Summertime, summertime! Ah that wonderful repose of the great outdoors comes with great risk. There are toxins everywhere and the only solution is to find options, like non toxic sunscreen and other products, to ensure you have a safe, chemical-free summer. As a Lucky Brand ambassador, I get a stipend to try great products and this month, I’m checking out safe summer solutions. This post contains affiliate links as well.
Non Toxic Sunscreen
Obviously we need to spend a lot of time out in the sun but popular sunscreen brands are full of toxic ingredients have been linked to hormone disruptions, cancer, reproductive and developmental issues, and organ toxicity. They include:
- Oxybenzone
- Octinoxate
- Homosalate
I’ve also heard that you can 100% avoid sunscreen with proper diet, especially the Alkaline Diet.
However, with all the diets are kids are on, we can’t just adapt yet another one. And while hats and cover ups are a great idea for walking in the sun, and a little exposure is healthy (about 15 minutes), it’s also true that you can’t cover up every part of your body. It’s not a practical solution. What’s a parent to do? Choose a non toxic sunscreen!
How about a safe, non-nano solution that you can use for your family, made fresh right here in the USA? Pure Haven has you covered!
There are other great brands of nontoxic sunscreen but Pure Haven fits me the best
Ticks, Mosquitoes and Other Pests
Summertime pests are more than just a nuisance for your summer party. They can be quite dangerous. For example, tick populations are on the rise across America. Here in PA, the news recently warned that ticks may not just be carrying the life-damaging Lyme disease.
These mosquitoes may additionally carry a rare and deadly disease called Powassan. Unfortunately, bug repellents often contain DEET, as well as other nasty chemicals, like cyfluthrin, permethrin, and pyrethroids, all of which have been linked to neurotoxicity and other problems. 
You can also DIY with a nontoxic option. Use 1 part water to 2 parts distilled white vinegar and add some almond oil. I added almond oil to my formula, which helps repel fleas & ticks from pets. If you’d like an effective solution with essential oils for humans, check out this bug repellent recipe from the fine folks at Natural Family Living.
If you’ve already been bitten or bothered, you’ll want to check out!
Oilogic Bug Bites & Itch Relief Minor Skin Irritation Natural Essential Oil Roll-On .45OZ
for safe option to help your kids through the discomfort safely.
Finally, you should make sure you do a tick check on your family and pets every time you are near high ticks areas. Green Groovy Livin has a great post on how to properly check your kids for ticks. And don’t use peppermint oil to get a tick out! It can aggravate the pest causing more harm. Use a tweezer or tick key to remove the whole tick.
For more natural ways to combat summertime pests, read my article on Natural Pest Control at Mamavation.
Dry Skin & Cracked Lips
My daughter always suffers from severe cracked lips. Dehydration is one reason – they get better when I pester her to drink more water. The summer, though, can be brutal on skin and lips in general. USDA Certified Organic mom balm is the ONLY option that gave her immediately with amazing results!
Block Island Organics says
Good to see folks choosing mineral sunscreen. We definitely love them and appreciate folks spreading the word. We’re of course partial to our products, but there are other good options out there.
Gina says
Yes, thanks for providing options!