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Summer is in full swing and you are spending more and more time down at the beach. You now know that it isn’t safe to lie in the sun anymore with these harsh UV rays, and you must always stay covered up but that linger for a bit of colour to the skin is still there.

However simply using a self-tan on the skin is not that simple or healthy. As our skins absorbs 70% of what is being placed on it, its hard to not be fearful of the amount of chemicals that come from self-tanners, especially because we don’t know the long-term effects yet.

Non-natural tanning may contain harmful ingredients including dyes, fragrances, alcohol, parabens, petrochemicals and harsh synthetics which can then cause reactions and hormone disruptions.

Natural Tanning such as Wotnot Self-Tan lotion uses Australian certified organic Kakadu plum and camellia oil to provide antioxidants and nutrients to help the colour development whilst the organic aloe very moisturises and soothes to have the tan fade naturally.

The DHA in natural tan should be COSMOS approved and be non-synthetic. The Wotnot Self tan uses sugar cane DHA, this reacts to the proteins and amino acids in the outer layers of the skin.

Natural tanning is the only way to have a healthy tan.

We are all aware of the damage that the suns UV rays can do to our skin.  For many years we’ve been educated to Slip, Slop & Slap.  Now the advice has been expanded to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek & Slide;

• Slip on protective clothing
• Slop on sunscreen
• Slap on a hat
• Seek shade
• Slide on UV protective sunglasses

We know to do this for ourselves and for our kids, but what about babies? When is it safe to use sunscreen on a baby?

It’s important to note that an infant’s skin is different from an adult’s. Our bodies produce a pigment called melanin that protects our skin from ultraviolet damage but an infant produces less melanin than an adult which means that their skin will burn more quickly.

Also an infant’s skin is thinner than an adult and the top layer, called the epidermis, doesn’t bond as tightly to the layer below called the dermis. So unlike adult skin that has a tight seal between these layers, an infant’s skin is easier to pass.  This is significant when also coupled with the fact that infants lack fully developed detoxification systems. 

There are conflicting opinions among experts on what age a baby should be before using sunscreen.  The Australasian College of Dermatologists says that because a young baby's skin tends to absorb more of any chemical applied compared to the skin of an older child, the use of sunscreen on young babies under the age of six months is not recommended.

Australian standards for sunscreen

The Australian standard for sunscreen allows a maximum sun protection factor (SPF) rating of 50.  While this sounds like a significantly higher level of protection compared to an SPF30, the difference is less than you might think.  An SPF 50 sunscreen will filter 98% of UV radiation while an SPF30 product filters 96.7%.  That’s only a 1.3% difference between SPF 30 & 50.

All sunscreens with an SPF-claim above 15 must be registered and licenced by the TGA.  This involves a series of stringent tests to prove the product’s efficacy and stability.

There have been many stories over the last 12 months of babies suffering inflamed red skin when exposed to the sun, despite the use of a high factor SPF sunscreen.  Doctors believe that this may be due to these babies having an allergic reaction to one or more of the chemicals in the sunscreen used eg preservative, perfume or other fillers. 

This highlights the issue that sunscreens in Australia do not have to list all of their ingredients on the packaging. In contrast, other body lotions, not listed with the TGA, e.g. after sun lotions must legally list all ingredients used.  

Unlike many therapeutic lotions listed with the TGA, sunscreens are frequently used by most Australians. In fact most children of pre-school age will wear sunscreen on a daily basis. We believe that the TGA regulations should be updated to bring sunscreens in line with other body lotions, requiring all ingredients to be disclosed. This is the only way to ensure that parents know exactly what they are putting on their and their baby’s skin.

Consensus amongst experts

As Australians we are lucky to live in a country where the weather regularly invites us outdoors. Many Australians have a lifestyle that means sunscreen is a requirement even for the smallest member of the family.

Experts all agree that babies under 6 months should be kept out of the sun, especially during the hottest parts of the day, 10am – 2pm.  However if sun exposure for a baby cannot be avoided use protective clothing and a sun hat, seek shade and choose a low irritant sunscreen, ideally with a physical active like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Physical actives provide protection from the sun by reflecting harmful rays away from the skin while chemical UV actives absorb these rays, converting them into heat. Chose Wotnot Naturals Baby Sunscreen for a soothing, 100% natural and toxin free solution to protect your baby from 3 months.

Avoid spray on sunscreen. Choose a lotion based sunscreen instead. Chemicals used in spray on sunscreen are not meant to be inhaled.  Whilst an adult can understand this and not inhale while spraying, this may be more difficult for a child and certainly not practical for a baby.

Regardless of age or SPF used, expert all agree that sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours as it will will sweat and rub off over time.  

Have you ever thought what pesticides and chemicals retain on the fruit and vegetables you buy from the grocery store? Why not have a cheaper and organic supply of fresh fruit and vegetables right at your doorstep. Here is how to start this year having your own veggie garden.

When starting your veggie patch selecting a position is very important. It needs to be in an area with plenty of sun (in both summer and winter) and protection from wind. Having a raised garden bed will give it the soil extra depth for adequate drainage and root growth. Corrugated water tanks are the easiest to start the veggie patch, however you can also use timber and bricks.

Next it is best to divide your veggie patch up into four areas. The four groups can be leafy greens, fruits, vegetables and herbs. To keep it in tip top shape buy some veggie mix, manure and compost for the soil to provide it with vital nutrition. Create a dense layer of mulch over the soil as it reduces weeds, temperature and provides moisture.

Plant the seeds and watch them grow. Don’t forget to check the information tag on each seed packed or plant to see what it specifically needs as all plants are different.

Many years ago, there used to be nothing decent to watch on TV so you would go for a stroll after dinner with the family and perhaps the family dog. Oh, how things have changed, the endless supply of the digital world and at home entertainment results in a half of Aussie kids are not getting enough exercise.

It is important to ensure regular physical activity becomes a habit early on so that can be carried on to adulthood. Taking that time out to do an activity or exercise with the family benefits the whole family’s health but not only that it builds positive relationships.

I remember going to walks all through out my childhood with my mum or my family and that where we could really all talk to each other about everything that’s going on in our lives, it’s a bonding tool and we continue to do this till this day.

Swedish researchers discovered that the more a child under 10 exercised daily, were less likely to suffer from fractures due to better bone density. As well as those parents who have encouraged themselves and their kids to exercise and eat well were highly likely to continue this habit.

A good way to start is daily walks, going down to the local oval to play some games, join a fun run, go for a swim, cooking healthy meals together etc. If kids, watch adults having fun exercising they wouldn’t want to miss out on joining in.

Buying your kids and family active gifts is healthy step forward instead of a tech gift. Try maybe a soccer ball, hula hoop, basketball ring even a trampoline can keep the kids active for hours. It helps them practise skills and talents they didn’t even know they had.

So maybe your new years resolution should not just focus on increasing your fitness but the whole family.