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How to choose eco sunscreen for your children
Traditional sunscreens often contain polluting and potentially dangerous substances, but there are plenty of green alternatives.
Suntanning could be an exciting experience, but it is always fundamental to protect the skin from possible damages caused by sunrays. For children, in particular, using a sunscreen cream with high protection is obligatory.
How to choose eco sunscreens
But how to choose one? Most sunscreen creams contain chemical filters, which are effective but can be unhealthy because are thought to interfere with the endocrine system. According to the Environment Working Group, oxybenzone, a substance found in many traditional sunscreen creams may modify the functioning of oestrogens and cause allergy attacks (in Japan this substance is banned). 4-Methylbenzyliden Camphor is also a dangerous substance. According to the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Products it can be toxic if it comes in concentrations of more than 4 percent. Chemical sunscreen creams, in addition, often contain parabens, silicones (such as Dimethicone) and other oil-derived, pulluting and harmful substances to children’s and adults’ skin.
An alternative to these creams could be the Ecobio cosmetics that contain physical or mineral filters. These include zinc or titanium oxide that screen out UV radiations physically. The only problem with these products is that it’s difficult to rub them into the skin because they are pasty. Moreover, creams with physical filters should be used frequently, because they are not waterproof (like traditional sunscreen creams).
Phytotherapic mixtures are another eco-friendly solution you can adopt. They contain plant extracts that screen out UV rays. From wheat germ to sesame oil, from coconut to helichrysum, from chamomile to calendola and aloe. But even shea butter as well as rice, macadamia nut, eglantine or jojoba oils protect from sun radiation and also have soothing and lenitive properties. Actually, sunscreen creams usually have no SPF and, as all plant-derived cosmetics, they can cause allergic attacks in predisposed subjects. This is why many Ecobio creams often contain a combination of mineral filters and plant active ingredients.
In any case, it is recommended to avoid DIY experiments and remember to take precautions when exposing to sun: don’t expose in the hottest hours of the day, don’t let your newborn receive direct sunlight and cover or wet your children’s heads.
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