By coffeetravelinggrandma 
Stop sunburn with natural ingredients! When it is time to hit the beach, we reach for the sunscreen which is already a dicey proposition because most typical sunscreens contain ingredients that hamper our health.
Further, with all the information about SPF (sun protection factor) and how some higher SPFs may not really help us as much as we think, it remains important to focus on the best products to help us prevent skin cancer in our families.
According to the CDC
The latest trends, according to CDC (Centers for Disease Control) from 2003 to 2012, the rate of melanoma on the skin rose 1.4% per year for women and 1.7% per year for men.
We must protect ourselves from sunburn
We can blame it on global warming or lifestyle, but the fact remains that we need to choose a good quality sunscreen in order to prevent skin cancer when we go outdoors. That just doubles when we are swimming in a pool or lounging at the beach.
Whether you choose to use the chemical-based sun blockers or the mineral-based sun blockers, the truth is, if we spend a day or two at the beach, we need double-duty sunscreen protection. Using sunscreen to prevent help prevent skin cancer, and to avoid pain from a serious sunburn is the best choice. These are a few of my favorite mineral-based sunscreens.
What sunscreens are healthy for your skin?
It is generally known that mineral-based sunscreens are best for our skin. In recent years, even the major brands of sunscreen have at least developed a mineral sunscreen alternative for consumers. Most companies only make sun protection coverage for no less than SPF 30, which is a pretty strong, long-lasting coverage. But, purchase a higher coverage if your skin is pretty fair and sunburns easily.
What qualities does a good sunscreen have?
- First, the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) must be at least 30 hours.
- Next, even if you aren’t swimming, a waterproof sunscreen works best.
- Also, using a cream instead of a spray-on works best.
- Mineral alternatives are safer for kids and contain fewer to no chemicals for their sensitive skin
5 great mineral sunscreen choices
Babo
As noted above, Babo really works well and we use it in our family. The cream is more of a zinc oxide base, so I would not call it transparent, but it does the job well. My skin is very fair and it keeps me from getting burned. So, I truly give it a top rating.
Aveena
Aveena mineral-based sunscreen for kids gives full coverage at SPF 50. Plus, it is for sensitive skin, so should also work on your kids. It is also waterproof, so it works great in the water.
Badger
Stop sunburn with this sensitive skin sunscreen that works well with only a few ingredients. Plus, it has lavender, so you can’t go wrong with that! There are only 5 main ingredients: sunflower seed oil, beeswax, vitamin E, lavender oil, and sea buckthorn fruit extract. They also make sunscreen with a safe insect repellent as well!
Banana Boat
This sunscreen has been around for years and stepped up to the plate with a mineral-based sunscreen. Designed for kids, the SPF is 50, so Banana Boat is a strong contender for a full coverage sunscreen and is also tear-free. Plus, it is waterproof, so feel free to use it anytime.
Blue Lizard
This Australian company even makes a mineral-based baby sunscreen. They created a mixture of sun protection ingredients to protect the coral reef. They also make a kids sunscreen version with an SPF of 30 on all bottles. Perfect for going to the beach!
What if you do get a sunburn?
Sometimes, all the prevention in the world cannot stop long hours in the sun or forgetting to re-apply sunscreen. So, we get sunburned.
You don’t need chemicals to heal sunburn that dries out the skin and makes it peel. Try one or more of these ways to cool down and soothe a sunburn instead and stop the cycle.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera gel is generally known to reduce pain and is known to be anti-inflammatory, plus it speeds up the healing. You can purchase it at a health food store or on Amazon. Or, you can keep an aloe vera plant on hand and break the leaves open, smoothing it on the burn for relief.
Lavender oil
It is generally well-known that lavender oil heals burns. So, what better soothing ingredient than lavender oil on a burn. I would apply it liberally to help heal the skin. When lavender is applied to a general household burn it not only stops the pain but keeps the burn from peeling.
Peppermint essential oil
I would be remiss to remind you that peppermint essential oil (or tea) helps naturally cool the skin. Adding several drops to your spray or compress will bring cooling relief.
Eucalyptus essential oil
Eucalyptus is another minty and cooling oil, which will help to treat inflammation of the skin. Add several drops of this to your natural remedy and find cooling relief!
Stop sunburn and find cooling relief, so that your skin will stay healthy.
