As temperatures heat up during summer months, you’re probably spending more time in the sun. If you plan on enjoying the outdoors, there are a few important sun safety tips to follow.
Sun Safety Tips
For starters, wear sunscreen. Our children take swim lessons five days a week in the summer. Classes are almost an hour long followed by another hour minimum of them practicing what they learned. Most days I have to bribe them to get out of the water.
If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you know that we take sun safety seriously. Skin cancer runs in my husband’s family and I’m prone to sun poisoning. All it takes is 15 minutes in the sun for my skin to bubble up and turn red.
When it comes to spending time in the sun, we take extra precaution starting with generously applying sunscreen.
We use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher to block ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which can cause premature aging, sunburn and skin cancer.
We also don’t skimp on the product when applying sunscreen. We generously apply it all over about 15 minutes before going outside, and then reapply every two hours. It’s also important to use sunscreens that don’t have harmful chemicals.
Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid
According to a 2016 study, a group of scientists found that Oxybenzone, or BP-3, is included in more than 3,500 skin care products worldwide, including sunscreens. These ingredients are toxic and can cause birth defects and infertility in fish, and also decrease photosynthesis.
Benzophenone-2 is another ingredient you should avoid. In a 2013 study, NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science researchers and their partners found that Benzophenone-2 can kill juvenile corals.
There’s no doubt that these ingredients can negatively impact marine life. However, they can also affect humans directly as well. Experts claim that Oxybenzone can cause hormone disruption and cell damage, which could lead to skin cancer. Benzophenone-2 may affect thyroid function, and has been linked to skin allergies. There a quite a few other ingredients that we also try to avoid in cosmetics.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen
We’ve tried our share of sunscreens. I’ve develop an allergic reaction to some brands, while others leave a thick white residue that’s hard to wash off. We each have different skin types, which makes it difficult to find the right formula.
After doing some research, I came across Raw Elements and decided to give it a try. All of their sunscreens are certified natural, Non-GMO Project verified, reef safe, cruelty free and safe for all ages.
Their products are also hypoallergenic, easy to apply, and doesn’t leave behind a white residue. It’s made with natural ingredients such as certified natural zinc oxide, certified organic black tea, beeswax, cocoa butter, mango butter, rosemary oil and vitamin E just to name a few.
These natural ingredients make a world of a difference because they don’t irritate my skin. Also, a little goes a long way. It has a think consistency unlike many other brands.
Other Sun Safety Tips to Follow
In addition to applying sunscreen, choose shaded areas whenever possible. This is especially important between 10am and 4pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
Instead of wearing dark colored clothing that absorbs the sun’s harmful rays, sport light-weight and light-colored fabrics. Another important note, remember to protect your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses.
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If you plan to head to the beach to cool off, keep in mind that water and sand reflect the sun’s rays, which increases your chances of getting burned. We also try to stick with swimsuits with UV protection.
Follow these simple tips, have fun and be safe. Visit Raw Elements for a complete list of sunscreen products. Enter coupon code Weather Anchor Mama for a 10% discount.
