Fun in the Sun – Stay Protected

Growing up in the Middle East you’d think that we’d have slathered ourselves in sunscreen all day long. However that was not the case. Infact I don’t recall ever using sunscreen and would come home browned but never burnt. I’m also brown, so I just assumed that our skin was adaptable. We all know that isn’t true. Everyone needs protection, even us brown peeps.

Once I moved to North America I started noticing the slathering of sunscreen and everyone being quite obsessive about it. The hubs ensures he’s wearing SPF 60 (despite my yells that he DOES need to get some colour) so clearly the education levels about sun protection in North America are a bit better than when I was growing up in the Middle East. Despite knowing that I need sunscreen I rarely slap any on. When I know I’ll be out all day in the sun is the ONLY time I’ll apply any because I hate the oiliness of the whole thing. The arrival of the Little Monkey and our many travels and summer escapades started making me aware of the need to apply sunscreen but again, I only applied it if we were going to be out for a long duration of time.

Yesterday I was invited to attend an educational session hosted by Coppertone about Sun Care and Allergy Symptoms Management. Between a dermatologist and a pediatric allergies and immunology specialist I actually got a lot of new information that made me REALLY understand the need for sunscreen.

Sure sun protection and cancer and that stuff. Knew that. Yup. Yup. But we’re safe. Not a big deal. I’ll use some when we’re out for long and I know I’ll FEEL the rays.  – WRONG mentality.

Here’s what I learned :

• Two types of UV rays exist. UVA which is all year round and accounts for about 90% of the rays penetrating deep into the skin and UVB which is concentrated in the spring and summer months and causes the heating and burning sensation we actually feel. Look for Sunscreens that say Broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection
• Clouds block Infrared but 80% of the UV comes through. If your make up has SPF it’s enough for the winter but you will need additional sunscreen in the summer  Wear sunscreen all year round
• Sunscreen should be your last line of defense. Umbrellas (as much as I laugh when I see people carrying them when there’s no rain), hats and protective clothing should be used/worn especially in the spring and summer months. Ensure the little ones (and adults) wear their hats and are well protected
• SPF 15 technically means you can stay in the sun for 15 mins longer than without. YET you can’t use SPF 30 and think you can stay out for 30 mins. Always look for shade and use SPF 30 (atleast for adults , 50 for kids)
• Kids lines (atleast with Coppertone) is the same as the adults range but with no fragrance or preservatives (acne protection) added. The whole family can use the baby and kids products easily
• Creams and lotions are the best base. Use sprays as touch ups every 2 hours on the go (every hour for kids!). Use a shot glass (1 oz – size of a golf ball) amount of sunscreen for each section. Apply generously as you need a heavy base.

I remember mulling about what sunscreen to pick up when I was in Texas last year at the Target and the only baby version I saw was the Neutrogena baby and that’s what we’ve been using (despite it being very thick and oily, making the Little Monkey look like a ghost). However I just received a sample of the new Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Mousse (SPF 60) which is supposed to be light, non-greasy, moisture-rich and waterproof. Will definitely test it out now that the weather’s nice and we’ll be outdoors. Not to mention… rooftop patios! I’ll have to pick up some of the Coppertone Water Babies range as well to test them out and see which one the Little Monkey likes best.

Happy times in the sun! Check out this awesome Coppertone Sunny Planner if you’re looking for family (and pet friendly!!) outdoor activities, events and things to do in the cities of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. No reason to sit at home and mull about where to hang out this spring and summer! Get out, explore, enjoy and remember to stay protected!