By Fred Cheng (B.Sc Pharm) and Christine Cheng (B.Sc Pharm)
Q: I’m looking for a good sunscreen that is safe yet effective to use on my toddlers and myself, but there are so many conflicting opinions in the online toddler groups. Can you shed some light on this?
A: Prepping your children properly for a day in the sun is crucial for minimizing acute and chronic sun damage. It is best to choose a “physical”/”mineral” sunscreen, which can deflect and scatter both UVA and UVB rays using zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients. There is lots of controversy regarding zinc and titanium made into nano particle sizes (ie. a billionth of a meter). Although there is no definitive evidence that healthy, intact skin allows nano particles to pass through, many of the best natural sunscreens on the Canadian market are made without using zinc and titanium in a nano particle size. Our favourites at Pharmasave Steveston Village include the Thinkbaby/ThinkSport lines, Green Beaver, Goddess Garden, and BC’s own K’Pure (based in Mission). All of these work quickly, feel silky, and are typically streak-free on the skin, but remember that everybody’s skin chemistry is different. These brands offer sunscreens in the usual cream form as well as sprays and solid sticks. All of our favourites listed here make use of the soothing, non-irritating and anti-inflammatory benefits of natural ingredients such as aloe, organic chamomile, and various natural oils such as avocado oil, raspberry seed oil, cranberry oil, sunflower oil, jojoba oil and even beeswax. Come in to Pharmasave Steveston Village and consult one of our natural skincare pharmacists to find the perfect sunscreen for your toddlers and entire family.
Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-owned and operated Pharmasave stores in Cloverdale and Steveston, B.C. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. Everything mentioned in their article is available In-Store.
***All information posted and shared by Pharmasave Steveston Village is offered to provide information and choices regarding nutritional support for various health concerns, none of which is intended to be a treatment protocol for any disease state. The information does not replace seeking professional advice from your physician. Consult your health care practitioner before taking dietary supplements.
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