As the temperatures begin to warm up, you might find yourself spending more time outdoors and in less layers of clothing. While the sun rays feel great and you might be excited about a little sun-kissed glow, it is necessary to protect your and your children’s skin from the harmful UV rays.
You are probably already pretty mindful about lathering on the sunscreen for a long day in the sun. However, it is just as important to use sunscreen when you and the kids are playing in the backyard or going on a short walk around the block. With the current situation involving COVID-19, you are most likely limited to doing just that!
If you aren’t accustomed to putting on sunscreen daily though, it can be easy to forget. A great tip to help you remember to put on sunscreen is to keep it in a convenient location within your home. For example, this might be in a basket right next to the front or back door or even on the kitchen counter!
Another tip is to schedule a “sunscreen slather” time into your routine.It’s good to apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before having direct sun exposure to give the sunscreen time to bind to your skin. If you know you always go out to play in the backyard during mid-morning, you could put sunscreen on the kids and yourself right after eating breakfast (before everyone runs out of the kitchen). Or you could apply it on the kids right after they get dressed in their daytime clothes.
It might sound silly, but it’s worth remembering that sunscreen only works if you use it! Keep your skin and your littles’ skin safe as the temps warm-up.
Here are some great options for you and your family:
In addition to sunscreen, don’t forget to wear protective gear like UV blocking sunglasses and hats (this is important for young kids, too!). In more humid regions, mosquitos are also beginning to appear so I highly recommend bug spray as well.
Alas, enjoy the fresh air and the extra quality time you might be getting to spend with your loved ones right now. Though this summer might look a little different than we had planned, it is still a great season and it feels good to get outside!
Shannon M. Clark, MD, MMS is a double board certified ObGyn and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist, and founder of Babies After 35. In her roles as a clinician, educator and researcher at UTMB-Galveston, she focuses on the care of people with maternal and/or fetal complications of pregnancy. Dr. Clark has taken a special interest in pregnancy after the age of 35, which according to age alone, is considered a high-risk pregnancy.
Follow Shannon on TikTok @tiktokbabydoc, Facebook @babiesafter35, and Instagram @babiesafter35.
Check out the products for TTC through parenthood in the Babies After 35 Amazon shop, online courses and other services that come "Dr. Clark-approved"!
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