Here Comes the Sun... Making Rays Safe and Fun

by Emily Bartlett, L.Ac.
August 10, 2008

Emily Bartlett, L.AcIt's SUMMER! Here in Southern California, this season comes late but stays long into the autumn months. Whether you are taking that well-deserved time away from work, or your kids are off at summer camp, getting sunshine is important and fun... But DON'T FORGET THE SUNSCREEN!!! And please heed the following summer guidelines:

  • Burn is bad. - Why experts may disagree about the pros and cons of sunshine, the bottom line is that you should avoid sun burns which are directly linked to melanoma and severe sun damage.
  • Timing is key. - Big hot sun-glaring hours should be avoided when possible. The safest summer sun is before 9am and after 4pm when you can bask in healthy rays without (gasp!) sun block. But if your beach picnic is at noon, just go equipped with lots of healthy sunscreen, hats, and shade options as well as cool water and fruit to stay hydrated.
  • Choose your weapon - Sunscreen with micro-ionized zinc is the safest substance that keeps free radicals at bay while also working wonders at blocking sun. Don't give into the temptation of those invisible spray-on lotions that are neat and convenient but also toxic. We recommend Badger, an all-natural, great smelling sunscreen made with micro-ionized zinc, natural emollients, and essential oils.
  • Bigger the better? - The number of SPF is not an entirely accurate measure of how well your creams with do the job. Choose at least SPF 15, but go higher for especially fair skin or long days. The key is to reapply the block regularly for usual summer activities involving sweat, water, and extended sun exposure.
  • Oh Baby! - For the most part, keep your baby out of direct sun and refrain from anything but the most natural sun block until 6 months of age. Unless mom was deficient, baby is born with a liver full of vitamin D which is a fat soluble vitamin stored in the body, and will continue to get some D if breastfeeding.
  • Still scorched!?! - Despite your best efforts, Jake and daddy have both come home cotton-candy pink! After a cool bath or shower, apply fresh aloe directly to the burn and get them to drink lots of fluids. Now you know for next weekend to up that SPF, get a wider brimmed hat, and hit the beach well after lunch instead of at noon.


For more articles and info on holistic pediatrics, please visit www.HolisticKid.com.