fun in the sun?

With all the rain in Chicago lately, I find myself soggy with dreams of sunshine-filled days at the beach and parks. But with fun in the sun, comes the need for sun protection. Instead of blindly placing another order for California Baby, which is what everyone was asking for, I decided to put on my detective cap and do some research.

I’m all about increasing awareness and educating parents in a non-judgmental way. To that end, I want to know what our products contain because, after all, we are going to slather it all over our beloved bebés. I can't take that product choice lightly - I have to get it right.

My research led me to the Environmental Working Group where I dived head-first into the world of sunscreen technology. Before I knew it, the acronyms started to overwhelm me. UVB, UVA, UVC, SPF, BPA, PCR . . . lions and tigers and bears, oh my! I blindly assumed that a high SPF meant higher overall sun protection. Am I right?

WRONG. (damn!)

SPF ratings only measure UVB protection, (or the ability to prevent the sun’s rays from physically burning the skin). UVA rays are not rated on sunscreen containers, yet arguably more harmful than UVB rays. Here's more detailed info on UV rays ---> UVB & UVA

In summary, UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and UVA are linked to skin cancer.  UVA rays' destruction to skin is not readily visible. Instead, the biochemical make-up of skin cells are quietly changing. It's THAT biochemical change researchers link to skin cancer and carcinoma. You
can rub yourself silly with the newest SPF 100 sunscreen (which they now make and is totally misleading), but if you don’t protect against UVA, the chances of ending up with skin cancer are increased. To be blunt, you may as well cover yourself in butter a’la Cosmo Kramer.  What’s worse, UVA rays are sneaky. They don’t care what the weather is, what season it is or if you just scored the window seat inside at your favorite bistro. UVA rays penetrate rain, snow, clouds & glass and are harmful all year round. 

don't rub it in

And that's not all - so buckle up. In 2010, as many 200 sunscreens from 44 manufacturers contain retinyl palmitate (a form of Vitamin A). Sounds pretty healthy right? It’s got the word “vitamin” in it, so it’s gotta be good for you!

WRONG AGAIN. (DAMN!!!)

Now, I hate to be a downer, but this is REALLY IMPORTANT. Federal researchers concluded, “retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A found in sunscreens, speeds the development of skin tumors and lesions when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight”.

Come again? Yep, you read it right. An ingredient in over 200 sunscreens on store shelves actually speeds up skin cancer formation when exposed to sunlight. I suppose if you plan to wear your sunscreen indoors, you'll be fine.

Are. you. kidding. me. 

more bad news eminent?

By now most of us have also heard about BPA and Phthalates and how when combined with heat leach toxins. I wonder if the same is true for packaging for skin care products, not just your Avent bottle. Since sunscreen bottles tend to sit out in high temperatures on sun decks and in beach bags – is it safe to assume it's also important that those containers are BPA and Phthalate free? Still waiting on that one.

making it easy
 
After this news, my head was spinning faster than the little girl in the Exorcist. I didn’t want that for you. When practical, choose ahead of time what you want, and locate where it can be purchased. When that's not possible, here are some tips for those impromptu trips down the sunscreen aisle:

• UVA and UVB protection
• SPF & UVB = SunBurn
• UVA = Always needed
  
• BPA & Phthalate–free package
• NO Vitamin A or Retinyl Palimate

 
pandora's box

You see how this has opened up a Pandora’s box! I have to know what’s in EVERYTHING now. Currently, we are researching bath wash, lotion, diaper cream & diaper wipes. I gotta tell you, after looking around my own home – I am in shock. The tube of lotion in my daughter’s room with promising graphics of oatmeal & soy, infering purity and dermatologist & pediatrician recommendations, sports a toxicity rating of 6 (considered HIGH hazard). Mmm, brand imaging at it’s finest. I’d like to meet these dermatologists & pediatricians and give them a knuckle sandwich. Also, animal lover that I am, I learned that this company actively conducts animal testing. Um, have I just been punched in the face? I was completely blindsided. Needless to say, that tube of lotion has a new home in a dark recycling bin under my kitchen counter. The new bottle doesn’t look quite as nice sitting on the shelf, but my daughter will thank me for it when she’s 30.

well you don't need to rub it in
 
As a retailer of children's products, I feel it’s our duty to educate customers, not just make a quick sale. It really gets my goat when scare tactics are used to increase a store's bottom line. And please don’t mistake my passion for preaching. With the unexplained illnesses our children face, (autism, cancer, aspergers, sensory processing disorder and more), I want do to everything in my power to educate the public…and hopefully eradicate harmful toxins as much as possible. I have done the research and present it to you in bite-sized portions. The goal is simple. Provide consumers with the tools to find products their families love with the lowest toxicity. The next time you are surfing the baby aisle to replenish your baby lotion, you can feel confident in your choice. If you can trade in your level 6 toxic product for a 2 or 3, then I’ve done my job!

**click here to download file**

In the next coming posts, you will see rating numbers, product brand names & photos, the toxicity concerns and whether or not they conduct animal testing. There will also be a little green baby icon next to the products we carry or plan to carry. Our product selection was determined by several factors: organic, low toxicity, brand recognition, FDA approved, NO animal testing and BPA-free or recycled containers wherever possible at the lowest possible cost.

Fun in the sun? Absolutely! ...with the right tools.