Review - Green Beaver Sunscreen (@thegreenbeaver)

I think we can all agree that sun safety is important.  I am a fair skinned woman, always have been - and I burn easily. Growing up, I was always jealous of those that had beautiful, tanned skin. I even went so far as to lay out in the sun with no sunscreen HOPING to get a burn, because then it would turn into a tan after a few days. Was I ever lacking in knowledge regarding sun safety.

Once I started hearing more about skin cancer, and the effects the sun has on a persons body, I did start to take a little more care in the sunscreen department. But, I will admit that it was not until I had kids that it REALLY sank in with me.  I made sure to educate myself on the different types of sun screen on the market, and how they work.

Wearing sunscreen doesn't make you invincible from the sun - you still need to take precautions. Staying hydrated, wearing a hat, sitting in the shade, and taking a break from strenuous activities will all help. Did you also know that sunscreen should be applied 20-30 minutes before exposure to sun, and then it should be reapplied every 2 hours (or after getting out of the water as it can wash away). Be liberal with the amount you use - to avoid burns you want GOOD coverage - and don't forget your feet, ears and back of your neck (your head too if your bald).

You don't need a super-high SPF; there isn't a huge difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 - but 30 is the lowest recommended. If you use higher, it doesn't mean that you can stay out in the sun for hours longer, so be smart and take breaks indoors if you can, or in the shade at least.

Since becoming a mom, I have become much more conscious of what goes on our skin and in our bodies. I also have never really paid much attention to which brand of sunscreen I bought, or the ingredients used.  With the boys eczema, I have had to get much more picky - and I wanted to try something natural. I recently had the chance to try out Green Beaver Kids Sunscreen - read below for my views on the product.

I will admit, when I first tried it out I was a little put off. I found it thick, oily and after it was applied it still felt greasy.  I wasn't quite ready to give up though, and after speaking with a friend of mine who owns a natural parenting store (that also sells Green Beaver products) she gave me some tips on how to use it and I came home and tried them.

The first tip - knead the tube of sunscreen with your hands to help work everything in together and the second tip - shake the tube with all you have got - this will help to mix the oil back in.

After getting home, I grabbed the tube and kneaded it for a good 60 seconds. Then I shook it up for another 20 seconds or so, and when I opened it was very happy with what I saw. It came out easily and then I rubbed it between my hands and was able to easily apply it to the kids.  It gives GREAT coverage and once it is on it doesn't leave the body white - and after using the tips above, I didn't find it as noticeably greasy on the skin either.

Pro's                                                          
- made in Canada
- natural product with no harmful chemicals
- certified organic
- good coverage
- no reaction with the boys eczema - not one flare up while using the product!

The only real cons I found are that it is slightly greasy and not as convenient to apply as the aerosol sprays. However, I will give up convenience for the health factor with my family (although they do have a non-aerosol spray available in SPF 27, but that is not the one I reviewed)

I would say that if you want the convenience factor - then this isn't the product for you. I know it is much easier to grab a spray bottle and get the kids geared up for the sun - but it is much less healthy.  If you are looking for a natural alternative, then Green Beaver is a great product and you should give it a try!.Green Beaver has a number of product lines available, for hair, face, body and more. You can connect with them on Twitter and Facebook as well!


*The product mentioned above was received free of charge in exchange for my opinion. Tales of Mommyhood is not responsible should your opinion or experience vary from ours. I am not a doctor or skin care expert - please check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information*