Posted by: Trina| August 2, 2011

If sunscreen isn’t a part of your daily summer (if not year round) routine, it should be. It’s just one more thing to do before heading out the door, but did you know that more than 50 percent of a person’s lifetime sun exposure happens before the age of 18? That’s why it’s so important to shield little ones from the sun’s damaging UV rays.

GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED

Unfortunately, carelessly slathering tiny bodies with an SPF just won’t cut it when it comes to getting the most from your suncare protection. And, please stay far away from chemical sunscreens. The lure of easy sprayable and wipe-on chemical sunscreen application is in my mind a fantasy conjured by marketers who are not thinking of the health implications. In fact, the Environment Working Group (EWG) did a study of ‘chemical’ sunscreens and found them to have inferior stability, penetrate the skin and possibly disrupt the body’s hormone systems. Not exactly what parents have in mind when they are dousing their little with the chemical laden fine mist before they hop in the pool.

California Baby was a pioneer in the development of non-chemical mineral based sunscreens for babies and kids, and over the years, we’ve learned a few application tricks and sun safety tips to keep your family safe while having fun in the sun.

• Chemical sunscreens are absorbed by the skin, while non-chemical mineral based versions sit on skin’s surface and block UV rays. Like all California Baby products, our natural sunscreens are concentrated so a little goes a long way. The trick is in the application:  Create an even, effective layer over the skin …the easiest way to do this is to dot small amounts over dry skin and then blend (a make-up sponge makes spreading and blending even faster).

• Non-chemical sunscreens protect from the get go but for very best results, should be applied 30 minutes prior to sun exposure to allow the product to create a protective emulsion on the skin.

• For the best SPF coverage, apply your sunscreen in layers. Try coating skin from head to toe with a California Baby Sunscreen Lotion, then use one of our Sun Sticks on areas that burn easily, like the nose, ears and feet. The sticks work great for reapplication. And for, “I can do it myself” application.

• Remember to reapply sunscreen often, especially when you’re outside all day; every two hours at a minimum is best.

• Don’t rely on regular clothing to provide adequate sun protection. A white T-shirt has an SPF of about 7 and when it gets wet, the SPF drops to 3.

• Easy on the eyes: Sun exposure can put your child at risk for eye problems later in life. The American Cancer Society recommends using sunglasses with at least 99% UV absorption for the best protection. Our California Baby Designer Baby Banz Sunglasses exceed that standard, providing 100% UVA and UVB protection, and are super comfy and cute. If your little one still refuses to wear shades, opt for a hat that keeps the sun out of his eyes.

• Feet often feel the heat, too, as tiny toes typically hang out while strolling or sitting in the sun. Be sure to slather them with sunscreen to avoid a painful burn.

• Sometimes, even the best sun protection methods aren’t enough and you or your kids can end up overexposed. In that case, reach for California Baby Calming Soothing & Healing Spray, it’s ideal for relieving the sting of red skin and contains aloe vera and yucca to heal and moisturize, while the Aloe Vera Cream and Summer Lotion are both cooling and perfect for cooling post sun applications.

Our friends at California Baby want you to be safe this summer season and throughout the year so they are generously giving away these amazing products.....

2.9 oz SPF No Fragrance Sun Block

Everyday/Yearround Sunblock Stick

Application Sponge

2 oz. Bug Spray

4 deluxe samples

All housed in a cooler tote

WAYS TO ENTER

1. Leave a comment on this post telling us what is your favorite family vacation destination (without this entry you will not qualify to win)

2. Go to the California Baby Website check out their products, then head over to their FB page and tell CB what product you would most like to try out

3. Sign up for a HAPPYFAMILY Newsletter

4. Subscribe to our HAPPYFAMILY Blog

Giveaway ends on Monday August 8, 2011 at Midnight

GUEST BLOGGER

Jessica Iclisoy is the founder and president of California Baby®, a top-selling, high-quality natural skincare line for babies and kids (as well as sensitive adults) and a cult favorite among parents across the country. Every California Baby offering features organic ingredients that are gentle and safe enough for even the most sensitive skin. When Jessica decided to start a family 20 years ago, she immediately began altering her lifestyle to create a healthy environment for her future children to grow. She even went as far as becoming a vegetarian and eating only organic foods. Her main focus in life switched to leading an eco-conscious and green lifestyle that she could instill in her children.

Since it inception in 1995, California Baby has grown to become a best-selling line and is highly recommended (and even used) by moms and dads. Each California Baby product is non-irritating, no-tears, biodegradable and safe for use by infants, children, and sensitive adults. For added appeal to parents and kids the line is packaged with fun bright colors and images and the bottles are easy to use for parents on-the-go.