My sunscreen rational this year is that the safest sunscreens cost too much, as in wildly unrealistically too much for most families, so there’s a need to compromise. Thus, I posted some sunscreen choices that aren’t top of the line safe but that families can afford.
Image by emrank
Not everyone thought this was a good plan:
On Facebook someone noted, “I’m afraid your report will scare people away from the best sunscreens and lull them into thinking it’s okay to make “less safe” choices in this category. Families who aren’t outside as much or who work at avoiding peak hours or who do a great job with sun-protective clothing might be able to afford safer sunscreen options because they don’t use as much.”
Another person noted much the same saying, “Clothing, shade and the fact that sunscreen is mostly only necessary during peak hours of 10 – 4 can greatly reduce the costs associated with sunscreen.”
I got emails that mimicked the comments above. I don’t think any of the comments were out of line either. I agree that chemicals are icky and I totally get wanting to limit your exposure. Still, from a purely outdoor advocate point of view I don’t agree with other sun protection methods as much as I agree with sunscreen.
Everyone says, “Don’t go outside between 10am and 4pm”
Most people seem to agree that sunscreen is necessary, but everyone still points out that you can greatly limit your associated sunscreen costs if you stay indoors between 10am and 4pm. Logically, I get it. If I keep my son indoors for those 6 hours a day, I can afford to buy the world’s safest sunscreen, because he’d need very little.
I gave some serious consideration to whether or not staying inside all day was a suitable option for my family, and it came down to no. No, I’m not willing to keep my son inside for 6 hours a day. As frequent Growing a Green Family readers may realize, I’m a ‘kids belong outside‘ advocate and with good reason…
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