I partnered with CeraVe for this post.
Any parent who’s ever tried to convince an impatient, dripping-wet child to wear a bucket hat…or to let you reapply their sunscreen knows the challenges that come with safeguarding kids’ skin. Even on cloudy days, there’s still no relief. Ultraviolet rays can cause sun damage before you’ve had a chance to blow up your pool floats! (And we LOVE our pool floats.) That’s why I am excited to share some parenting hacks for sun protection as we enter the hot, South Florida summer months ahead.
The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that more people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer annually than all other cancers combined. Even just a few sunburns can increase a person’s risk. And we certainly know how that goes in Boca Raton! On average, the likelihood of developing melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, doubles after more than five sunburns.
This summer, stockpile and use several bottles of SPF 30 sunscreen that offer broad spectrum protection from damaging ultraviolet A and B rays. Then, consider these creative parenting hacks for sun protection to care for your children’s skin…AND yours while we’re at it!
5 Parenting Hacks for Sun Protection (That Also Work for Mom!)
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Prepare to paint
From toddlers to early elementary school-aged children, finger and face painting are generally considered good, messy fun. Using CeraVe® Hydrating Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 30 as the medium, budding artists (with a parent’s assistance) can “paint” and decorate their faces, being careful to avoid the eyes. Adults can help rub the lotion in to help avoid any white cast when they’re finished and ensure overall coverage.
Unlike chemical UV filters, mineral sunscreens stay on the surface of the skin to form a barrier. CeraVe’s 100% mineral formula forms a protective barrier to reflect sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays. Mineral filters tend to sit on the skin’s surface, sometimes causing a white cast to remain after applying. The best way I’ve found to apply it is to: 1) dot the lotion on the skin, 2) apply to one area at a time and 3) rub gently, but well.
The Hydrating Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 30 contains all the CeraVe benefits you know and love! It’s an oil-free formula and provides all day hydration with three essential ceramides that help restore the skin’s natural barrier to lock in moisture.
MBMom tip: If you’re concerned about sensitive skin or eczema, not to worry! CeraVe® Hydrating Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 30 has earned the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. It’s also free of chemical filters, fragrances, parabens and oil.
2. Sing their praises
Have your child sit still and listen to their favorite song – or sing it. That should buy you two minutes to thoroughly apply the first coat of sun protection.
MBMom tip: Don’t forget the tops of the feet and ears. Also, remember to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or after swimming or toweling off.
3. I got your back
Take turns. First, ask your child to rub lotion onto your arms; then it’s your turn to apply on them. One small hand full, or about one ounce of sunscreen, is needed to cover exposed skin on an adult’s body. Adjust as needed for kids.
MBMom tip: Start early. Allow sunscreen to soak in for 20-30 minutes before sun exposure.
4. Take cover
Keep a variety of clothing and lightweight layers ready– hats, long-sleeve tops, mid-length to long skirts, rash guard tops (which I personally love) and sunglasses to help protect during peak hours (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.).
MBMom tip: Kids love umbrellas, which are good for rain or shine!
5. Seek shade
The sun’s rays are at their peak between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Find relief during those times under trees, pop-up tents, awnings, picnic shelters, umbrellas and the like.
MBMom Tip: Mosquitoes and bugs also are drawn to shade. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends avoiding sunscreen that contains insect repellent. Purchase these products individually because insect repellent should be applied less frequently than sunscreen.
Thanks again to our sponsor, CeraVe, for helping with these 5 hacks for sun protection! CeraVe® Hydrating Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 30 is available at retailers nationwide. 🙂
