I know... we all used to just run outside and play in the sun for hours, and getting a sunburn was simply a marker of a good day's fun. Why can't we go back to the good old days, right?
But now we know better. We know that yes, a little bit of sun exposure on arms and legs provides some good-for-us Vitamin D. At the same time, doctors recommend babies under six month get no direct sun at any time, (and some doctors extend this into the first few years). Now that's really hard to do!
Babies are in strollers, in our arms,... it's hard to keep them inside! Even in the shade, UV rays can have damaging effects over time. Infants have not fully developed their sun protection defenses, so it is so important their delicate skin get the utmost protection!
What else is there besides sunscreen?
Applying sunscreen liberally has become the norm. But have you ever seen what's in most sunscreens on the market? (There are several great natural sunscreens I'll use, but they are hard to find in stores!). There just aren't adequate tests on what effect the typical sunscreen has on infant skin.
I've put UVSkinz sun protective clothing on my children for years because of the great fit (not like shrink wrapping your kids!), and the head to toe coverage (they have shoes!).
UV Skinz products carry a UPF rating of 50+, which blocks over 98% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, without the harsh chemicals that are often present in sunscreens. And, as UVSkinz owner and founder Rhonda Sparks says: “Anyone with kids knows how difficult it can be to apply a proper coating of sunscreen on children who want to constantly wiggle and squirm. Our UV protective clothing minimizes unprotected areas of the skin, resulting in less hassle when trying to apply that messy and chemically ridden goop!”
Amen to that!
I still apply a natural sunscreen to face, neck, hands, and tops of feet, but do you know how FAST our sun-prep is with UVSkinz clothing? Super fast. In fact, besides the sun protection factor, it's the convenience of their clothing that keeps me adding UVSkinz items to the kids' wardrobe!
How else can we protect our kids from skin cancer?
With one in five Americans developing skin cancer, we all need to raise awareness and take precautions. Use sun protective clothing when outdoors, mixed with a natural sunscreen on exposed skin.
Limit time in the sun. Bring umbrellas and tents to the beach and picnics so kids (and adults) can get some relief from constant sun exposure.
Stay in the shade.
Wear a hat.
Avoid peak hours when sun rays are the harshest (this can vary as the year progresses, but is generally known to be 10-2)
UV Skinz specializes in UPF certified 50+ sunwear that is chemical free, breathable and stylish for the entire family. Just one blistering sunburn as a child doubles that child’s risk of developing melanoma. Let's pass this information along, and protect our kids from future skin cancer!
This post is in partnership with UVSkinz and I was compensated for sharing this message. All opinions are my own.
I love the idea of protective clothing, especially for our kids.
I love the idea of protective clothing, especially for our kids.
Love UV clothing. It is so fast and easy and don't have to put greasy lotion all over us.
Love UV clothing. It is so fast and easy and don't have to put greasy lotion all over us.
My kids only wear UV protective swimwear. It's important to be safe!
My kids only wear UV protective swimwear. It's important to be safe!
I remember the days of spraying oil all over your body to try and soak up more sun. My how times have changed
Oh my goodness, I know! I shudder to think now!
I remember the days of spraying oil all over your body to try and soak up more sun. My how times have changed
Oh my goodness, I know! I shudder to think now!
I grew up a redhead in Arizona...and got skin cancer at age 32. 🙁 Sunscreen is not optional in my house! Great post.
as the daughter of a redhead, I also have to be so careful of my fair skin... but wow, 32 🙁 so sorry!!
I grew up a redhead in Arizona...and got skin cancer at age 32. 🙁 Sunscreen is not optional in my house! Great post.
as the daughter of a redhead, I also have to be so careful of my fair skin... but wow, 32 🙁 so sorry!!
I have heard of an alarming number of cases of skin cancer lately. We have to protect the little ones!!
I have heard of an alarming number of cases of skin cancer lately. We have to protect the little ones!!
Skin cancer is such a horrible disease. I think some people take it too lightly. Thanks for spreading awareness.
Skin cancer is such a horrible disease. I think some people take it too lightly. Thanks for spreading awareness.
Ugh, this is so scary. I would love to go back to the good ol' days, too! These clothes looks awesome, though.
Ugh, this is so scary. I would love to go back to the good ol' days, too! These clothes looks awesome, though.
I am so bad about remembering to put sunscreen on them every time they go outside. I really should just put it on first thing in the morning and then again at lunch and dinner. Make it part of the routine as they spend so much time outside!
When we go to the local Sand Dunes we love having our UV protection clothing because it's so hard to reapply sunscreen mixed with the water and sand.
I am so bad about remembering to put sunscreen on them every time they go outside. I really should just put it on first thing in the morning and then again at lunch and dinner. Make it part of the routine as they spend so much time outside!
When we go to the local Sand Dunes we love having our UV protection clothing because it's so hard to reapply sunscreen mixed with the water and sand.
Those are so super-awesome... I had them for the kids when they were babies... will have to go get some for them now that they are bigger... Thanks for the reminder
Those are so super-awesome... I had them for the kids when they were babies... will have to go get some for them now that they are bigger... Thanks for the reminder
As someone who got horribly burnt this past Sunday, I definitely appreciate this post! Sun safety among other outdoor safety things is very important.
As someone who got horribly burnt this past Sunday, I definitely appreciate this post! Sun safety among other outdoor safety things is very important.
I wish I had these when my kids were younger. My son burns easily and these would have been much easier than sunscreen.
I wish I had these when my kids were younger. My son burns easily and these would have been much easier than sunscreen.
I'm so crazy about my kids in the sun, I love the UVSkinz stuff!! Long-sleeve and protective wear can be so hard to find. Thanks for the great coupon too!
I'm so crazy about my kids in the sun, I love the UVSkinz stuff!! Long-sleeve and protective wear can be so hard to find. Thanks for the great coupon too!
IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO PROTECT OUR SKIN AND OUR BABIES SKIN.! WHAT A GREAT SHIRT!
IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO PROTECT OUR SKIN AND OUR BABIES SKIN.! WHAT A GREAT SHIRT!
These are great tips! I have a son with extremely fair skin, we always use hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses! It's so important to protect them from those harmful uv rays!
These are great tips! I have a son with extremely fair skin, we always use hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses! It's so important to protect them from those harmful uv rays!
Playing outside for hours is definitely what kids should be doing in the Summer time, however with the extreme warm weather we've been having it's also important to keep safety in mind! Sun exposure is definitely one of those safety factors we all need to keep in mind.
Playing outside for hours is definitely what kids should be doing in the Summer time, however with the extreme warm weather we've been having it's also important to keep safety in mind! Sun exposure is definitely one of those safety factors we all need to keep in mind.
I love sun protection suits and clothing for kids. I think sunscreen is not enough these days. Thanks for the discount!
I love sun protection suits and clothing for kids. I think sunscreen is not enough these days. Thanks for the discount!
You can never be too careful! Especially with little ones!
You can never be too careful! Especially with little ones!
I Adore UVSkinz, my twins used them since they were babies on our first trip to Mexico - sun safety should always be considered
I Adore UVSkinz, my twins used them since they were babies on our first trip to Mexico - sun safety should always be considered
We use the same brand UV Skins for all of the kids outside even the baby! It's really important especially after watching a friend pass away a few years ago from skin cancer.
We use the same brand UV Skins for all of the kids outside even the baby! It's really important especially after watching a friend pass away a few years ago from skin cancer.
I think these are perfect for outdoor swim lessons. I know my daughter got a nasty sunburn once even with sunscreen on there.
I think these are perfect for outdoor swim lessons. I know my daughter got a nasty sunburn once even with sunscreen on there.
Protecting your skin is so very important, I want to make sure my daughter is covered and protected from the suns rays.
Protecting your skin is so very important, I want to make sure my daughter is covered and protected from the suns rays.
I am so bad about using sunscreen for myself, but I ALWAYS make sure my kids have it on!
I am so bad about using sunscreen for myself, but I ALWAYS make sure my kids have it on!