Last year, I posted a list of safe sunscreens that cost $2.00 per ounce or less. After thinking it over, I’ve decided that $2.00 per ounce is still really expensive. My son and I easily go through hundreds of sunscreen applications per summer. At $2.00 an ounce, sunscreen can run you a minimum of $234 a month in the summer, before you even factor in September through May. That said, I came up with some new 2012 sunscreen rational.
Basically, I can’t tell families to spend $147 to $300+ a month per family member on sunscreen anymore, safe or not. I can’t spend that much, so it’s not ethical for me to tell you to spend that much either. Still, it’s not my goal is to bath your family in chemicals, so here are your options:
- Buy VERY expensive, less toxic sunscreen (maybe take out a loan?)
- Buy cheaper, more toxic sunscreen, but cut your chemical burden in other areas.
- Make homemade, less expensive sunscreen.
Don’t use sunscreen at all.
You can choose option 4 if you like, but I don’t recommend it. Zero sun protection is risky.
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Click on your sunscreen choice below to see your options….
- I want sunscreen that costs less. Money is an object in my home, so I’m willing to buy sunscreen that’s less safe, but I also want to know what’s in my sunscreen and I want to cut out chemicals in more affordable areas of my life.
No matter which option you choose this year – also limit sun exposure a bit to lower costs
I believe in kids outside, so no way will I tell you to keep them indoors because of the big bad sun. You can limit sun exposure (and sunscreen costs) somewhat by doing the following.
- Wear tightly woven but loose-fitting and lightweight clothing, plus a sun hat.
- Hang in the shade if you’re outside for extended periods.
- Avoid midday sun.
- Spend more time outside in the early morning, late afternoon, or even night.
- Map out shady trails for hiking.
- Only use waterproof sunscreen when in the water.
- Buy in bulk or buy the largest container of sunscreen available.
- Skip “baby” or “kid” sunscreens. These terms equal price hikes.
Lead image by Flickr User [ab. plan. alp] photography
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