05/13

How to Manage the Sun for You and Your Son

Skin cancer. Those two ugly words looming over any parent as they plan a day out in the sun with their little one. Now that I’m a mom I am trying to make sure that my sweet boy doesn’t succumb to the perils of a nasty sun burn.

Aside from the instant pain of a sun burn the long lasting damage is immeasurable. It can result in premature aging, sun spots, increased freckles and the dreaded two words: skin cancer. My mother was just diagnosed with skin cancer for a third time. The ups and downs I’ve been through with her are reason enough to lather Brooks up in some Badger and Md Sola. For myself, I use Elta MD & Tizo Sunscreen. Here are a few tips to helping ensure your little man is ready for some fun and sand.

1. As a rule of thumb, pick a broad spectrum sunscreen product of 30 SPF, apply in a double coat, reapply every 2 hours if out in the sun (reapply one time per day if indoors), and reapply more frequently if exercising or swimming. If you are especially fair skinned—or undergoing skin challenges such as adult acne, hormonal changes, pregnancy or chemotherapy–consider choosing a higher SPF rating of up to 50.

2.

Put your babies in hats. Hats are great ways to block out the harmful rays and keep them sunglasses tan line free! Here’s my go-to hat place.

3.  Make sure it’s labeled “broad spectrum,” which means it blocks both UVA and UVB sunlight.

4. Let your child choose a colored or scented sunscreen. Face painting AND yummy smells make it easier to lather them up.

5. If you’re on the go,  sunscreen sticks are best as they are less likely to drip.

6.  Spray-on sunscreens for kids are great because they are so easy to apply. Cover your child’s face while spraying to ensure it doesn’t go into his nose or mouth.

7.

Look for a killer umbrella. My obsession is this 6′ Titanium Beach Umbrella Fro Coolibar.

8.

Last but not least; Rash guards!!!!!!!!! These are very important because it just protects them even more.

– What ingredients to avoid in your sun block:
1. Oxybenzone
2. Retinyl Palminate