Hi everyone! I hope you’re doing well! El Paso and other cities have some very hot temperatures these days. It was 108 degrees today! Today I’m sharing guest contributor Jane Sandwood’s post. It’s a pretty interesting and useful read! Take care and stay cool and hydrated this summer! I’ll be back in the next couple of days.

By Jane Sandwood

Some of the best family activities take place outdoors – sports games, swimming, camping, days at the beach or playing in the park. With so much time being spent outside, it is vital to take care of your family’s skin to protect it from the dangers of UVA and UVB rays emitted from the sun. Traditional sunscreens help shield potentially harmful rays but can contain high levels of chemicals. They could do more harm than good to your family’s skin. You don’t want to miss out on summer fun with the family. You might want to consider chemical-free alternatives to keep your family’s skin healthy. 

Be aware of the dangers

The most effective way to protect your skin is to gain knowledge of the effects of harmful UV rays .Understanding the dangers of skin damage is also helpful. There are some warning signs you should take immediate notice of such as red, painful skin that accompanies sunburn. Sunburn is a result of too much exposure to ultraviolet rays. You may experience skin peeling as your body removes damaged cells. It may be less obvious if you have sun-damaged skin. Regular health checks can be really beneficial in preventing and protecting your family’s skin from damage. You can plan ahead and prevent long-term damage to your family’s skin. Be aware of any signs of harm that may need medical attention.

Sunscreen alternatives 

The most common store-bought sunscreens contain chemicals that are dangerous to your family’s precious skin. Oxybenzone is a key active ingredient in many sunscreens. Its purpose is to absorb UVA and UVB rays. The results of numerous scientific tests revealed that oxybenzone penetrates the skin and is absorbed into the bloodstream. It can prompt allergic reactions, interfere with hormone function and trigger cell damage that may escalate to cancer. As a safer alternative, you can switch to a natural mineral sunscreen, aka physical sunscreen. There’s two types of mineral-based formulas; zinc oxide and titanium oxide. They work by reflecting the suns’ rays like a mirror to protect your skin. You should remember to reapply cream every two hours to ensure adequate protection and more frequently when in contact with water.

Seek shade and cover up

The sun’s harmful UV rays are at their strongest between 10am and 4pm. That doesn’t mean you have to stay inside. There are plenty of parks and outdoor activities where you can find shade. Keep in mind that being in the shade doesn’t stop the sun’s UV rays from harming your skin. For peace of mind, you should cover up with a wide brimmed hat (minimum three inches) to protect your ears, forehead, nose and scalp. UV rays can also cause damage to your eyes and the delicate skin around them. Wearing sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays will increase your protection and limit damage to you and your children’s eyes.

Wear UV protective clothing 

Although white cotton feels cooler in the heat, it’s actually not your best defense for protecting you and your family’s skin. Dark or bright colors absorb more UV rays. Red, black and navy blue items of clothing will provide better protection. The material is also important to consider. Synthetic fibers like rayon or polyester are safer for skin and so are heavy, tightly woven fabrics like corduroy and denim. As an added measure, some garments will tell you the UV protection factor on the label.  

Acting sensibly in the sun doesn’t mean you have to avoid it completely. You and your family can have a lot of fun together outdoors. By acting responsibly and planning ahead, you can avoid painful sun damage without using chemicals. You can also keep your family’s skin beautiful and healthy.

Photo by Jelleke Vanooteghem