Summer gives me a headache.
Well, that's not entirely true. Sunscreen gives me a headache. Picking out the right one - UVB, UVA, SPF...huh? - and then remembering to use it, chasing the kids and smearing it on (especially wiggly toddlers!)...THAT gives me a headache.
And then there's the incessant warnings about how unsafe the sun is and how damaging the rays. It's enough to make me want to stay inside until fall.
But it doesn't have to be so complicated. (Phew!) A few quick tips and you can get out, play and enjoy the warm (sometimes TOO warm) weather that summer brings us. (Good...I didn't want to have to move to Alaska!)
But it doesn't have to be so complicated. (Phew!) A few quick tips and you can get out, play and enjoy the warm (sometimes TOO warm) weather that summer brings us. (Good...I didn't want to have to move to Alaska!)
1. Sunscreen. Yep, it's first because it's so important. Make sure your sunscreen has an SPF (that's Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher and provides both UVA and UVB protection. Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before you go out. Don't forget ears, feet, noses and other "sneaky" spots.
Remember to reapply every 2 hours or after being in the water.
Quick tip: 1 ounce of sunscreen (enough to fill a shot glass) is how much you need to cover the exposed areas of the body. (Way more than I thought!)
Did you know...? Even if you don't get a sunburn, or even a tan, the sun is still doing damage to your skin.
Remember to reapply every 2 hours or after being in the water.
Quick tip: 1 ounce of sunscreen (enough to fill a shot glass) is how much you need to cover the exposed areas of the body. (Way more than I thought!)
Did you know...? Even if you don't get a sunburn, or even a tan, the sun is still doing damage to your skin.
We recently got a chance to test out Block Island Organics sunscreen - a family-owned company and a vegan product with none of those nasty chemicals that some sunscreens have. That certainly got my attention!
2. Hat and/or sunglasses. Eyes can be damaged by the sun too - think of it as a sunburn in your eyes (ouch!). Be sure the sunglasses you get have a label that says they provide 100 percent UV protection.
3. Find the shade. The strongest rays of the day are typically from 10am - 2pm. That's the time when it's best to seek out shade or slather on that sunscreen. Use an umbrella or pop tent to play in. Use nature's shade (that would be trees!) too.
3. Find the shade. The strongest rays of the day are typically from 10am - 2pm. That's the time when it's best to seek out shade or slather on that sunscreen. Use an umbrella or pop tent to play in. Use nature's shade (that would be trees!) too.
And my favorite tip for playing it safe in the sun...
4. Eat lots of ice cream. And popsicles. And freeze pops. And water, too, but that's not nearly as much fun!
To sum up, yes, sunscreen is necessary. No, your child's head will not fall off if you forget it sometimes. Do your best and enjoy your summer!
