How to Keep Your Kids Sun-Safe & Summer Ready!
Once the warmer weather comes around, all my kids want to do is be outside in it. From being outdoors during the last days of school to afterschool sprinkler and pool sessions.
While it is a great thing that the girls enjoy being outdoors and being active, I know how important skin care is and that if not protected, the sun can cause harm to their precious skin.
Once the mercury starts to rise, we start our summer ready routine and it helps to keep the girls sun-safe at all times.
Did you know that according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 80% of a lifetime of U.V. exposure occurs before age 20? So, protecting our kids’ skin is of utmost importance to us.
Read on to discover our routine and to see if you can implement it to your own.
1. Use Banana Boat Simply Protect
If you follow along, you know that we are big fans of Banana Boat and have used their products for years. Their new Simply Protect Kids sunscreen lotion is pretty awesome.
We have been testing it out for a few weeks and the girls have not been sunburnt at all. This is daily usage and long hours under the sun too. We spent two days out in the full sun during Gabby’s track meet and our sunscreen did not let us down.
TIP: Apply evenly on all exposed skin and don’t forget the ears. We often forget to, just use excess lotion on hands and rub over the ears.
The Simply Protect Kids Lotion and Spray is made with 25% fewer ingredients, including no parabens, oxybenzone or added fragrances and oils, and has a gentle, tear-free formula that is made especially for kids. The formula goes on smooth and is absorbed quickly. The best part is that it is tear-free because, seriously, kids are fidgety and it is one less thing to worry about if they rub their eyes. It is available in SPF 50 and also available in spray SPF 50+.
We make sure to apply right before school and make sure that they are evenly covered. We send some lotion with them to school to reapply throughout the day. When at home, it’s always at hand to use often.
2. Use Hats
While hats aren’t usually something my teen wants to wear, she will wear a sports cap to shield from the sun. Mimi on the other hand, will wear a nice bucket hat or fisherman’s hat with a strap and keep her head and neck protected. Wearing a hat during the summer is a must and helps in so many ways. After you’ve applied sunscreen, make sure that you wear clothes that are lightweight, breathable, and that shield from the sun.
3. Protect Those Peepers
Wearing a pair of shades isn’t just to up your coolness factor but, it protects your eyes from UV rays. If we don’t protect our eyes, it can lead to cataracts that can cloud or blur your vision. For us, they are a must and the girls like them. So, it’s a win-win! Just make sure that they provide 100% UV protection!
4. Stay Hydrated
We always have reusable bottles topped up all summer long. We always send the bottle to school too so that they can stay hydrated and can refill the bottles any time. When the girls are outside, we have lots of water ready and fresh fruit like watermelon to enjoy. Staying hydrated is so important, especially during the hot months of summer!
5. Avoid Peak Hours & Re-apply Often
It is always a good idea to avoid the peak hours and when the sun is the highest in the sky. Usually between 10 AM to 4 PM. If it can’t be helped, especially when kids are in school, make sure that you or they are reapplying as often as recommended.
If they are playing in the water, the Banana Boat Simply Protect will last up to 80 minutes. Also, don’t be fooled with overcast days. There are still harmful UV rays coming through those grey clouds! According to the SCF, 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can pass through clouds.
6. Apply Lip Balm
While you are protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, we often forget about our lips. Lips can burn too so, make sure that you apply a lip balm with SPF protection.
7. Monkey See, Monkey Do
One of the most important things in our routine is to lead by example. Darasak and I never spend any time under the sun unless we are protected with sunscreen. The girls have always seen us using sun protection and this makes them more enthusiastic to take care of their skin.
Not to mention, over the years, they have seen the results of having protected skin. They don’t get sunburned and they are actively avoiding the downsides of the sun, all while enjoying the best parts of summer. Plus, we all know how uncomfortable sunburns are. So, if you show your kids that you care about skin care and protection, they will care too.
What’s Your Routine?
The summer brings long days, lots of sun, beach days, pool days, and many hours spent in the sprinkler. Skincare is but a small but, incredibly important step in your summer routine. One that is so worth it and reaps so many benefits!
For more information about Banana Boat Simply Protect, visit Banana Boat here.
We are excited about the lazy days of summer and cannot wait until school is out. We have a summer planned with day trips, beach days, and vacation down south.
You best believe we will be summer ready and sun-safe this year!
How do you stay sun-safe during the summer?
Let me know, til then–cheers m’deres!
Note: This post is sponsored by Banana Boat. All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.
PIN FOR LATER
Nancy Polanco is a freelance journalist and editor of lifestyle blog Whispered Inspirations. A social media junkie, a travel-lover with insatiable wanderlust and an aficionado for fun gadgets, good eats, and entertainment. You can find her on Instagram and everywhere else under @WhispersInspire.
The post How to Keep Your Kids Sun-Safe & Summer Ready! appeared first on Whispered Inspirations.
