Suntan Lotions That Don't Stain?

We use Arbonne Baby Product, and have for a couple of summers. I have had no stains at all. And they are pediatrician tested and approved!

I use Waterbabies (both the creme and the spray) on my 2 girls and it's nothing but wonderful. Never stains.

This may not be what you wanted to hear, but I would worry more about how good the sunscreen is and less about the clothes. Clothes can be replaced, skin is for life.
Here's a website that rates brands:
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens2008/

Good Luck:)

For the record, Arbonne is rated badly, as are most of the common brands people mentioned.

BullFrog. It's the best, get the gel, or the spray. It will absorb before your daughter has a chance to hug you, and if you do get it on your clothes, you wouldn't know. It works great, and is the only thing I use for myself and my 10 month old. I don't know where you live, I found it in the south (Alabama), but I live in Indiana, it is hard to find in the Midwest, K-Mart is one of a few places that carry it here, but it is everywhere in the south. Give it a try, I think you will really like it.

As some other mom's suggested, I'd look at the bottle. Are you using sunscreen specifically for kids or babies? I have well water at my house and sometimes the iron in the water reacts with things on the clothes. I don't know if it's ever done it with sunscreen, but I've never really checked. I just noticed some strange brown stains on some of my lighter colored shirts.

If sunscreen leaves a stain on your clothes, what is it doing to your childs body?!! Imagine all the chemicals she is absorbing. Sun is a wonderful and healthy thing! We only use sunscreen at the beach or pool...my kids have fair skin and never been sunburned. Sunhats and shady trees are the best sunscreen.

Hi A.... I have to say I've never had this problem! I've used the Water Babies in the pink bottle for over 6 years. Could it possibly be your water or detergent that you're using that is causing this orange reaction? As far as stain removal. The Spray N Wash with Resolve power is my new best friend!! My 6 year old played baseball All-Stars this summer and it took every bit of grass stain, dirt and brick dust out of his WHITE uniform! Good luck finding a solution.

Did I read this right?? You avoided your daughter After you applied sunscreen as not to get it on your white tee shirt? I'm sorry and not trying to be rude here but if that is the case then why did you wear a white shirt?

I'm glad you use sunscreen, but I'm puzzled too. We lived in Florida, which is where our children were born, so sunscreen has been part of our daily lives forever. I've never had a sunscreen leave any kind of stain UNLESS it had a bronzer or sunless tanner in it. These will leave stains, especially orange stains, so I'd check your bottle. Water Babies, Coopertone, Ocean Potion, Neutrogena, Panama Jack, and even the cheaper NO-AD sunscreens and sunblocks do not stain, ever. Bronzers, fast tanners, and sunless tanners DO stain and will leave orange stains. These should not be used on children, especially young children like your daughter, so be sure to check your bottles.

Hoping the last weeks of summer are terrific for you both!

I have had the same problem on my daughters bathing suits, I have not seen it on their regular clothing. I'll tell you what we decided to do, we quit using sunblock, the chemicals in it can not possibly be good for our skin so we limit our time, use sun hats etc. I also read something a while back that mentioned since we have been urged/encouraged to use sun block skin cancer rates have increased not decreased as you would expect to happen. Hmmmmm...
Most chemical sunscreens contain from 2 to 5% of benzophenone or its derivatives (oxybenzone, benzophenone-3) as their active ingredient. Benzophenone is one of the most powerful free radical generators known to man. It is used in industrial processes to initiate chemical reactions and promote cross-linking(15). Benzophenone is activated by ultraviolet light. The absorbed energy breaks benzophenone's double bond to produce two free radical sites. The free radicals desperately look for a hydrogen atom to make them "feel whole again"(15). They may find this hydrogen atom among the other ingredients of the sunscreen, but it is conceivable that they could also find it on the surface of the skin and thereby initiate a chain reaction which could ultimately lead to melanoma and other skin cancers. Researchers at the Harvard Medical School have recently discovered that psoralen, another ultraviolet light-activated free radical generator, is an extremely efficient carcinogen. They found that the rate of squamous cell carcinoma among patients with psoriasis, who had been repeatedly treated with UVA light after a topical application of psoralen, was 83 times higher than among the general population(16).

The benefits of sunlight
Some scientists believe that UV light causes skin cancer through the combined effect of suppression of the immune system and damage to DNA(10,17). Exposure to UV light is, however, not all bad. Most of the body's vitamin D supply, about 75% of it, is generated by the skin's exposure to UVB rays(18). Using a sunscreen drastically lowers the cutaneous production of vitamin D3(19). A low blood level of vitamin D is known to increase the risk for the development of breast and colon cancer and may also accelerate the growth of melanoma(18,19,20).

Dr. Gordon Ainsleigh in California believes that the use of sunscreens causes more cancer deaths than it prevents. He estimates that the 17% increase in breast cancer observed between 1991 and 1992 may be the result of the pervasive use of sunscreens over the past decade(20). Recent studies have also shown a higher rate of melanoma among men who regularly use sunscreens and a higher rate of basal cell carcinoma among women using sunscreens(11,21).

Dr. Ainsleigh estimates that 30,000 cancer deaths in the United States alone could be prevented each year if people would adopt a regimen of regular, moderate sun exposure(20).

Although the medical establishment still strongly supports the use of sunscreens there is a growing consensus among progressive researchers that the use of sunscreens does not prevent skin cancer and, as a matter of fact, may promote skin cancers as well as colon and breast cancer.

The bottom line
So what should you do to protect yourself as much as possible against these cancers? Summarizing current research the following recommendations appear reasonable:

DO NOT rely on the use of sunscreens to protect you against skin cancer.
DO NOT try to get a tan by visiting a tanning studio. The rays from their UV lamps are extremely harmful and the tan produced does not have the protective effect of a sunlight-induced tan(2,7).
DO try to develop a moderate natural suntan unless you have extremely sensitive skin and burn easily. Regular and moderate unprotected sun exposure in the early morning or late afternoon will help maintain a protective tan and keep your vitamin D stores at an optimum level(20).
DO wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when you are outside. Avoid sun exposure between 10 AM and 3 PM if at all possible. Remember that UV rays, particularly UVA, are present even on cloudy days(7).
DO wear sunglasses that filter out 100% of the ultraviolet light to protect yourself against the development of cataracts(7).
DO remember that sunlight is strongly reflected from sand, snow, ice, and concrete and can increase your direct sunlight exposure by 10 to 50%(2).
DO make sure you get enough vitamin D3 and beta-carotene, if necessary through supplementation. Recent research has shown that taking 30 mg of beta-carotene a day protects against the suppression of the immune system by UVA rays(13).
DO make sure to supplement your diet with antioxidants. Dr. Abram Hoffer in Victoria, Canada recommends that vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium be used as a protection against the damages of excessive ultraviolet radiation. He suggests daily dosages of 3 grams or more of vitamin C, 800 IU of vitamin E, and 200 micrograms of selenium (l-selenomethionine)(22). Vitamins C and E also protect against cataract formation(23,24).
DO cut down on the fat in your diet. Recent research has shown that patients with non- melanoma skin cancers can reduce their risk of developing additional actinic keratoses (precursors to skin cancer) by switching to a low fat diet(25).

I have been using a Lavera product this summer as I'm trying to use more organic/natural products...especially health & beauty items. It is called the Kids Plant-Green Sun Spray SPF 25, 6.6 oz. It is recommended for children and babies over 6 months. Can be used on face and body. Provides instant protection upon application, no waiting time necessary. Waterproof. I have never had any issues with staining and I love the smell. It has vitamins and calendula extract to soothe your skin. Yes it is expensive but it has lasted me all summer and I can't stand the thought of putting those nasty parabens all over my families' bodies. You can get it at Lavera.com.

I'm not sure about sunscreen's that don't stain i've never even heard of any that do stain?!?!?! but as for taking the stain out try baking soda and vinegar mixture to pretreat and then wash with detergent...

Don't let anyone make you feel bad for avoiding a hug to avoid getting something all over your shirt. Although we love hugs from our children we have all avoided a chocolate face or ketchup hands from time to time. I usually offer a kiss on the cheek instead. :-)
I also think you must be using something with a bronzer b/c I have never had sunblock stain anything. We tend to use Max Block a lot b/c I can usually buy it at the Dollar Tree for $1 a bottle. Although my children are 6 & 9, I still tend to buy "baby" sunblock b/c they have such sensitive skin.
Good luck!

Hi A.,

I haven't read anyone's responses yet, so I am not sure if I am repeating anything. If you are trying to get stains out, try buying Todally Toddler Stain Removal from Babies R Us. My sister got me hooked on this stuff and it really works! For the sunscreen issue, I always by Water Babies. I've never had an issue with orange stains. Good luck!

D.

I have never used anything but Arbonne sunscreen. For a couple reasons.. one Did you know that some of the sunscreens out there will actually cause temporary blindness in the little ones eyes?! Yeah learned that and glad arbonne doesn't! Another reason is it doesn't stain! lol It isn't greasy.. nice a thick too! It is botanically based.. pure, safe and beneficial like all of Arbonnes products. I have a sample of the ABC sunscreen if your interested. We are moving to Chesterland soon but grew up on the edge of Chardon I know Burton well! lol Went to Camp Burton every summer in fact! lol I can mail it to you! I have lots of other samples just look around see if there is anything else you want to try.. I will PM you my email and info.
Hope that helps!

Maybe its your skin pigment, I have never had this problem with any lotion. We have used the spray on as well, different name brands, off brands. Do you know of anyone else that has this problem. Try using cheap dish soap, the runnier the better, vinegar and water, all equal amounts in a spray bottle. This is an old remedy of my granny's, hope it works.
A. M.

Have you tried Shaklee Sunscreen, it is the only thing I would use on my son and myself. In the unlikely event that it would stain their Nature Bright product works wonders. Check them out on www.shaklee.net/gemsoffire. You can time in the word suncscreen into the search engine and it will take you right there. I know this will help. Have a great rest of summer - K.
I am a WAHM with a great 16 month old son who keeps me on my toes.

A. -

I recommend using Arbonne's ABC Baby Sunscreen -- botanically based with nothing that will harm your child or that would create stains. If you would like a sample to try, feel free to contact me.

L. L.

Go here to find a safe product for your family.

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/browse.php?category=baby...

I understand the need for sunscreen, but most of us are not aware of the dangerous chemicals that are in sunscreens. Coppertone and Banana Boat are the worst. I cringe when we are at the beach and I see mothers constantly coating their children. The mothers are doing what they think is best, but sunscreens have been unregulated...

Check out www.cosmeticdatabase.com. You can insert your sunscreen and become educated on the dangerous chemicals that are in them.

Find a sunscreen with zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is the ONLY full spectrum coverage ingredient available. It has more than 300 years of study to back it up.

I agree with the previous post about limiting full sun exposure and opting for shade or using sun hats. When I am going to be in full sun for an extended period of time, I use Reflect Outdoor Balm, which is organic (not just one organic ingredient among 100 synthetics, but truly organic).
www.organicology.com

Good luck!

I've heard that Oxyclean and peroxide mixed as a paste gets sweat stains out of white t-shirts - you might try that mixture for the stains?

Since we live at a lake during the summer we go through alot of sunscreen. I've used dozens of brands (mostly coppertone sport and water babies) and have never had it stain any clothes. Are you rubbing it in good like you're supposed to? I rub it in and then within minutes you can't even tell they have sunscreen on because nothing is on their skin. I have 3 young children and hold the baby after applying sunscreen all the time, too.

I am an independant consultant for BeautiControl and we have a fabulous sunscreen for body and wonderful sunscreen and anti-aging moisturizers for face. I have never had any staining issues when using our products and clients are very happy with them as well.
Contact me for more info about BeautiControl and I would be happy to help.
I live in the North Canton area and would love to show you the wonderful and affordable skincare.

Ok. So avobenzone is a great sunscreen. But it is the nature of the ingredient to stain light colored fabrics. That is just a trade off you have to deal with for protection against cancer and sun damage. Don't wear light colored clothing and make sure that the product dries completely before putting on clothing. If you don't want to deal with avobenzone, I have found that products formulated for babies and kids generally don't use avobenzone. I think that some stained clothing/fabrics is better than getting melanoma. One thing---if you do get a sunscreen stain--DO NOT DRY in the dryer. That just sets the stain. Just try a stain remover and soaking overnight in cool water. Do not scrub the fibers. The next day, handwash and let airdry. You may have to do this process a couple times.

Like others, I have never had regular sunscreen stain anything. I use the store brands and/or Coppertone, it comes out of the bottle white and it disappears into the skin.

If it is leaving an oily residue, try pretreating the oily area with Dawn dishwashing detergent. Actually, that works on all kinds of oily stains on clothes!

Hi A.,

I too have used Coppertone's Water Babies, and it DOES stain my daughter's swimsuits. One of her suits is a pink suit that is piped in white, and now the white is yellow from the Waterbabies (which is the only sunscreen I have ever used on her and is from 2 different bottles). I have tried Shout, Oxyclean, etc, but nothing has worked for me. I haven't tried to soak it Oxyclean clean like was suggested, so I am going to try that. If you find something that works, let me know too!! :-)

For your t-shirt, if it's white, have you tried using color safe bleach? I use that on white's that can't be washing with regular bleach.

Hi A.,

I commend you for trying to make sure your daughter wears sunscreen!

I confess we're kind of lax about it but my kids are teens now. For myself I use a moisturizer with sunscreen from Yves Rocher, "Protectyl Soleil" and have not had this problem. It may be too low of an SPF for little folks, but check their other stuff.

To get stains out, I would try an enzyme cleaner like Totally Toddler. If that doesn't work, and the sunscreen had a greasy/oily component, I would try Lestoil and wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric. DON'T dry in dryer, that tends to set the stain. (Lestoil is a household cleaner, not sold specifically for laundry but it works.)

You can also try, on white items, putting lemon juice on the stain and leaving the item in the sun. On colored things, this may fade the color as well as the stain, but if they're ruined anyway....it may be worth the risk.

Oxyclean (or its generic equivalent) is also worth a try, using it as a pre-soak as well as in the wash (again, in hot water).

Or you could just wear the old shirts around home so you can get hugs from your little one without worry! ;-) It may be hard to believe, but there may well come a day when she doesn't want to give/get them--enjoy them now! Good luck!

K. Z.

banana boat is the only one i found that doesn't stain, i dress my kids first then apply and rub it in very well. to get the stains out, i took one scoop of oxyclean & put it in a 5gl. bucket of water & let the clothes coak at least 30min. then washed with regular laundry soap.

The type of suntan lotion I use for my kids is called Kids sunblock. It has an spf of 50. It does not stain clothes at all. I have gotten it on my clothes as well as my kids clothes and there are no stains to be found. It is made by Ocean Potion suncare. It is oil and paba free is also hypo allergenic and is also non greasy.It is water and sweat resistant. It also says broad spectrum sun protection with parsol 1789. It blocks both uva and uvb rays from the sun. It also does not burn the eyes should it get into your daughters eyes. You apply it 20 min. before she goes out and then again after 80 min. of being outside or swimming and drying off.
D.

I am 31 yrs. old and have been married for almost 12 yrs. My husband and I have 3 boys ages 10,7, and 4.

Are you buying suntan lotion with a bronzer in it? Because I've never heard of a regular suntan lotion to leave orange stains. Look at your bottle again, I bet you have a lotion with a bronzer in it. Strange. Good Luck