Family

FITFAM with Ziggy Makant

FEEL-GOOD ZINC

The scorching Hong Kong summer is upon us, and as an ecoconscious mama, I want to make sure that my sunscreen is both child-friendly and ocean-safe. Deciphering the ingredients on a label, however, can make that challenging. Here’s how I choose my family’s sunscreen. The best protection is always covering up or staying in the shade, so consider full-length swimsuits and a sun hat with a large brim, particularly if your child is sun-sensitive.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

Select a sunscreen that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays have an immediate tanning effect and can penetrate through glass. UVB rays have a delayed tanning effect, and can cause redness and sunburns.

A sun protection factor (SPF) between 30-50 is best; anything over SPF50 doesn’t offer much additional protection. SPF30 will protect you from roughly 96% UVB rays and SPF50 offers about 98% protection. No sunscreen can guarantee 100% protection.

It’s best to opt for mineral sunscreens, with active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are effective against both UVA and UVB rays, and are safer for both the environment and your children’s skin.

Most commercial sunscreens that are easy to buy over the counter are non-mineral; they’ll do in a pinch but try to make your go-to a mineral variety!

As a mother of two toddlers, here are some additional requirements I have for sunscreen:

• Easy to apply (spray, stick, or squirt bottle) • Lightweight (too thick and it’s a nightmare to rub into excited children) • Fast and absorbent (no white streaks please!) • Reusable or recyclable packaging over plastic single use

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR:

UNSUITABLE FOR CHILDREN

Active Ingredients like: • Oxybenzone

HARMFUL TO THE EARTH

Aerosol cans • Affect the earth’s atmosphere • May pose an inhalation risk • Don’t provide a thick enough skin coating to protect from UV rays

Skincare ingredients like: • Retinyl palmitate • Retinol • Vitamin A Ingredients that damage coral: • Avobenzone • Homosalate • Octinoxate • Octisalate • Octocrylene • Oxybenzone

Ziggy’s Picks

1. THE KIND SUNSCREEN (Available online at hellosamah.com)

INGREDIENTS  SPF30  Mineral-based (zinc oxide)  Contains only nine ingredients APPLICATION  Sweat- and waterresistant for 80 mins  Easy application Slower absorption ECO-CREDENTIALS  Tube made from recycled plastic  Carton constructed from recycled card

2. SUPERGOOP PLAY EVERYDAY LOTION (Available at Sephora)

INGREDIENTS  SPF 50  Free from parabens, fragrances, oxybenzone and octinoxate  Mineral sunscreen APPLICATION  Lightweight  Instant absorption  Sweat- and water-resistant

ECO-CREDENTIALS Plastic packaging

3. RAW ELEMENTS - BABY & KIDS SUNSCREEN (Available at Live Zero)

INGREDIENTS  SPF 30  Mineral-based (zinc oxide)  Soothing natural ingredients coconut oil, calendula and chamomile APPLICATION  Sweat- and waterresistant for 80 mins Thicker texture Slower absorption ECO-EXTRAS  Biodegradable cardboard stick applicator  Eco-friendly reusable tin

4. RALOHA (Available at Landmark or from raloha.com)

INGREDIENTS  SPF50 PA+++  Shields against blue light, infrared and pollution  Mineral sunscreen  Naturally fragranced with essential oils  Paraben- and sulfate-free  Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic APPLICATION  Sweat and water-resistant for 80 mins  Fast absorbing  Easy application

ECO-CREDENTIALS  Donates portion of profits to charities and NGOs Plastic packaging

Ziggy is a Hong Kong-based mum of two, pre- and postnatal trainer, micro-influencer, and co-host of the Mom Body Soul Podcast. She loves all things motherhood, sustainability and parenting. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @zig.fitmama or reach out to say hello at ziggy.fit.pt@gmail.com for FitFam leads and pitches!

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