With the summer months ahead, it brings an increased risk for sun exposure and long-term sun damage. May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month and a great time to consider some crucial tips to keep skin healthy this summer and prevent the formation of skin cancer.
When I was younger, I would use tanning beds in the winter and bake in the sun during the summer just to get that glowing, golden tan… Fast forward twenty something years later and that sun damage is totally visible. Living in Hawaii we spend our days in the outdoors, but wearing sunscreen and a hat when we are out is a daily habit that I’ve instilled for my family.
Now that Kaia is at an age where she can wear sunscreen, we are finally doing more outdoorsy things. I try to make sure if we do go out in the sun, it’s not mid-day when the sun’s rays are strongest. Her skin is so fair and she has such beautiful skin that I’m really cautious about how long we are out in the sun. We’ve been using the Mustela SPF 50+ Broad Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for her body and Mustela SPF 50+ Broad Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen Stick for her face.
I love that the face stick is so easy to apply to her face as it just glides on and great for touch-ups! It’s great for on the go and traveling too. For the lotion, I really like that the consistency is a little thicker so that I can actually see where I’ve applied it and go over any areas of where I might have missed. It’s not greasy and it does a great job protecting her skin as she has yet to burn in the Hawaiian sun. All of Mustela’s suncare products are hypoallergenic.
Here are 5 great tips for sun safety for you and your family:
Wear Broad Spectrum SPF. Broad Spectrum sunscreen will protect you from both UVA (causing premature wrinkles and age spots) and UVB (rays that burn the skin). Try to wear a SPF 30 or higher. I prefer SPF 50. Always reapply sunscreen every 40 min. for babies depending on SPF level.
Wear a Hat. In addition to wearing a sunscreen, a hat is a great way to get additional protection, especially for babies and kids. We always have Kaia wearing her i play brim sun hat with UPF 50+ (ultraviolet protection factor).
Wear Sunglasses. The best sunglasses for babies/kids should block 99% to 100% UVA and UVB rays.
Hydrate. Drinking water is an important part of staying healthy, especially when it’s hot outside. Get them in a habit of staying hydrated, so that they don’t get dehydrated.
Shade. Fun in the sun is great, but learn to love the shade too. Encourage kids to play games or activities under the umbrella to take a break from the sun.
Of course, the most important part of all is learning sun safety. Let’s all teach our kids the importance of sunscreen and staying safe in the sun so that they can learn this valuable lesson for years to come.
Enjoy the sun and don’t forget to reapply!
(P.S. Even baby mermaids need sunscreen! Haha, how cute is her outfit? Our friend got it for her and unfortunately, she’s such a big baby that we had to squeeze her into the tail. LOL!)
