[otw_shortcode_divider margin_top_bottom="30" text="This post is sponsored by Neutrogena." text_position="otw-text-left"][/otw_shortcode_divider]
Let's talk skincare for a minute and how so very important it is to wear sunscreen.
Despite all we know about sun protection, skin cancer continues to be a health epidemic in the U.S. – on average, more than 350 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every hour – even though skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.
I know all too well how important it is to wear sunscreen as my dad has had skin cancer cells removed from his face. Being super fair with freckles only increases my risk because I burn within minutes of going in the sun without protection. Just 1-2 severe and painful sunburns can increase the risk of melanoma by 40 percent!
At this point in my life, I'm already worried about the sun exposure that I had when I was younger and I do not want my daughter having this on her mind as she ages. The best defense against skin cancer is to avoid excess sun exposure and wear sunscreen daily. A practice that I've put into place and I'm now sharing with my daughter. Instead of just reminding her to put on sunscreen, I AM SHOWING HER BY EXAMPLE. That's the secret to getting your child to wear sunscreen!
Kids are more likely to adopt healthy habits, like applying sunscreen, if they see their parents applying it on themselves first.
In my home, we all share a bathroom so it's easy for her to see me get ready in the morning. I'm keeping a tube of Neutrogena by our toothpaste so everyone can use it in the morning— my husband included. A recent study showed that you are more likely to increase sunscreen usage if you place it next to your toothpaste – something you already use daily. Makes sense, right!?
By using sunscreen daily in front of our kids, we can help create the first sun-safe generation.
Here are a few tips for getting your family sun safe:
Start when they're young — Apply sunscreen daily to your kids when they're little and keep doing it as they grow. Once they can manage the task on their own make it a family affair to get up in the morning, brush their teeth and apply sunscreen. It will become a habit that will stick with them!
Stock up on good quality sunscreen — My sunscreen of choice is Neutrogena because it applies easily and there's a variety of SPFs for different types of skin (Sheer Zinc, Pure & Free Baby).
In the summer I rely on Neutrogena Beach Defense because it holds up to our harsh summer sun, is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, and is clinically proven to help defend the signs of sun damage. It also comes in 5 forms, including an awesome stick that makes application super easy (seriously, where has this been all my life!?). You can view the entire line of Neutrogena sunscreen and skincare products and purchase on their website.
Make applying sunscreen fun! — Neutrogena has started the #MimicMommy MOVEment and is showcasing how to apply sunscreen in a fun way, like a group dance, to promote regular sunscreen use in children. Here's How to Apply Sunscreen by the Holderness family.
My husband and I took our daughter the beach today and made a little video with our sunscreen application moves (they are ridiculous - but worth the watch for a laugh!). Take a look!
Enter to Win in a #MimicMommy Sunscreen Kit!
Three (3) lucky Mommy Musings readers will win a #MimicMommy sunscreen kit from Neutrogena with select sunscreen products for the family!
To enter, fill out the form below. Giveaway ends 7/22/17 at 11:59 pm. US only - Good luck!
Jennifer Essad
aside from using Neutrogena sun care products, we take breaks in the shade and if I can I purchase clothing that is spf rated
Shannon Baas
we try to avoid being out during the middle of the day.
Lauren
We make sure to apply sunscreen regularly.
Janet W.
I help my grandsons avoid excess sun exposure by doing outdoor activities in the early morning hours, and by always applying sunscreen on their bodies any time of the day.
janetfaye
We use Sunscreen daily in the summer and wear hats and sunglasses..
Azeem
Using sun screen, umbrellas and hats
Cynthia C
Sunscreen, of course, and hats, sunglasses and clothing that covers skin all help.
Ashley C
We use sunscreen, hats and rashguard shirts when we are out in the water during the peak sun hours!
Michelle Garrity
sunscreen and hats
Amity J
use a covering when possible
Kristyn M.
We re-apply sunscreen throughout the day, and use a canopy or umbrella or pool to avoid sun exposure.
BusyWorkingMama
I'm lucky because my 9 year old hates to get sunburned so she's usually the one reminding me to put it on!
Kelly D
I make sure my kids take breaks in the shade.
Ann Fantom
I'm constantly reminding my daughter to reapply sunscreen when outdoors
Lasonda
Use lots of sunscreen and avoid mid day sun.
Angela Thorpe
We constantly are reapplying sunscreen and wear hats
Debbi Wellenstein
We wear hats and sunscreen, and try to avoid the mid afternoon sun.
Leslie Davis
Avoid mid day sun and wearing hats
Darlene Carbajal
I don't have kids but I try to stay out of the sun as much as possible.
Denise B.
Our children are not out during the day when the sun is the strongest. They usually spend some time in the pool during the late afternoon and use sun block.
Tracy Davis
We always use sunscreen.
Elle
We try not to go out in peak sun rays hours and always reapply sunscreen after being in the water or a few hours.
Wendy R.
Well, for us, we burn so easily that my kids always knew that they needed to sunscreen up repeatedly or pay the price (which is never a good thing in many ways!).
Tari Lawson
We apply sunblock and try to be in a shaded area (using umbrellas if necessary.
Em Mahr
We apply sunscreen regularly and take cool-down breaks in the house.
Rosie
One thing I do is I make cute sun hats - for everyone. We use sunscreen year round. It is a habit.
cheryl s
we wear sunscreen and hats
Anne Higgins
We always apply sunscreen and clothes to keep the sun off - a hat is a MUST!
Emily R.
We use sunscreen, wear hats & rashguards/coverups.
Laurajj
We always make sure to redo our sunscreen throughout the day!
Cheryl B
We use frequent sunblock and take breaks during peak uv times.
Leela
Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Jodi
Have them wear a hat
Janine Hwang
I try to make them wear a hat, and rash Guards!
Richard Hicks
WE use lots of sunscreen and try to avoid time of day when uv rays are strongest
Min K
sunscreen and shade
Joan Roth
By reapplying sunscreen often.
susan smoaks
I have much fairer skin then our kids have. i have to apply sunscreen on myself several times while we are outside so when i apply to me i apply to them also.
Brittney House
We limit our time in the sun and wear sun block.
Susan Climan
We stay in the shade as much as possible, use sunscreen and wear hats.
Claire
We stay in the shade and wear UV protective clothing when appropriate.
Keri justice
I try to make sure we have shade when we will be outside. And use plenty of SPF. Reapply often!
Shawn Stover
apply sunscreen regularly
Jill Rivera
We apply sunscreen before we get in the pool and reapply sunscreen after a couple hours.
Erica B.
Lots of sunscreen and shade when possible.
Danielle Wood
They wear a lot of sunscreen, we reapply quite often and they wear their rashguards at the pool.
Sandra Preti
Frequent sunscreen reapplying and also try to wear hats/protective gear as much as possible!
Dee Hadley
We use sunscreen and umbrellas. For fun the umbrella hats are cute.
Jae Park
I apply sunscreen to myself and the kids, we wear hats when out at the beach, and also bring umbrellas or canopies. Thanks!
barbg
When they were small I would make them come in once in awhile which was always a challenge.
Ed
Parasols!
Samantha
I limit the amount of time outside each day and the time of day she is outside. When she is outside, I use sunscreen and she has a hat on.
Inez Cegelis
Re-application is very important. Its so easy to forget to reapply, so Im always reminding my family to reapply
Shane A
We make sure she always has a supply of suncreen at her daycare.
Jennifer Reed
I try to limit their sun exposure during the very hottest parts of the day as well as making sure they have sun protection products applied.
Stephanie Liske
My kids have amazing skin. I gave that to them. They just don't burn. 😀
Laurie Emerson
I make sure they are not in the sun at the hours when the sun is at its peak. When we are outside I make sure they have on sunscreen and hats.
Tandi Cortez
I always make sure they have sunscreen and hats! Also try to get them in the shade! 🙂
Hesper Fry
If outside, I try to keep them in the shade and always have sunscreen on them.
Kimberly O
I make sure I teach them how and when to apply for themselves - I can't always to around to help!
Suzanne
Use sun hat
Peter G
Hat, plenty of water, sun screen and keep out of the hottest time of day. Vacations are a problem but try to find indoor activities if the sun is so hot. Go to museums or find things to do in the room with videos or arts and crafts.
Jen D.
Being a good example is important. It's best to avoid the sun during the hottest parts of the day from 10 am to 2 pm, but if you're out and about, wear sunscreen, hats, wear a white shirt, keep in the shade. Make sure everyone has wide brimmed hats that they'll want to wear.
Charice Wilczynski
We add sunscreen every hour. Thank you so much for the offer!!
Robin
We try not to be out in the sun during the hottest part of the day and we use plenty of sunscreen.
Michelle Mason
Such a great give away!!
Christina moore
We use Sunscreen daily in the summer and wear hats. We drink plenty of water and try to get our yard work done before noon.
Gail Fernandez
We use sunscreen and limit our time in the sun.
Christine Labelle
We use sunscreen, hats, and when they come out of the water, a shirt. Over exposure is definitely not a good thing.
Kelsey vinson
My kids Wear rashgaurds
Aaron B.
I apply sunscreen regularly and keep them in the shade as much as possible.
Philip Lawrence
I help my grandchildren from getting excess sun exposure by limiting the amount of time they spend in the direct sun and only allowing them to be in the sun during less overheard sun periods.
Melissa C
My kids wear a rash guard while swimming and we always find a spot in the shade when we go to the beach!
Jenette
We use sunscreen and wear hats.
Leah Shumack
My daughter always has sunscreen on when we are heading outside and I try to stay away from outdoor events between 12-3 when the sun is the hottest!
Tracy Shafer
Hats and sunscreeen
Lesley F
We use sunscreen & wear sunglasses
Breanne
We use sunscreen and hats
Carly S
Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, if possible!
Sab Edwards
We try to buy clothes that are loose and light weight, which helps quite a bit, esp during the short summer we get
Anita Jude
for the grandkids keep reapplying sunscreen on them
Amy Deeter
i make sure i use plenty of sunscreen at all times .i always reapply it
Meme
They wear sunscreen when ever they are out side and uva swim shirts and shorts
Meredith Brooks
hats & lots of sunscreen! also to reapply after a while.
Kristen Benson
They stay inside
Tabathia B
Depending on activity she covers up and wears sunscreen and UV protective shades and we limit her exposure during peak hours
Tiffany S
I don't have any children, but I would apply lots of sunscreen if I did.
Lisa
We only stay out for a couple hours at a time, not all day like when I was a kid.
jeremy mclaughlin
Wearing hats and reapply sunscreen often.
Lauren U
My kids have big hat collections and we take a lot of breaks in the shade.
Kortney Lah
Apply and reapply sunscreen, also, limit the amount of time that they spend in the sun if able.
Dana Matthews
I plan activities around the hottest part of the day. In our area 12-4 is too hot and the suns rays are too dangerous. We do use sunscreen and reapply often. Water is always encouraged to drink, before and after outdoor fun.
Michelle H.
I try to get them in the habit of wearing sunscreen,
Julieh
I try to keep them in sun protection clothing and hats, and lots of sunscreen.
Steph
I try to keep them in swimming shirts
Francine Anchondo
Try to not be out in the heat of the day but if we are then we are always applying sunscreen.
Sand
Because I'm at high risk for skin cancer, sun safety is so important for my family. We wear sunblock often and live by the UV index.
Kristin McCall
I use a lot of sunscreen on my kids. Also I try to take them to pools that are inside.
Brittany Culberson
Making sure she has enough sunblock and a hat!
Rob
My grandchildren absolutely avoid periods of peak sunlight and use a cool sunscreen.
Milt
I have grandchildren that definitely need to wear protective clothing and use an amazing sunscreen.
Marc
My nieces and nephews want to wear adorable hats, with sunglasses, and use great a sunscreen.
Paulet
Seeking shade, whenever possible, and using a wonderful sunscreen would be great for all of my grandchildren.
Malv
I have nieces and nephews that really need to avoid the strongest sun rays, during the day, and use a fabulous sunscreen.
Aaron
My many children would just have to cover up, wear protective eyewear and enjoy using an awesome sunscreen.