Sunscreen

I am going nuts trying to find sunscreen and all I keep finding to read about the subject talks about how unsafe they are.  I burn in about 20 minutes with out it and Ellie is likely the same.  I can't just not use any.  Someone please tell me to just calm down and disregard all the panicky internet hype about ingredients....  Or tell me which brand you use and why.

I've been on a sunscreen quest this summer too.

Here's my take on it:  Safer sunscreens use physical blockers like Zinc oxide.  Best particle size seems to be "micronized" and "non-nano" = small enough to cover and do the job, but not so small that they can penetrate into your own body's skin cells.

Brands I've tried so far, all easily available in Canada (all at my local natural parenting shop, some at MEC or at Well.ca.  Well.ca has free shipping):

Badger:  Pro:  Waterproof and it works.  Con: super sticky, thick and chunky feeling.   Hard to rub in, and really leaves a white coat on the skin.     The Badger sunscreen stick is nice for faces.  Definitely looks white on though,  My kids love it - they call it their "sun paint"
Heiko:  Pro: Works.  Rubs in nicely.  Nicer feel than Badger.  Made in Canada.  Con: not waterproof AT ALL, rubs off on clothes, requres frequent re-application.  We'll be saving this one for the playground or work around the yard only.
ThinkBaby:  Pro:  Works.  Waterproof.  Rubs on nicely.  Non-whitening.  Con:  Pricey.  So far this one is my favourite.

My strategy has been to use the Badger on the kids for waterplay (I can see where I've missed!  And it's really the most waterproof) and the Thinkbaby on myself.   We'll use up the Heiko for dry activities.

I use Badger and it works really well. Yes it can be streaky sometimes, but I know where I have put it It works in and out of the water and we are all fair skin/blonds and it works great for us.

I used, forget the exact name of it, the Neutrogeana baby stick. Why? because I actually do use it and it goes on easy. And i can toss one whereever easily (bag, glove compartment). It's not the best bang-for-the buck but it conveniently puts me over the free shipping threshold to support my (gasp) sposie pull-up habit mail order at diapers.com.

I haven't looked up the ratings, but nearly always use physical barrier: titanium or zinc oxide.  I have to confess I've been using some of the mist spray ones this year, though.  Can't beat how easy and good the coverage is, and I appreciate that w/ my 3 wigglers.

Katherine!!! That is hilarious and disgusting!

But did the bird doo work? Cause my car is a total drop zone lately and the badger stick is running low. Ew...

LOL Katherine!

I use badger on Ds and for my face , my mineral makeup has spf. I have a badger stick that I use for his face. I will use it on myself if we are out in the blazing sun for long periods but we NEVER get any stinkin' sun. It's rained or been cloudy almost every day this month :(

Personally I am more worried about the bad effectts from the sun than the sunscreen.  We are a family of super fair skin and red hair.  I have a little more of my mom's skin tone despite being red head and am okay for about 20/30 min but that is it.