May 20, 2008
If you live in a climate where summer is approaching, your baby's face arms and legs will be exposed to more sun, dirt, sand, salt or chlorine water, and who knows what else.
That's why the premiere issue of Organic Baby Resource's newsletter, Organic Baby News, is all about caring for your baby's soft, delicate skin.
In This Issue:
- Feature Article: Soaking up the Sun Safely
- Product Review: Nature's Paradise Organic Baby Skin Care
- Green Parenting Tip of the Month
- Quote of The Month
Feature Article: Soaking up the Sun Safely
Whether you're hitting the beach or the backyard barbecue, protecting your baby's skin from the summer sun is probably on your mind. However, before you reach for that baby sunscreen, here are some facts to consider.
The sun was created for good.
The sun has gotten such a bad rap in over the past few decades, that we sometimes forget about its natural benefits.
In addition to being a source of intense heat and ultraviolet rays, the sun bathes us with Vitamin D.
Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption, promotes strong bones, and has been linked to the prevention and treatment of numerous immune deficiencies and cancers. To name a few: lymphoma, prostate, lung and even skin cancer.
If you're like me, you may be wondering how the same sun that causes skin cancer, can prevent skin cancer. After reading several articles with conflicting medical and scientific opinions, I conclude the answer lies in the form of balance.
None of us should bake in the sun, because prolonged exposure to Ultraviolet rays is one of the major causes of skin cancer. However, avoiding the sun entirely could lead to serious health complications.
It is overexposure to the sun that leads to sunburn, and sunburn in the first 10 - 18 years dramatically increases the chances of getting skin cancer in the form of melanoma later in life.
Your baby needs time in the sun each day.
The book entitled, You Staying Young, written by Michael Roizen , M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. recommends 15-20 minutes a day of unprotected sun exposure.
Sunscreens with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 8 or higher block the benefits of the vitamin D, so consider forgoing it for this small period of time each day.
The darker your baby's complexion, the more exposure they need. However, most sources are not clear about how much more. My daughter and I try to get 20 - 30 minutes per day by taking a walk or running errands.
Most sunscreens, including the ones meant for babies, contain noxious chemicals.
Chemicals called phthalates are found in many skin care products as fragrances. They are also prevalent in sunscreens. Preliminary studies suggest phthalates could dramatically alter hormone balance and physical development in humans.
You'll also want to avoid parabens (methyl, ethyl, butyl, propyl), which have been associated with the growth of tumors and cancer.
Alan Greene, MD, author of Raising Baby Green, says chemicals in many sunscreens can have estrogen-like qualities and should be avoided. Benzophenone, homosalate and octyl-methyoxycinnamate are three estrogenic sunscreen ingredients you want to avoid.
Alternatively, he recommends using natural mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients. He says these minerals create a physical barrier and stay on top of the skin rather than being absorbed by the skin.
However, if a new technology called nano-particles is involved, the skin can absorb them. So look for the nano-free on label if you choose to use sunscreen.
You may find it unsettling to know that other sources dispute the safety of mineral sunscreens at all, saying the sun's rays cause zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to release free radicals that can attack the skin cells.
The book entitled Sunscreen Photobiology—Molecular, Cellular and Physiological Aspects, suggests that particles as large as 220 nanometers can be absorbed by the skin. This would mean the titanium dioxide and zinc oxide can get into the body, possibly carrying the UVA and UVB rays with it.
The Bottom Line: Making a Decision
As a parent, I find neither sunburn nor free radicals to be an acceptable option. However, you must consider your baby's risk factors and come up with a solution that brings you peace of mind. Contact your sunscreen manufacturer if you have further questions about the ingredients they've chosen to use.
If you've decided to look for an alternative sunscreen, check out the cosmetic safety database. According to this website created by the Environmental Working Group, California Baby's line of sun care products are among the safest.
Once you've found a sunscreen you are comfortable with, follow the manufacturer's instructions on how much and how often you should apply.
Always spot test the sunscreen for allergic reactions before applying it all over your baby. Most manufacturers recommend waiting until your baby is older than six months to use sunscreen.
Regardless of where you stand on sunscreen, one thing scientific researchers agree on is that sunscreen alone is not enough to protect you and your baby from the sun. Read this article for more natural ways to protect your baby and toddler from the sun.
Product Review of The Month:
Natures Paradise Organic Baby Skin Care
When your baby has sensitive skin, finding skin care products can be a chore. We tried and like the certified organic baby care line by Natures Paradise. We tried the scented line first, which has a heavenly coconut smell.
Unfortunately, the coconut extract used to fragrance the product was a little much for my daughter's sensitive skin. I noticed small bumps on her skin after using the product. It was nothing alarming. I just knew she needed something gentler.
I called the company and told them what happened and they exchanged it for the unscented line at no additional cost to me.
The Natures Paradise unscented line works well for us. We especially like the foaming body wash and the diaper rash cream, which we are finding has many additional uses. We also use the body lotion, massage oil, and hand sanitizer for babies.
Would you like to read a full product review of Nature's Paradise skin care products?
Green Parenting Tip of the Month
Bathe with a loofah.
Are you looking for a green way to keep your own skin clean? Try a loofah sponge. Did you know the loofah was a plant related to the cucumber? Furthermore, you can grow it yourself, and make your own sponges. Can you get any greener than that?
Check out this article on greenlivingtips.com for more information about growing and making your own loofah sponge.
Of course, you can always buy a loofah and still feel good about using less hand towels and non-degradable sponges around the house.
Quote of The Month:
In light of this month's skin care theme, I couldn't resist sharing the lines from one of my favorite playtime songs. This song by The Persuasions from the CD entitled On the Good Ship Lollipop teaches children to appreciate all of their parts-including their skin.I'm so glad I've got skin. I'm so glad I've got skin. I'm so glad I've got skin. 'cause that's what keeps my insides in.
I'm so glad I've got a face. I'm so glad I've got a face. I'm so glad I've got a face. Because I am a member of the human race.
I hope you enjoyed our first edition of Organic Baby News.
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Finally, let me know what you'd like to read about in this newsletter. I'm happy to answer some of your burning questions and share some of the tips I receive from you.
Until the next time,
Erika
Organic Mom and Publisher
http://www.organic-baby-resource.com