Sunscreen, Revisited

Summertime is almost upon us! Hot temperatures and fun in the sun! That also means more sunscreen, and for a person allergic to Balsam of Peru, that can also sometimes mean a choice between protecting your skin against the sun using products that contain Balsam of Peru or frying. Not good choices!

I talked about sunscreen, last year, and I've come across some products along the way. So, let's revisit the issue of sunscreen. Everybody needs it, every day and especially in the summertime sun.

Here are some sunscreen products that I've found to be BOP-free:

http://www.vmvhypoallergenics.com/creammmy-rich-intensive-moisture-milk-15-for-dry-skin-sample-1.html

http://www.vmvhypoallergenics.com/armada-post-procedure-barrier-cream-51.html

http://www.imageskincare.com/collections/prevention

Now, let me state, the above three products are PRICEY! I have not used the first two, personally, but their ingredient lists do seem to be okay to use with a BOP allergy. However, I do want to note that I've used Image Skincare Daily Defense Matte Moisturizer SPF30 personally, with great success and no flare-ups. My only complaint with the Image Skincare Daily Defense Matte Moisturizer SPF30 is that you need to really rub it in and let it soak into the skin before going into the water. Otherwise, it'll come right off as soon as you get into the water.

Quite by accident, I came across Banana Boat Natural Reflect Sunscreen Lotion Kids SPF 50+. Guess what? It's doesn't contain BOP AND it's economical at $11/4 oz.! I happened to buy some of this on sale, for my daughter to use. While slathering it onto her skin, I looked at the ingredients and was pleasantly surprised to find that it didn't seem to contain BOP/benzoates/fragrance. YAYAY! I also like that it's naturally-derived and sourced. My only complaint about Banana Boat Natural Reflect Sunscreen Lotion Kids SPF 50+ is that it can appear chalky on darker skins. Otherwise, Banana Boat Natural Reflect Sunscreen Lotion Kids SPF 50+ is a win for those suffering from an allergy to Balsam of Peru and/or benzoates!

Toothpaste- Reader Suggestion

Reader Kate wrote to me recently regarding BOP-free toothpaste. She, herself is allergic to Balsam of Peru and she pointed me in the direction of VMV Hypoallergenics ESSENCE SKIN-SAVING TOOTHPASTE. While I haven't personally tested it out, the list of ingredients do seem to be BOP-free. YAY! The same company also seems to have lots of other BOP-free friendly toiletries and make-up.

Have you tried the VMV Hypoallergenics? If so, what do you think? I'd love to know!

Light Therapy Update

No, readers, I have not fallen off the face of the earth.... Somehow, time just slips away a little faster around the holidays- wouldn't you agree?

Well, I decided that I'd give you an update on how Light Therapy is going. I started back at the end of Sept. and had to stop for a little while when I didn't have consistent childcare for my two-year old (Children under ten are not allowed in the same room as the lights). Then, I restarted in early December.

I'm up to ten minutes at a time for both hands. The doctor says that this is the "maintenance" level. I go three times a week for ten minutes at a time.

So, what are the results? Well, sadly, there really isn't much to report.... I keep waiting for results but my hands still continue to be cracked, dry and sore. There is little relief in the light therapy. I'm still waiting for results and I would be lying if I said I wasn't just a little disappointed in the lack of results.

The doctor recommends doing this for four more weeks to see if we see any improvements. We shall see....

From a logistics standpoint, it's a pain in the neck to go three times a week to the doctor's office for ten minutes of light therapy. Not only does it involve driving and gas, but there is also the issue of childcare for my daughter. Top that off with a lack of results and well, I'm just frustrated.