5 Summer Sun Safety Tips #BananaBoatBrand

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Banana Boat. In exchange for sharing my sun safety tips, I received product samples and promotional item as a thank you for participating.

We have been spending a lot of time outside this summer enjoying the beautiful weather.  There’s been a little rain, especially towards the start of summer, but all-in-all it’s been really nice.  Bubbles would live outside if we let her; she loves all kinds of outdoors activities.  This summer we’ve splashed in the pool, gone for walks, played in the sandbox, washed the car in our bathing suits, and gone on bike rides.  Too much sun exposure can cause problems down the road, though, so we’ve made sure to take some precautions and follow these five summer sun safety tips.

5 Summer Sun Safety Tips

Monitor Sun Exposure

Watch the clock and take breaks from the sun.  It’s a good idea to head into the shade (or inside) for a break from both the sun and heat every couple of hours.  And try to avoid the hours from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. if possible; the suns rays are the strongest during that time frame.

Cover Up

Make sure kids wear a hat, preferably one with a wide brim.  Lightweight long-sleeve shirts can also provide protection from the sun.

Hydration

Make sure everyone takes a water break now and then.  Keep a cooler full of drinks during backyard play, fill a reusable water bottle before heading out on walks or local quick trips, and for longer trips try freezing water to take with you so that it’s thawed and cold by the time you need it.

Eye Protection

Everyone should wear sunglasses while outside, even if the sun doesn’t seem that strong.  Kids, especially, should wear wider styles that wrap around and fully cover their eyes.

Sunscreen

You should put sunscreen on every time you go outside.  Even if it’s overcast UV rays can penetrate cloud cover.  Be sure to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher for adequate protection.  Apply your sunscreen 15-20 minutes before heading out so that it has time to fully absorb.  Then reapply every 2-3 hours (like when you come in for a break), more if participating in water activities.

When choosing sunscreen, a brand that we turn to is Banana Boat.  The advanced technology in Banana Boat sunscreen products provides effective broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection that won’t break down in the sun.  And they have carried The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation for almost two decades.

Another bonus is that Banana Boat makes a wide range of products that fits all our individual family needs. For Austin, who spends a lot of time outside playing basketball, riding bikes, and going for runs, the Sport Performance CoolZone Continuous Sprayis the sunscreen of choice.  It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and sprays on invisible with a clean scent.  It also instantly cools skin on contact which is a feature that hubby really enjoys.

Ashley and I are fans of the new 2-in-1 Protect & Hydrate Lotion.  It’s a lightweight moisturizing lotion that combines Aloe with Vitamins C & E to maintain 100% of your skin’s natural moisture.  It also has effective broad spectrum UVA and UVB  protection, and comes in SPF 15, 30, and 50 varieties.  We mostly spend our time outside washing our cars, taking walks, and playing with Bubbles, so this works very well for us.

Bubbles get a combination of the Kids Sunscreen Tear-Free Sting Free Lotion and the Baby Natural Reflect Lotion.  She has somewhat sensitive skin and our doctor is always recommending that we pay extra attention to her sunscreen needs.  I use the Baby Natural Reflect Lotion on her face; it’s pediatrician-tested, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic so I don’t have to worry about her face breaking out in exchange for protection.  The Kids Sunscreen Tear-Free Sting Free Lotion I put on her legs, arms, neck and chest.  It goes on white so you don’t have to worry about any missed spots, and with SPF 50 I know she’s getting maximum coverage.

There are still many days of sun ahead of us so be sure to pick up whichever Banana Boat sunscreens best work for your family.  Be sure to head over to the Banana Boat Facebook page to print out a $1 off coupon, too.

Do you have any summer sun safety tips?