It’s the most wonderful time of the year and I am not talking about Christmas.
Summer is officially here and it is time to swim, camp, hike, travel, stay up later and enjoy family and friends.
To get prepared for Summer I bought A LOT of sunscreen, I signed my kids up for swim lessons so they are ready for pool time and I hope when I travel to Idaho there are no insects so I don’t get eaten alive (wishful thinking).
Here are some helpful summer safety tips so you can sit back and try to relax this summer.
BEST INSECT REPELLENTS
These first four all contain deet and were able to repel mosquitoes for at least 8 hours. The Environmental Protection Agency says Deet is safe when used as directed but should not be used for babies under 2 months old. Consumer reports says no one needs a repellent with more than 30% deet. A lot of high end backpacking and camping equipment can be damaged by Deet so make sure you read the care instructions on your sleeping bags and tents.
1. Off Deep Woods Sportsmen ll
3. Off Family Care Smooth And Dry
4. 3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent 8
If you don’t want to put DEET on your skin, here are some other repellent options that contain less or no DEET:
5. Natrapel 8 hour with picaridin
6. Bite Blocker Xtreme (Organic)
7. Cutter Skinsations Clean Fresh Scent
8. Burt’s Bees All Natural Herbal
9. doTERRA’s terra shield essential oil blend (all natural)
BEST SUNSCREEN
I am embarrassed to admit that I rarely used sunscreen when I was younger. It wan’t until I was about 16 years old when my girlfriend told me I should be wearing at least SPF 30. SPF 30 seemed so high at that time in my life. I loved being tan. Then I moved to Las Vegas 10 years ago and I never leave home without SPF 50.
In 2008 my dear friend Christina was diagnosed with Stage 1 melanoma when she was 7 1/2 months pregnant with her second child. Two years later it returned in her lymph nodes and now she was dealing with Stage 3 disease. She had surgery and took part in a clinical trial but remission only lasted 5 months before melanoma returned. This time she was diagnosed with Stage 4 in her lungs. In June 2010 she underwent biochemotherapy treatments and in March 2010 she started the newly FDA approved drug, Yervoy. Christina is now in remission and we could not be more grateful. Read her full story here and learn more about her non profit organization Sol Survivors.
Christina’s Sunscreen pick is Elta.
Elta is great for swimmers, runners, golfers, skiers, and all outdoor activities. It is safe for children and won’t rinse off in water or drip into eyes and sting when you sweat. It is very water resistant and fragrance-free. Get more information here.
We love the non-chemical ingredients in this sunscreen from the Honest Company. It now comes in a spray and face stick. It rubs in, has no chemicals and works great! LOVE it.
If you haven’t checked out all their products, you should. We love how they are all non-toxic and safe for kids, even baby.
BEST SUNSCREENS FOR SUMMER 2013-Allure.com
1. Aveeno Protect +Hydrate Lotion SPF 70. The formula is light despite the high SPF. Cost is under $11.00.
2. Blue Lizard Baby. This is dermatologist recommended chemical-free sunscreen formulated with physical blocks like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide so it won’t irritate the skin.
3. Kiehl’s Activated Sun and Protector SPF 50. It is light as you apply it which is surprising for SPF 50. It is packed with a handful of antioxidants for additional anti aging benefits.
Read the whole list at Allure.com.
Target brand sunscreen has impressed me. My kids never come home with a sun burn and the face stick is my secret weapon so sunscreen never stings their eyes while they are swimming. Just remember to reapply every 80 minutes as instructed. It costs under $11.00 for 2 bottles. And the sunscreen sticks are 2 for $7.00.
SUNSCREEN TIPS
1. Look for sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide – these are physical blocks that are not absorbed by the skin.
2. Make sure the sunscreen offers broad spectrum protection of both UVA and UVB rays–although UVA causes burns, UVB causes wrinkling.
3. Look for a SPF factor of 30.
4. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, even if it is cloudy. And every 90 minutes if in the water.
5. Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors.
6. Protect your lips with lip balm that contains an SPF of 30.
Did you know sunscreen expires? It breaks down over time. It needs to stay fresh so make sure you check the expiration date.
If you happen to get a sunburn I read in doTERRA Living you can make a sunburn soother by using 2 ounces of Fractionated Coconut Oil and 15 drops of Lavender or Melaleuca essential oil. Mix them together and apply to sunburned skin frequently. You can read more about why we LOVE doTERRA oils, here.
POOL SAFETY
We don’t have a pool, but most of our friends do. It is so important to pay attention while your kids are swimming at a local or private pool.
All 3 of my kids have started swim lessons at 2 years old. They have always loved the water because I started them so young.
POOL SAFETY TIPS
-Install a four-foot or taller fence around the pool and spa and use a self-closing and self-latchin gate.
-Have a first Aid kit and flotation device by your pool
-Learn to perform CPR on children and adults
-Teach your children how to swim
-Always watch your children when they are in or near a pool
-Share safety instructions with family, friends and neighbors
-Keep a life jacket on children that cannot swim
What sunscreens, insect repellents and pool safety tips have you found work for you and your family?
Have a happy, healthy and safe summer.
Ashley was born and raised in Boise, Idaho and now lives in Henderson, Nevada. She studied in Germany and created a hand knit hat business in 1998–Mutze by Ashley (meaning hat in German). She is obsessed with her Husband, three daughters, fashion, coconut desserts, and garden gnomes.
Mikey says
Being a professional in sunscreens myself. I have to say that Target brand is the best. Great post.
Libby says
Great information on sunscreen! I also love the recommendations for sunscreen. I am most definitely going to purchase one of the brands you recommend.
Also, thank you for the do terra recipe. You’re always very informative so thank you. Keep up the great posts!
Papino says
Great ideas on sunscreen and repelant. Summer is a great time to be outside if you are not too miserable with the heat–so thanks for all the info to stay safe.
Dawn says
I have found that if my family and I put lotion sunscreen on when we get into our swim suits and then use spray sunscreen for touch ups as we go we do the best. I like Hawaiian Tropic lotion and Neutrogena spray.
Colleen says
Thanks for finally writing about >Summer Safety Tips: Best Sunscreens, Insect Repellents and More
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