Summer’s in full swing! The kids are out of school and off to their grandparents house and/or summer camp. Family vacations to theme parks, water parks and fabulous resorts are also being planned. But before you go off on that fun family vacation or send the kids off to summer camp, we thought we’d bring you a few important ‘summer skincare tips!’
The old saying ‘black don’t crack’ maybe true (if you take care of your skin). Our skin may not crack but it will burn! That’s right African Americans sunburn in approximately 15 minutes if sunscreen is not used. Significant sunburns in childhood can increase your chances of developing skin cancer in the future. To help you avoid painful sunburn and reduce your risks of developing skin cancer and have beautiful skin this summer, we have a few tips.
Our first tip is to use lots of sunscreen. Sunscreen is important to everyone including children and babies. Sunscreen SPF (sun protection factor) is also very important. We need to use sunscreens with broad spectrum SPF of 15 and higher daily to protect from the suns’ UVA & UVB rays. While on vacation and in the sun (i.e at the pool/on the beach/theme parks) use a sweat proof sunscreen lotion with SPF 30+ and apply it 15 minutes before going outside and re-apply it every two hours especially after swimming. Also apply it on forgotten areas like eyelids, tops of ears, the back of your knees and the tops of your feet (especially if your are wearing flip flops or sandals).
We know you want to get a little sun while on the beach in Barbados but…we need to stay in the shade between the hours of 10am and 4pm. This is the time when the suns rays are the absolute strongest and most damaging. If you absolutely have to be in the sun wear a big hat to shade your face and protect your scalp from sunburn. Ladies if you are rocking a braided updo consider an old school sun visor (designer ones are now available…lol). Also wear sunglasses (wrap around styles) to protect your eyes.
Our next tip is to wear light colored clothing while out in the sun on vacation. The light colored clothes reflect the sun away from your skin and keep you cooler. Lightweight fabrics will also help keep everyone cool.
Our last tip is to drink plenty of water while in the sun. Keep your body hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses (or more) of water a day. No substitutes, just plain old H20!
BMWK family what’s your favorite ‘summer skincare tip?’
Be Happy. Be Fabulous. Be Well Traveled.
By The Travelin Diva (Kirstin N. Fuller)