Summer Sun Safety
It’s that time of year: Days are longer, the sun is stronger, and we all need to give some serious thought to protecting ourselves. Short of becoming nocturnal until Halloween or so, here are a few things you can do to protect your family from the sun this summer.
Find a good sunscreen
Last year I published a post called God help me, I am so confused about sunscreen! As the comments rolled in, one thing became abundantly clear: not everyone likes the same thing.
Some people are adamant about absorption. Others people don’t mind smelling like citronella. Still others are v-e-r-y careful about chemicals that can mimic estrogen. And so on.
At my house, we’ve chosen Neutrogena Healthy Defense Untinted Daily Moisturizer SPF 45 for faces. Pros: Non-greasy, long-lasting, no zits or ghostly face. Cons: Not cheap ($12.99 for 1.7 oz. at drugstore.com). Worrisome micronized particles.
For arms, necks, and everything else, we use Vanicream Sunscreen, Sensitive Skin SPF 30. Pros: Broad-spectrum chemical-free protection, cheap ($12.99 for 4 oz. at drugstore.com). Cons: Really heavy and hard to rub in.
Sunscreen is a big topic, and we’ll have a more comprehensive guest post that does it justice on Thursday (May is sun safety and skin cancer awareness month in case you hadn’t heard).
Slap on a hat
Hats are a necessary evil. No one really looks good in them, but no one looks good with melanoma either. I have literally owned dozens of hats over the years. My usual pattern is this: I buy a hat and wear it until I see a photo of myself wearing it, then I throw it in the Goodwill box and go shopping for a new hat.
Of all the hats I’ve owned, I like my brown Sydney Wallaroo the best. It doesn’t look ridiculous on me, and holds up to wind, salt water, and being stuffed in my purse or suitcase. Wallaroo has other styles I like (though they don’t suit me), notably the Sydney Bucket, the Sydney Diva, and the Jillaroo.
My kids wear Wallaroos too without too much complaining (here they are in the Bahamas last March in their blue Wallaroo Crickets). I think they’re sort of cute.
Cover up
My days of sunbathing are long, long, long behind me, and I make my kids cover up too. We’ve owned a lot of swim shirts over the years. This year, the kids are sporting Sun-and-Surf shirts from L.L. Bean—the price ($29) seems about right for a one-season product.
For years, the nice but expensive products from Solumbra were the only game in town for sun protective clothing. Now we’re spoiled for choice. L.L. Bean launched an affordable line of SunSmart clothing this year, and Land’s End recently debuted a collection called Sun.Life.
Sun protective clothing is treated with chemicals, which sounds sort of scary unless you consider the fact that sunscreen is too. I’ve personally never gotten burned through my clothes, but apparently this is a UVA vs. UVB situation. UVB damage is visible immediately in the form of a sunburn. UVA damage is sneakier.
The nice people at Wallaroo Hats have given us a Sydney Diva in light brown, and we’re giving it to you. Leave a comment here by midnight, June 2nd, 2009 for a chance to win. U.S. only please. Stay shady!
May 18th, 2009 | by Jamie Pearson 89 comments
1. Jessica Cardona on May 19th, 2009
Those sun hats are really important for kids and adults to wear! I’ve gotten sunburns on my scalp before and its not pretty!
2. SD on May 19th, 2009
Excellent giveaway! :) I don’t walk outside without at least SPF 30 on
3. Mara on May 19th, 2009
I really don’t like wearing hats and usually avoid them. Which means I don’t own any. Which means maybe I should win the had you’re giving away.
4. Kara/MountainMama on May 19th, 2009
I loved my Wallaroo until I threw it in washer AND dryer. Boo hoo. It shrunk. Need a new one! :-)
5. wendy liu on May 19th, 2009
the wallaroo hat looks practical and well made. i wear a lot of hats. the problem i’m having is that the ones made of cotton start off with a stiff brim, but over time, sag and completely fall over and cover my face and eyes so that it can be hard to see. i’ve had 4 hats of the same style that did this and i’m ready to try a new style.
i would love to try it.
6. Bridget Smith on May 19th, 2009
I am still on a quest for a hat that doesn’t make me look dorky! Count me in for rhe giveaway.
7. Lorraine on May 19th, 2009
Still chuckling at ‘worriesome micronized particles’ and donating the hat to Goodwill after the photograph. After years of being a 70′s kid without wearing sunglasses or sunscreen, now I’m almost permanently incognito in hats & glasses. Always good to have a reminder and some fresh tips – thanks for the post!
8. Amber's Crazy Bloggin' Canuck on May 20th, 2009
I really needed this post because my children’s sunscreen knowledge is lacking. Am off to read the post you wrote last year.
And this freckled strawberry-blond needs a Wallaroo hat!
9. Chrissy Shumaker on May 20th, 2009
With kids who don’t like sunscreen, this is a must!
10. Alison on May 20th, 2009
Thank you for the giveaway! I walk everywhere, so a sunhat is really useful.
11. susan varney on May 20th, 2009
i’m light complexted and could really use this
12. Stephanie on May 20th, 2009
I love hats in the summer- keeps me cooler and protects my eyes. Have never tried a Wallaroo hat but they look like they fit the bill!
13. MRS.MOMMYY on May 20th, 2009
love hats- still looking for a perfect hat- I know the sun does damage because the top of my hair changes quick in color tones
14. Heather on May 20th, 2009
Good post on SPF! I’m going for my 1st mole-patrol at the dermatologist this week! I could use a new hat, too.
15. Miaelkaye on May 20th, 2009
Lately I’ve been doing volunteer work out in the Florida sun, so a hat like this would be a must!
elkaye[at]gmail[dot]com
16. Jennifer Margulis on May 20th, 2009
The hardest part is getting the kid to KEEP the hat on!
17. Gary Emes on May 20th, 2009
We all need to get into the habit of the sunblock and protecting our eyes. Thanks for the prize.
18. Mary D on May 20th, 2009
I’m so fair skinned and tend to have freckles and keratosis on my face, so this would be a Godsend to have for summer! Thanks and have a wonderful week :)
19. Sue on May 20th, 2009
Such cute hats. I love their Jillaroo. I need a hat in the summer – I already have scowl lines embedded in my forehead. I’m just trying to keep more away.
20. Vickie Bartlett on May 21st, 2009
I’ve really been wanting one of these. Thanks
21. Denyse on May 21st, 2009
W/ the sun in FL- we could use this for sure. My one son always sneaks and washes off his facial sunscreen. This would be great:)
22. Aimee on May 21st, 2009
I am really fair-skinned so a new hat would be great, especially for all the outdoor fun we will be having. Bad economy=cheap entertainment. :)
23. Shelly/TravelswithBaby on May 21st, 2009
Glad I didn’t miss my chance! Love these hats.
24. Cynthia C on May 21st, 2009
This would be just right for my trip to the beach and for gardening. Thanks for the chance.
25. Sara on May 21st, 2009
It is so hard to stay motivated to stay covered in the summer! I always want to be in the sun that I have missed throughout the winter…but maybe this would motivate me! These are so cute!
26. Alicia on May 21st, 2009
I live in hats in the summer time. This would be great.
27. Wallaroo Sydney Diva sun hat, SPF 50+, value $36 : Mom Giveaways on May 21st, 2009
[...] Travel Savvy MomWhat: Wallaroo Sydney Diva sun hat, SPF 50+, value $36How To Enter: Leave a comment on the [...]
28. Yvonne on May 21st, 2009
A great contest, esp for the summer. Thanks!
29. LeeAnn P. on May 21st, 2009
Oh man do I need a hat for this summer- as I discovered last weekend at the local amusement park! I thought I was gonna die without one and it’s not even June yet!
count me in to win this!!
murphykatt[at]yahoo[dot]com
30. DeeAnn S on May 21st, 2009
I got a bad sunburn on the top of my head some years ago and do not go outside without in the summer months without covering my head. As I fish alot, this hat would be ideal! Thanks.
31. Tisha H on May 21st, 2009
I’ve learned that up here at 7000 feet, where the high-plains-desert meets the Rockies, with 300+ days of sunshine a year , I don’t dare leave the house without at minimum 30spf… 45 if I’m going to be out for more than an hour or so at a time, or if I’m taking my convertible for a spin. I can’t wait to see the followup article on sunscreens – finding the balance of affordabilty, quality, and non-yucky smelling (since we wear it everytwhere here, not just to the beach)
I’ve got quite the collection of hats and largish sunglasses in my own “saw a photo of myself, now it’s off to goodwill” pile, so I’d love to try a new style!
32. Katrina on May 21st, 2009
Here in Florida I really need a hat like that to keep the sun off my face. I had skin cancer at 19 on my face and the last thing I need is to get it again. Great (and important) giveaway.
33. Kate T on May 21st, 2009
My kids (4, 2, 10 mo) never go out without a hat (we live in AL)! The boys are the two oldest and have matching Lightning Mcqueen hats. To make them more fun (and tell them apart) we buy pins or patches on our trips and stick them on the hats. Or we buy a new hat from that particular place. The boys have Alamo Texas Ranger pins from San Antonio, Space Camp patches from Huntsville, and music notes from Nashville. (Plus new hats from Grandpa.) The baby doesn’t have any patches or pins yet, mainly because she still tries to eat the hat, but when she’s old enough she will.
34. Angela J on May 21st, 2009
I’d like a sun hat, could use one with our summer heat.
35. Joannie on May 21st, 2009
In the hot south Texas sun, hats are a necessity! We always wear sunscreen and try to stay out of the mid-day sun. My sunhat isn’t as cool looking as the Wallaroo hats! Thanks for the chance to win!!
36. Linda on May 21st, 2009
I have hats on all the time in the summer. I wish it would become trendy, as it’s such an easy way to protect your skin.
37. Pamela S on May 22nd, 2009
I have a friends who has had malignant melanoma so I’m obsessive about keeping my family safe in the sun. Thanks.
38. Diana on May 22nd, 2009
looks great! please enter my name. thanks!
39. Jennifer M on May 22nd, 2009
I like trying different hats and this one looks cute.
40. Sylvia Belle on May 23rd, 2009
I have had beta cells removed from my face and always wear a sun blocking hat in the sun.
41. Becca on May 23rd, 2009
I love the idea of sun blocking hats
42. Marianna on May 24th, 2009
It is SO important to protect not only our kids but ourselves from the sun too! Thanks for the chance to win something to help with that!
43. Sun Protection for Kids: Travel Savvy Mom | Sundicator.net on May 25th, 2009
[...] the original post: Sun Protection for Kids: Travel Savvy Mom Sunburn IS dangerous. Help prevent it and take 1 minute to spread the word about the [...]
44. Sarah Hirsch on May 25th, 2009
I could really use this to protect my face from the sun. Seems we’re outside a lot, and I should take better care of my skin.
45. kathy on May 25th, 2009
I would love to win this for my mom. She gardens all summer long and can use a hat like this!
46. brandlyn on May 26th, 2009
Thoes look really great and looks like they could protect the sun from your face.
47. Vicky Boackle on May 26th, 2009
i really should wear a hat.
48. MAR GAVLIK on May 26th, 2009
it’s on my list of things i need this summer. would like to have one to show off around here.
49. jan koontz on May 27th, 2009
hats in summer are a good idea
50. christina singer on May 28th, 2009
I love the sun, but of course, it doesn’t love my skin. I could really use a good sun hat that doesn’t look I’m taking a trip to the Kentucky Derby. Big and flouncy just isn’t my style.
51. dianne on May 29th, 2009
I live in FL and need a hot like this. Thanks for the chance
52. Deci Worland on May 31st, 2009
Having had surgery for basal cell carcinoma, I really need this.
53. Vicki Wurgler on May 31st, 2009
I do wear hats if I’m fishing, at the beach or gardening
54. Mimi the kitten on May 31st, 2009
What adorable, delightful hats. Thanks for the chance to win, and God bless you.
55. Trin Rimes on May 31st, 2009
thanks for the contest.
56. shelly on May 31st, 2009
We need hats to be sun savvy in the desert
57. Christina on June 1st, 2009
I was always admonished to wear a hat in the sun (to cover one’s face) but never thought much about it until reaching slightly later adulthood! The brown hat that’s the giveaway here is wonderful! Thanks for the chance to win it!
58. Erma on June 1st, 2009
I would love the chance to win, thanks.
59. Janet F on June 1st, 2009
I would love to enter.
It is very important to wear a sun hat.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
60. Mary on June 1st, 2009
I’m not normally a hat person but I do like this one.
61. Bonnie Day on June 1st, 2009
I don’t have a sunhat and my head gets so hot these look so nice that I would happily wear it
62. Jennifer on June 1st, 2009
enter me
63. Tammie on June 1st, 2009
I went on a sailboat cruise and the only head gear available was a baseball-style hat – that’s WHY it was still available! I ended up assembling a makeshift umbrella with a life preserver… :)
64. Laura G on June 1st, 2009
I’d love to have this while working in the garden.
65. tuesday on June 1st, 2009
Perfect for summer and to slow down the sun’s effect on my face!
66. katie on June 1st, 2009
I’m very fair-skinned so this would be a great prize for me :)
67. ktanjatk on June 1st, 2009
I love them!
Count me in :)
68. xenia on June 2nd, 2009
I seem to always forget to put sunscreen on the part in my hair and I end up burning my head – I could really use this hat! Thanks!
69. simone on June 2nd, 2009
My grandmother got skin cancer on her scalp. So few people remember to protect this area. Thanks! thebubbledies(at)gmail(dot)com
70. Susan Ledet on June 2nd, 2009
This is a great looking hat! I now wear hats after spending many years in the sun without one.
71. Veronica Garrett on June 2nd, 2009
I do a lot of outdoor gardening. This hat would be great.
72. renee on June 2nd, 2009
I got a scalp burn this past weekend and could really use that hat when we go back to the pool!
73. Rajee on June 2nd, 2009
Those sun hats are really important for kids and adults to wear
74. Tesa S. on June 2nd, 2009
I was just looking for a big floppy hat at our local Walmart to no avail. I have been sharing one with my mom, so this would come in handy. Wish it were a bright blue one, but brown will be ok.
75. Jovita on June 2nd, 2009
Thanks for the giveaway!
Looks forward to WINNING!!! :)
I LOVE hats!
76. Angela on June 2nd, 2009
I would love to have this for going out on the lake this summer!
77. Ann on June 2nd, 2009
I have learned how wonderful hats are for keeping sun off my face and it also provides great shade for reading!!!! Thanks for the chance to win!
78. carol ~ on June 2nd, 2009
This is a very nice and very useful giveaway! Thanks! I could sure use this!
79. kathy pease on June 2nd, 2009
Thanks for the GREAT giveaway
please count me in :)
80. Thomas Gibson on June 2nd, 2009
Skin cancer is real and people need to actively protect themselves and their children from harmful UV rays.
81. Jennifer Jozwiak on June 2nd, 2009
i could really use sunhat so I hope I win!
82. Randy Bailey on June 2nd, 2009
I’m In
83. Cassandra on June 2nd, 2009
Very stylish and much needed–thanks!
84. Helen on June 2nd, 2009
I wear a hat all summer long as I’ve burned my scalp far too many times and now know better.
85. Sarah Lehan on June 2nd, 2009
The Sydney is very nice. Thanks for the contest.
86. Heather C on June 2nd, 2009
What a great wide-brimmed hat! I’ve been in the market for one and this one will work wonders!
87. Angie P on June 2nd, 2009
That is a cute hat! I’d love to have it. :)
88. Gianna on June 2nd, 2009
Please enter me :)
89. Lily Kwan on June 2nd, 2009
Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!
89 Responses to “Summer Sun Safety”