinkbaby provides a physical sunscreen, meaning it is active as soon as it is applied. It maintains protection for up to 80 minutes of water immersion, making it ideal for beach days and pool time. It has a smooth glide and applies easily.
What’s in it
Zinc oxide, Soyabean oil, Calendula flowers, St. Johnswort flowers, Jojoba oil, Seasme Seed oil, Green Tea extract, Grapeseed extract, Glycerin, Shea Butter, Vitamin E Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Capryl Glycol, Sorbic Acid, Deionized Water, Lavender, Citronella essential oils
Safety Check:
SPF 30. Broadspectrum UVA/ UVB protection. Available scented or unscented. Water-resistant formulation.
Why We Love It
Substance Sunscreen features natural oils like shea butter, sesame seed and jojoba to give additional sun protection that also moisturizes and soothes sensitive skin. Other ingredients like calendula, grapeseed, and green tea extract can help to soothe overexposed skin. Essential oils like citronella can also offer protection from bugs!
For more information on Sunscreen Safety, check out this report from the Environmental Working Group.
Sun Protective Clothing
Of course, sunscreen is just one tool in your arsenal of sun protection. The right clothing can also protect your little ones from harmful UV rays. We are happy to offer a whole line of sun protective clothing, so you can maximize your fun and minimize your risk!
Current Tyed Rashguard Sunsuit
These rashguard suits are made from breathable and stretchy Oeko-Tex certified chemical free fabrics.
Why We Love It
Tyed Sunsuits are UPF 50+ UV Rated for optimal sun protection. They are lightweight, breathable, and quick drying, making them perfect for all-day wear. These sunsuits feature adorable designs and are chlorine and fade resistant.
Current Tyed Rashguard Tops & Rashguard Boardies
Just like the sunsuit, the Tyed rashguard top and boardies are designed as beachwear. They have the same great features and are designed to fit at the higher end of sizing to ensure the maximum longevity for your little ones.
Why We Love It
Both the top and boardies are UPF 50+ UV rated and made with ultra-soft, chemical free breathable materials. These feature a unique 4-way stretch to ensure an easy on-off process and make getting ready a breeze!
Beat The Bugs
Nothing beats spending time outdoors during the warm summer months. But even the most idyllic summer activities can quickly be ruined by uninvited guests: bugs.
Is it too much to ask to enjoy the warm weather without worrying about bug bites? We don’t think so. That’s why we’ve got you covered with Citrobug, a 100% natural mosquito repellent bug spray.
Why We Love It
Citrobug is biodegradable. It’s DEET, alcohol, and water free. It’s the most effective natural bug repellent available on the Canadian market to date. Citrobug repels mosquitos, ticks, fruit flies, and many other uninvited guests from ruining your day out in the sunshine.
Substance Eucalyptus Summer Spray
A nice, light moisturizing spray that leaves you feeling refreshed is always a treat on a hot summer day. But this one from substance also has all-natural essential oils known to repel insects. Now that's refreshing!
Why We Love It
The Eucalyptus Summer Spray is long-lasting and safe for daily use. It contains only natural ingredients, including Neem, Eucalyptus, Citronella, Cedar Wood, and Lavender, all of which are known to repel mosquitos, black flies, and other insects.
Questions? Suggestions? Ideas?
We love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below, send us an e-mail or give us a call with any questions about staying safe and having fun all summer long!
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