Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post for Whole Foods Market Paradise Valley.

Look over to the right… in the side bar there…

See that picture of little old me? See how white I am?

I am over 75% Irish blood so I burn in the sun. Not just a little burn when outside for an extended amount of time. I mean burn to the color of a lobster in a matter of minutes. (I tried to find you proof only to make the realization that I need to step out from behind the camera more often so you will have to take my word for it – I burn. Bad!)

Because we live in Arizona and burn so easily, sun care is my number one priority with my kids.

Basic Sunscreen Tips:

• Be sure you are using an SPF higher of 30 or higher.
• Be sure the sunscreen you are using is broad-spectrum sunscreen meaning it protects against both UVB sun rays (which is linked to skin cancer and can cause redness and burning) and UVA rays (which can cause skin cancer and premature skin aging).
• You are likely to burn faster when in or around water because you are not only getting the sun’s rays directly, but it is also reflecting off the water onto you as well, so you are being exposed to the sun’s rays times two.
• Remember, you can still burn when it is overcast!

Chemical vs Mineral Sunscreen:

• Chemical sunscreen soaks into your skin and into the layers.
• Mineral sunscreen sits on top of your skin.

• When using chemical sunscreen, apply it 15 minutes PRIOR to going in sun.
• When using mineral sunscreen, you can go in the sun immediately after application.

• Chemical sunscreen is harmful to the reefs and aquatic life (the sunscreen is being washed off in the shower eventually or is being washed off while swimming. No matter which way you look at it, it ends up down a drain somewhere).
• Mineral sunscreen does not harm our reefs or aquatic life.

Other Ways to Protect Against the Sun:

Clearly, staying out of the sun as much as possible is a no brainer, but when that isn’t possible, there are other things you can do to help prevent sun damage.

• Wear a large brimmed hat.
• Protective clothing.
• Re-apply your sun screen no longer than every 2 hours.

Personally, I recently toured a Whole Foods Market and was in shock and awe over everything I learned and am now super picky (and reading sunscreen labels left and right).

Whole Foods Market takes pride in meeting quality standards (and they frequently work with local farmers!)

Whole Foods Market Quality Standards:

We carefully evaluate each and every product we sell.

We feature foods that are free of artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, sweeteners, and hydrogenated fats.

We are passionate about great tasting food and the pleasure of sharing it with others.

We are committed to foods that are fresh, wholesome and safe to eat.

We seek out and promote organically grown foods.

We provide food and nutritional products that support health and well-being.

Right now until May 26th, Whole Foods Market is having a 30% off sun care products sale!

I know I will be heading there to purchase some more sunscreen for myself and my kids! And if you want a personal recommendation – I highly recommend
.

I got the opportunity to speak with a representative from Goddess Garden when I toured Whole Foods Market and I was thoroughly impressed. He was very educated.

Goddess Garden was created by a mother who was looking for something for her daughter who tended to be allergic to a lot of the chemicals found in chemical bath and body products.

My favorite parts about Goddess Garden? Not only is it safe for myself and my kids, it is a natural sunscreen, certified organic, non-greasy (a must if you expect me to use it), AND, it is biodegradable (including packaging)! So far, its my number one choice for sunscreen for my kids.

Do you have a different natural sunscreen you would recommend? Leave me a comment so I can check it out and pick some up during this great Whole Foods Market sun care product sale!

Missed the memo and still got burned?