Getting ready for the summer is an exciting time with the swimming, barbecues, outdoor activities and spending quality time with the family. However, getting the family, especially the kiddos, excited about proper skincare isn’t always fun and games. And to add to it, us, the hectic mommies, often forget about protecting our own skin. As a busy mom, you’re always looking to save a little time, so I want to help you have one less thing to worry about and want to provide you with some skincare pointers that I use for my own family.
Cover Up
Summertime means shorts and tank tops and extra skin, right? False, not if you want to protect your skin, that is. Exposing too much skin could put you in harm’s way with dangerous UV rays that can penetrate the skin to not only put you and your family at risk for skin cancer but wrinkling, sun damage, and more.
Although it’s tempting to throw on less because you think it’s cooling, think the opposite. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation says clothing is the first line of defense against harmful rays.
Opt for lightweight, long-sleeved t-shirts. Think thin fabrics. Longer shorts and pants are more protective than short shorts. One of the best ways to keep the whole family protected is with a hat. Have fun and choose fun hats for the entire family. Fashionable and protective is always a winning combination.
Sunscreen, Sunscreen and More Sunscreen
Did we mention sunscreen? Yes, that’s right because the best thing you can do for your entire family’s skin is to use sunscreen. According to WebMD, it’s important to choose broad-spectrum sunscreens that offer UVA and UVB protection.
Although it’s tempting to reach for higher SPFs, they aren’t always as helpful for your family as might think. An SPF 15 blocks about 93% of the harmful UV radiation, while SPF 30 blocks around 97%, which is enough protection for most members of your family. Anything over 50 has shown minimal protection against UVB rays, so just because the number is bigger doesn’t mean it’s better.
Shopping for sunscreen is a task in and of itself. There are waterproof, sports varieties, sprays, creams and lotions. Since there’s no right choice, it’s usually a matter of preference. Maybe the hubby is going to be playing a tag football game, so the staying power of a sport sunscreen should be useful. You might find it easier to spray the kids instead of chasing them down to rub them with a lotion or cream. Just choose the right varieties that keep your family healthy and active.
Before you leave out the door, set an example and put yours and your husband’s on first. To get the kids interested, there are plenty of kid-friendly kinds with cartoon characters and superheroes. Sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect against skin cancer. Show the kids that protecting your skin can be cool—be their skincare superhero!
Bye-Bye Bugs
All the glorious heat and water that you and the family love are the very same that icky bugs like to share with you. For that very reason, keep in mind that insect repellant is the key. Make sure that you look for repellants that contain DEET.
DEET is the active ingredient that protects against all those irritating mosquitoes, fleas, ticks and more. Spray it on the whole family before heading out to avoid all those itchy and burdensome bites that can ruin you and your family’s summer.
Be a Little Bit Shady
Even with the best intentions, sunburns can happen and bites can happen that can leave unsightly scars, scabs and marks. One of the simplest and best things you can do is to stay out the direct sunlight. Yes, moms, get yourself and the kids in the shade and cool off a few degrees to give your skin a breather.
Now, no matter what the kids throw your way or how busy you may become, these simple tips will protect you and your family from the not-so-fun aspects of summer. We all want to protect our families and skincare is just as an important way as any. Protect your family’s skin and they’ll thank you for life for their beautiful, healthy skin.
*Guest post by Naomi Shaw.
