During the summer we live at the pool and while it’s essential to slather on the sunscreen in the warm weather months and throughout the year, sometimes it just seems like a pain. Our kids cringe and squirm when I try to apply the lotion or spray varieties despite knowing the importance of protecting their skin from the sun’s harsh UVA and UVB rays. My recent attempts to reapply are met with glares and complaints of “Mooommmm, but it’s shady where we’re swimming” while they run off and jump in the pool.
Disclosure: I received compensation for this post as part of the CHPA OTC Safety Ambassador Program. All the opinions reflected here are my own.
We know that daily use of sunscreen can help reverse the signs of aging but there’s a lot of consumer confusion about the acronyms and numbers on the bottle. Did you know that the FDA has a new sunscreen labeling system?
The FDA has relabeled information on sunscreen to make it easier to read
Did you know that according to The Washington Post, different types of sunscreen produces different results? If you didn’t, don’t worry. You aren’t alone but what’s a well intentioned parent to do? Start by doing these four things to increase your sunscreen savvy!
1. Start by watching these helpful videos by the FDA explaining How Sunscreen Works and The ABCs of Sun Protection.
2. Scroll through these tips to bump up your sunscreen IQ to ensure that you’re sunscreen savvy.
3. Review. Let’s recap with this list of tips:
- Look for broad spectrum sunscreen, it means it protects against UVA and UVB radiation
- Use sunscreen daily, even when it’s overcast
- Use the right amount of sunscreen, at least 1oz (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen
- Choose the right sunscreen for you — physical or chemical — Chemical is absorbed by the skin, physical sits on the skin’s surface and is best if you have sensitive skin
- Limit your sun exposure, no sunscreen can offer all-day protection
- Apply sunscreen generously and reapply frequently – at least every 2 hours – SPF 30 is ideal for daily use. You’ll notice the new labels indicate sunscreen is now water resistant, not waterproof, and the new labels must state the length of time the product remains effective after exposure to water or sweat (40-80 mins max)
- Keep babies out of direct sunlight
- Everyone needs sun protection
4. Extra credit time! Read any of these helpful tips from the FDA to save your skin and be more safe in the sun:
- Reduce Time in the Sun
- Dress with Care
- Be Serious about Sunscreen
- Tips for Applying Sunscreen
- Protect the Eyes
- Slip! Slop! Slap! Wrap!
[…] month of summer and enjoy time before school starts, it’s easy to get a little more lax about regularly applying sunscreen and bug spray but these things are still important to keep families safe and healthy when outside. […]