Perhaps it's something in the water,
Or maybe our region's climate...
But it seems like all of the children in our lives here at KD's (and some of the adults too) have skin issues...
We technically only entered the days of summer a few days ago, but it's been hot hot hot for weeks. The kind of hot where it doesn't matter if you walk out the door at 8:00 am or 8:00 pm, you can barely breathe. And there's been a shortage of rain, so with that comes the blistering sun wreaking havoc, particularly on sensitive skin...
As you all already know, each day, sunny or not, applying sunscreen should be your TOP priority. Check out this website for tips on how to properly apply sunscreen on your child. Speaking of sunscreen, contrary to what you might think, they are not all created equal. The Environmental Working Group, a Washington-based nonprofit, has released an investigation of nearly 1,000 brand-name sunscreens that says four out of five don't adequately protect consumers and may contain harmful chemicals. The group says some of the products of the nation's leading brands -- including Coppertone, Neutrogena and Banana Boat -- are the poorest performers.
For children, pediatrician Jerome A. Paulson, MD, FAAP, medical director for national and global affairs at the Child Health Advocacy Institute of Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. recommends a zinc oxide or titanium dioxide based formula. We've had great luck with Blue Lizard sunscreen (both baby and sensitive skin versions) which happens to be the #1 recommended sunscreen by dermatologists. According to Blue Lizard's website, because of all of the media attention they have received that they are out of stock so check your local stores!! Usually Half-Moon Outfitters on Devine stocks it, as well as sunscreens from Kiss My Face, which are made with oat protein. Katie down at Half-Moon swears by KMF for her fair skin, so moms and dads, don't forget your sunscreen!!!
Another great recommendation to protect your little ones from the sun, is a wide brimmed sun hat... One so big that it actually casts a shadow on the child's face. Sunglasses are always a good idea as well, and while we don't currently carry sunglasses for children, we do have a great selection of sun hats, many of which are reversible!
Especially in the extreme heat we've been experiencing,
ECZEMA has been terrorizing what should be smooth terrain
and as mothers we will go to the ends of the earth to find a solution...
Creams, potions, lotions and expensive ones at that... Only to yield rough, scaly red patches and in some cases tiny bumps all over.
One dermatologist recommended bleach baths... Raise your hand if you're brave enough for that!
There is something to be said about natural simplicity, and its healing powers. So let me tell you that a friend of ours out in Arizona developed a concoction of olive oil, beeswax, calendula oil and creosote extract (called the Creosote & Calendula salve on her Etsy site)... Yep, that's all... Pretty natural. And one would think out in AZ, they would know a little something about heat. She mailed some for us to try, and we accepted with open arms... It doesn't smell good (when you're comparing in to the likes of honey sweet Burt's Bees or lavendar scented Johnson & Johnson) but it doesn't smell bad either... AND IT WORKS!!! It took about a week of consecutive usage all over, and I put it all over Harper (back, legs, arms, diaper area) but I noticed a HUGE difference... Smooooooth sailing, for a reasonable price too considering that we are still working on the first jar.
She would call it a "cure-all" if the FDA wouldn't come chasing after her. You can find this product online here.
We're taking a holiday
And hope you will do the same!
K.D.'s treehouse will be closed July 1st through the 5th to celebrate the 4th of July with our families. We will reopen on the 6th at 10am, and hope you will come by and take advantage of summer savings as we prepare for our back to School event!
Check these out...
This new BLOG follows a multi-cultural Columbia family's journey of adopting two girls from Ethiopia. The blog will also feature giveaways from local stores, including K.D.'s treehouse!
Macaroni Kid-Columbia is an up-and-coming, local-mom-operated website with a great kid-friendly events calendar.
Don't forget to mark your calendars...
Our 2nd Annual Little Back to School Party
July 31st from 9am to 1pm!
There will be live music with local favorite LUNCH MONEY and family friendly activities like animal encounters with the Nature Learning Company and arts & crafts with Tag It Art!
With every $5 (or more) donation to The Children's Trust of South Carolina, K.D.'s treehouse will give 15% OFF at the register* (excluding art & other consignment merchandise) on this day only.
Plus, K.D.'s treehouse will match total donations to The Children's Trust of South Carolina up to $250.
love the blog post! thanks for the info on sunscreen and blue lizard! will have to check that out for my family. as you know we are plagued with allergies and skin conditions!
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