When the hot, sunny days arrive, our first instinct is to get out and enjoy it! After all, it doesn't last for long here in Canada. But while enjoying the sun, it is important to keep sun safety tips in mind because too much of a good thing may not be so good. By following some, or hopefully all of these sun safety suggestions (and sunscreen [1] is only a small part of it!), you will be taking big steps towards keeping both you and your family safe and healthy.
Use A Natural or Organic Sunscreen
Not all sunscreens are created equal and there is a lot of confusion when it comes to choosing a safe sunscreen. When picking a sunscreen, be sure that you are choosing a natural or organic broad spectrum mineral sun block [2] that does not contain nanoparticles, parabens, vitamin A, oxybenzone, fragrance, or any other nasty ingredients. And don't forget your lips [3]! They are extra sensitive to the sun's rays. For children 6 months of age and under, keep them out of direct sunlight and keep them shaded as much as possible. Consult a doctor before deciding to use sunscreen for a child under 6 months old.
Also remember that your skin is not only vulnerable in the summer months. The sun may not be as strong during the winter, but it can still be damaging. If you will be in the sun for extended periods during the winter months, be sure to use sunscreen.
A Hat Is Where It's At
For the kids, the best kind of sun hat is one with a wide brim so everything is protected. A hat with a brim shades and protects the face, scalp, and ears. If you are wearing a baseball-style cap, be sure to apply sunscreen to the tops of the ears since they can burn very easily.
Don't Forget About Your Eyes
The eyes are especially sensitive to UV rays, so aim to always wear sunglasses when out and about in the sun. When buying, make sure the label says that they provide 100% UV protection.
Remember That Dark Skin Is Also Vulnerable
It is a big misconception that those with dark skin do not need to wear sunscreen. It is true that dark skin rarely burns, but it can still happen. Because dark skin contains more melanin than lighter skin, the melanin naturally provides some protection from the sun's rays...BUT, it is important to remember that sunscreen protects the skin from harmful UV rays, and that it doesn't only protect it from burning. Long-term exposure to UV rays will damage the skin, cause premature wrinkling, and can even cause skin cancer. Dark skin is not immune to these things.
Hang Out In the Shade
Take a break from the rays and heat every now and then and relax in the shade.
Make the most of your vacation to a sunny destination by planning ahead. Don’t miss these other articles [4] that will help you and your family have the holiday you deserve.
After working for many years as a successful tech writer, Gwen decided to leave that world behind to become a stay-at-home mom to her two children. Soon after, she started paying more attention to what was in the products she brought into her home and realized that it was not all good. She stepped into action and educated herself on exactly what is safe, and what is not. Once she decided on the products she liked, she soon learned that it was no easy task to find these things in one convenient place so this was when she decided to open up an online eco-store. After all, she couldn’t be the only parent out there who had this problem, right?
After six very rewarding years of being a store owner and being immersed in the "green world," Gwen made the bittersweet decision to close down her popular online shop.