UV or Not UV: A Quick Guide to Skin Protection for Summer!

Hello July! With this blissful warm weather comes beach days, pool parties, maybe a river float excursion and of course, a backyard barbecue or two. Hooray for summer! 

The downside of the summer heat is the potential for sunburn. We all know the necessity of wearing sunscreen with at least 30 SPF, but do we really know when to reapply? The majority of sunscreens on the market wear off in about 2 hours and if you’ve got multiple kiddos running around, how the heck do you keep track of how long it’s been since the first application? Are we even putting enough sunscreen on in the first place? The American Academy of Dermatology reports that about 25% of people actually use the right amount of sunscreen and that it takes about 1 ounce of sunscreen to cover an adult’s body! 

We’ve got good news for you though! A friend recently told me about these incredible UV detection stickers that work by sticking to your skin and changing color when your sunscreen wears off! Pretty incredible, right? It’s like a mood ring (oh hello 90’s kids), but instead of detecting mood, it warns you when it’s time to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays! UV detection stickers are compatible with all types of sunscreen and they come in funky shapes and vibrant colors for an added dose of fun! They are very easy to use: peel one off and stick it on any exposed skin (try to pick somewhere free of hair and oil for best results), apply your sunscreen all over your body including the sticker, et voila! You and your little ones are ready for some fun in the sun! When the sticker starts to change color, reapply your favorite sunscreen or head for the shade. Easy-peasy, lemon-squeezy! Here’s a brand we like, readily available at Target: Spot My UV

While these stickers are a great add on for your regular sunny day routine, there are a few other great sun protection solutions that we love! Clothing brands like UV Skinz and Coolibar offer a range of UV-protective clothing for both adults and kiddos. Wherever you buy UV protective clothing, make sure the tag says UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). Using a UPF shirt can also cut down on the amount of sunscreen you have to wrestle your kiddo to apply. Whew! 

Now on to the commonly asked question among new parents: which sunscreen is best for us and our kiddos? While the American Academy of Dermatology’s sunscreen guidelines says that the best sunscreen is one that you will use repeatedly, I do not like chemical sunscreens for numerous reasons: most of the active ingredients in chemical sunscreens are not environmentally friendly and are harmful to corals and algae (not “reef-safe”), chemical sunscreen works by absorbing and trapping harmful rays on your skin, and they often contain other ingredients that are harmful such as parabens and phthalates. Mineral sunscreens are a great alternative! They're free from harsh chemicals, which is great for those with sensitive skin, and provide a physical barrier against UV radiation. Most mineral sunscreens are also reef-safe, like Babo Botanicals or Badger Balm. 

It may seem like a no-brainer, but let's talk about the benefits of using UV detection stickers and investing in sun protection, especially for our little ones. Sunburns may have been a hilarious rite of passage for those of us who were teens in the 90’s, but they can have long-term consequences on our skin health. By using UV detection stickers and following other sun protection measures, we can minimize the risk of sunburns, premature aging, and even reduce the likelihood of developing skin cancer. Plus, teaching our children about sun safety early on sets them up for a lifetime of healthy habits and glowing skin. As someone who grew up in the “fashionably tanned” era, I really wish I’d learned this sooner! 

So, there you have it, sun worshippers! With UV detection stickers, fashionable UV-protective clothing, and mineral sunscreen, you can bask in the warm glow of the sun without turning into a crispy critter. Wishing you and your little ones some safe, fun in the sun and a beautiful, warm summer!

Xo Brilliant Births