In my opinion, nothing beats a protective clothing. Leila happily wears a sun hat outside (unless I take it off for photos) and a swimsuit with decent coverage. Last summer we had a long sleeved swim shirt and I'm still looking for one I like this year.
Although we have more sunny days than not, the temperature by the San Diego beaches rarely reaches 80 degrees. This allows me to dress Leila in protective clothing, long sleeves and pants, even on some of the warmest days.
Although we have more sunny days than not, the temperature by the San Diego beaches rarely reaches 80 degrees. This allows me to dress Leila in protective clothing, long sleeves and pants, even on some of the warmest days.
On the other hand, since it is mostly sunny in San Diego, we wear sunscreen all year round. It's important to me to find the perfect sunscreen: safe, effective, and affordable*.
Here's the breakdown of the products I tried:
For information about WHY I chose these three products read part one of my search for the perfect sunscreen.
I love how easy this sunscreen is to apply and re-apply. It goes on clear and rubs in with little effort. It is greasier than chemical sunscreens, and I wouldn't use it on my face. Cost: $22 for a 4.3 oz bottle ($5.12/oz).
This option is less greasy than the other two I tried. A little goes a long way! Be sure to knead the tube before using it. When it is applied it goes on white and takes a while to rub in, which Leila doesn't like at all. The smell is a too strong (and wrong) for my liking. (Chamomile just doesn't remind me of the beach!) I would consider trying it in an unscented formula because it is the cheapest of the three. Cost: $16 for a 2.9 oz bottle ($5.52/oz). I found it on sale at Sprouts for $13 ($4.48/oz)
3. Loving Naturals Clear Body SPF 30+ Sunscreen
I bought this one in a 2.5 ounce bottle. I love the travel size for my diaper bag. (I will refill it when it is empty). For some reason this size bottle is the best to use...it just comes out easier. It turns out that Adorable Baby (#1) and Loving Naturals Clear Body are made by the same company. This sunscreen is also easy to apply and re-apply. It goes on clear and rubs in with little effort. Cost: $13 for a 2.5 oz bottle ($5.20/oz)
*Yes, these sunscreens cost more than Coppertone, Neutrogena, and other common drugstore brands. One bottle costs about the same as a pedicure, a hardcover book, or a bottle of wine. Hopefully the sunscreen lasts longer than the wine!
The winner is... Loving Naturals Clear Body SPF 30+
What I love about it:
It is 100% natural and I can pronounce all the ingredients. It goes on clear and makes my skin feel moisturized, not dehydrated by the sun. Because it is easy to apply, I can re-apply it often, even on an ever-moving toddler! Although it differs from Adorable Baby by only two ingredients, those two ingredients feel less greasy and tacky on my skin. (I am still not sure I would use this sunscreen on my face.)
Next up...I'll be searching for the best face sunscreen. Suggestions are welcome (and needed). What do you recommend?
What I love about it:
It is 100% natural and I can pronounce all the ingredients. It goes on clear and makes my skin feel moisturized, not dehydrated by the sun. Because it is easy to apply, I can re-apply it often, even on an ever-moving toddler! Although it differs from Adorable Baby by only two ingredients, those two ingredients feel less greasy and tacky on my skin. (I am still not sure I would use this sunscreen on my face.)
Next up...I'll be searching for the best face sunscreen. Suggestions are welcome (and needed). What do you recommend?
