Here Comes The Sun and I say it’s alright…

The two active ingredients I look for in a sunscreen are Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Zinc Oxide is metal zinc that has been oxidized. Titanium Dioxide is a safe pigment with no adverse side effects. For an effective broad spectrum sunscreen, both these ingredients should be used together (Zinc and Titanium). Many of you may be thinking, “but aren’t these chemicals?” Yes they are, but not all chemicals are made equal. Water is a chemical, salt is a chemical, and sugar is a chemical. Safety is Shoosha’s #1 concern, and Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are 2 of the safest chemicals available that are effective in protecting you and your baby’s skin from UVA and UVB rays.

Also, please do not buy the ‘invisible’ sunscreen. You know the kind! You put it on your skin, and presto, you can’t see it anymore! Well, that’s not a good thing at all. This means that your sunscreen uses Nano particles. Why is this so bad? Well, when these Nano-chemicals come in contact with our coral reefs, our coral are stressed, lose their biological inhabitants, as also become ‘bleached’. Not good at all. Also, from a practical point of view, it’s better to be able to see the sunscreen on your skin, and know when it’s time to reapply.

These are just a couple of guidelines to help you select a safe and effective sunscreen. Always read the ingredients and ask questions. For more information, you can also go to the EWG website for sunscreen ratings.

Photo by: JeffS