Play It Safe in the Sun

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.

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. 

Ella with the California Baby Designer Baby Banz Sunglasses in our Showroom in Los Angeles

Staying Protected: Mineral Based Sunscreens, Simplified

There’s few things more therapeutic than nestling your bare feet into the grass or sand during a summer day. Baby thinks so, too, but their extremely sensitive, delicate skin requires special care. Not only is sunscreen an absolute necessity, but the right sun care protection is key. This means selecting UVA-UVB broad spectrum SPF that is chemical-free, and applying it properly. I’ve found the easiest way to achieve this is by pairing up our natural non-chemical California Baby® SPF 30+ Sunscreen with an easy-application make-up sponge.

Step 1: Dot on the sunscreen.

By applying the sunscreen in small, pea-sized dots more of the lotion will effectively spread onto the skin creating a nice even layer, which is key to non-chemical sunscreens that are physical barriers—scattering and reflecting dangerous and damaging UV rays.

Step 2: Connect the dots.

While holding the make-up sponge horizontally, create short, sweeping strokes. Not only will this make sure the coverage extends into every chubby little wrinkle, but will create a soothing feeling for the tot

.

Step 3: Re-apply.

Re-apply in the time intervals suggested on the product: California Baby SPF30+ is ‘very water resistant,’ which translates to 80 minutes of SPF protection even while in the water, sweating or perspiring.  (we suggest about every two hours, with exceptions made in respect to water-exposure). Be sure to keep baby (and yourself) shaded as much as possible, and remember --- anywhere with reflective surfaces can, and will, reflect sunlight!

Summer Pest Tips

Hello California Baby Fans!
Since the summer season is almost upon us, we thought we would post some tips & prevention methods on how to avoid ticks and mosquitoes. These tips were taken (and edited!) from the EPA’s website; if you want to learn more (probably more than you’d ever want to know about pests), go to, http://www.epa.gov/

TICKS
Checking for ticks and prompt removal of attached ticks is probably the most important and effective method of preventing infection.

Behavior & Risk of Exposure

• Nymphal blacklegged ticks are very small (about the size of a pinhead), difficult to spot, and
• Are active during the late spring and summer months
• The majority (about 75%) of Lyme disease cases are associated with activities (play, yard or garden work) around the home.
• Ticks do not jump or drop from trees, but grasp passing hosts from the leaf litter, tips of grass, etc.
• Most ticks are probably picked up on the lower legs and then crawl up the body seeking a place to feed.
• Pets can bring ticks into the home, resulting in a tick bite without the person being outdoors.

MOSQUITOES

• Remove mosquito habitats
• Eliminate standing water in rain gutters, old tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any other container where mosquitoes can breed.
• Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week to destroy potential mosquito habitats.
• Drain or fill temporary pools of water with dirt.
• Keep swimming pool water treated and circulating.
• Keep mosquitoes away from exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks.
• Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks to cover gaps in your clothing where mosquitoes can get to your skin.
• Stay indoors at sunrise, sunset, and early in the evening when mosquitoes are most active.

Best,

Jessica