Boo Bamboo and Sun Protection Too

Whether you’re spending the summer at home or planning a vacation away, sun safety for you and your family has to be a priority. It’s too easy to get burned before you realize it, especially if you’re busy having exciting adventures far from home. Every sunburn increases your risk of melanoma or other skin cancers, and that risk is even higher with sunburns early in life. So protect the skin you’re in!

Whether you’re packing for a week-long vacation in the Caribbean or for a day trip to your local park, there are certain things to keep in mind:

1. Bring sun protective UPF clothing, sunglasses, and a sunhat.
2. Seek out shade or go inside during the hottest part of the day (10:00 am to 2:00 pm).
3. Always use sunscreen with broad spectrum UVA and UVB coverage. You might be able to buy sunscreen at your destination, but I prefer to bring my own. Gift shops, resorts, and tourist areas often charge you an arm and a leg for sunscreen, and you may not always find the selection you’re used to.

When it comes to choosing the best sun protection for my family, I prefer mineral (also known as natural or physical) sunscreens over chemical sunscreens for a few different reasons. Unlike chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreens work right away, don’t degrade with UV exposure, and have less potential for allergies (zinc oxide and titanium oxide are considered hypoallergenic).

I found this simple graphic at Boo Bamboo outlining the major differences between mineral and chemical sunscreens.

Yet another reason to switch to mineral sunscreen, especially on your summer vacation? Several common substances used in chemical sunscreens, oxybenzone in particular, have been shown to stunt baby coral growth and bleach coral reefs. Some sensitive environmental areas have banned sunscreens containing these chemicals due to their impact on reef health and the entire ecosystem they support.

Boo Bamboo’s sun care line doesn’t contain oxybenzone. Instead, their made in Canada, cruelty-free, and vegan sunscreens provide broad spectrum UVA and UVB coverage with zinc oxide, a safe, eco-friendly, and hypoallergenic mineral that physically blocks the sun’s rays.

If you haven’t used mineral sunscreens before, you may be thinking back to the thick white paste that lifeguards used to use on their noses in all those 80s movies. Nope! Modern mineral sunscreens use much smaller particles that go on with barely any white tint. They do take slightly more time than chemical sunscreens to rub in completely, but I think it’s worth the extra minute or so.

Boo Bamboo’s Natural Sunscreen SPF 40 is non-whitening, non-greasy, fast-absorbing, and water/sweat resistant for 40 minutes. Like all Boo Bamboo sun protective products, it provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

This sunscreen goes on really easily. It feels light going on, and I love the natural aloe juice smell! I’ve tried many other natural sunscreens, and most have a thicker texture that takes more time to rub in properly. Boo Bamboo’s sunscreen is surprisingly easy to apply, even for the kids.

Boo Bamboo sunscreen also comes in a spray version that uses air pressure only (no propellants). Natural Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 is a really convenient way of applying sunscreen, but you do need to be extra careful when it’s windy out and be sure not to breathe it in. (Hint: don’t spray it on your face!!) This sunscreen also comes in travel-friendly mini spray bottles perfect for your purse or carry on.

Once you’re protected, it’s time for some fun!

But what if, despite all your precautions, you do accidentally get a little too much sun? Boo Bamboo also carries a couple of after-sun products designed to soothe, moisturize, and heal your skin. Their After-Sun Moisture Mist helps soothe and repair damaged skin with hemp seed oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, olive fruit oil, and bamboo extract. It smells divine, as well as adds moisture, helps reduce redness, and minimizes peeling. And then there’s Boo Bamboo’s After-Sun Body Lotion Spray, a light, non-greasy lotion that cools, hydrates, reduces peeling, and prolongs your summer colour.

We haven’t gotten any sunburns so far this year, but I can attest to how nice these after-sun sprays feel going on and that they leave our skin hydrated and nourished. Both are naturally scented with real coconut and bamboo. They smell just like I remember summers did when I was a kid!

Boo Bamboo sun care products and the rest of their biodegradable, cruelty-free and vegan personal care products are available online at Well.ca. Connect with Boo Bamboo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Win a Boo Bamboo Sun care Pack!

One of my readers will win the entire line of Boo Bamboo sunscreen and sun care products. Enter in the giveaway widget below. This giveaway is open to residents of Canada only, 18+. All the winner’s entries will be verified.

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Disclosure: I received sample items to facilitate this review. Nevertheless, all opinions expressed are completely honest and my own, based on my personal experience. Your experience may differ. This post contains affiliate links. I will receive a small commission if you purchase through my link, at no additional cost to you. This income helps pay for the operating costs of my website – thank you for your support!