As a redhead with blue eyes, I have to be very careful about going into the sun. I don’t tan; I burn!
I’m very wary about the chemicals that are used in typical sunscreens. Many of these chemicals, such as oxybenzone, vitamin A (retinyl) palmitate, fragrance, parabens and phthalates, cause endocrine or neurological damage.
However, I believe it’s important to get some sun so I can activate the cholesterol in my skin and turn it into vitamin D. There’s a vitamin D deficiency in this country that is especially high in kids with autism as well as other autoimmune diseases.
The trick is to get a little bit of sun for maybe 10 minutes or so, right before my skin turns pink, and then put some safe sunscreen on.
How do you know if you have a safe sunscreen? Check out the Environmental Working Group’s Guide to Sunscreens. The EWG is my go-to source checking the safety rating of personal-care products, cleaning products, cellphones and produce.
About two thirds of the sunscreens tested contain toxic ingredients!
Have you or your child ever had tremendous ear pain when flying because of blocked sinuses, cold or ear infection? I have, and it is excruciatingly painful! I swear one of my eardrums hasn’t been the same since then.
They’re oh so cute, but oh so toxic. 75% of children’s Disney, Spider-Man and Dora the Explorer back-to-school products had high levels of phthalates. Phthalates give plastics that “rubber ducky” feel.
Flame retardants are endocrine disruptors found in almost all new furniture. They are linked to autism, ADHD, developmental delays, hypothyroidism and more. Dust tainted by the couches and other household items is “a major route of exposure to people.” 
