This Mama Loves

Connecticut lifestyle blog featuring food, crafts, travel, entertainment, tech, family and more

Never Miss A Minute of The Fun!
Subscribe Now And Get All Our Posts
Direct To Your Inbox!

in Health and Fitness

Tips for Protecting Sensitive Skin in Summer

I grew up on the lake and we spent nearly every day outside from dawn until dark.  Most days we were in bathing suits and in or around the water almost all day.  I rarely remember wearing sunscreen or having my skin protected from the sun.  I remember having terrible sunburns and all of us blistering more than a time or two.  I remember as teens doing silly things to bake myself for that “perfect” tan.  It was a different time. I can’t count how many times I lathered on the baby oil, laying in the hot sun all day even at the beach. Sunscreen wasn’t part of my life. It should have been. If we’d known then what we know now, but we didn’t, so all I can do is teach my kids what we do know and set the best example I can.

Those years of exposure to the sun brought my first scare of skin cancer at 27 with a 1 year old.  Those years of exposure to the sun brought heart ache as I watched my father battle a serious battle against skin cancer the last several years.  Today things are different.  I protect my skin from the sun every single day, no matter the season and I protect the skin on my precious children.

protecting-sensitive-skin-summer-hero

Tips for Protecting Sensitive Skin in Summer

Choose a Quality Sunscreen with Broad UV Coverage

No matter your skin type, a sunburn is NEVER good but sensitive skin will burn much easier.  Even when skin does not get a sunburn it is still exposed to dangerous UV light.  Choose a quality sunscreen that will protect your skin from all UV light (look for one that refers to “broad-spectrum or full-spectrum or broad UV coverage”).  Protecting against both UVA and UVB rays is important.  Your sunscreen should also have a 30+ Sun Protection Factor or SPF.  Re-apply sunscreen often if you’re out for any length of time or in and out of water.

Check your sunscreen and other moisturizers for chemicals that could irritate, inflame, or cause skin to become dry.

 

Protect ALL Skin ALL the Time

It’s easy to remember obvious places to put sunscreen or to put sunscreen on when your at obvious places like the beach.  Shoulders and cheeks burn easy and we tend to remember them first but other areas burn too and need to be protected.  Some of the worst sunburns I can remember were on my scalp – where my hair was parted and in braids.  Remember that scalps will burn, tops of ears, and backs of necks.  Apply sunscreen to these areas and wear hats and encourage your children to wear hats.  Lips will also burn.  Be sure to apply lip balm with an SPF.  Eyes will also burn and that is why it’s important for even small children to wear sunglasses and to have prescription sunglasses.  Hats will also offer protection for eyes.

blue-lizard-close

Avoid Peak Sun

The sun’s rays are strongest between 10am and 4pm.  Even on cloudy, cool, or overcast days the sun can still cause damage during these hours.  Be sure that if you’re going to be out during the peak hours that you apply and re-apply sunscreen or cover up skin to avoid exposure.

Keep Hydrated

Just like hydrating the skin with moisturizer on the outside is important, hydrating from the inside is important too.  It’s especially important to drink more water in hot weather.  Your body releases moisture to try to cool you and your skin when the air temperature is hot and water as well as other drinks that do not contain sugar will help with this.

Treat Sun Exposed Skin

If you’ve been over exposed to the sun or your children have, treat the area right away.  Find a good quality “after sun” cream and keep the skin moisturized.  Take a cool bath to ease discomfort and re-apply the moisturizer often.  Keeping the skin hydrated will keep minimize pain and discomfort.  Wear soft, loose fitting clothing that will not rub or be harsh against the extra sensitive skin.

BLUE LIZARD LOGO LARGE - HORIZONTAL

Our go-to brand for protecting ourselves from the sun is Blue Lizard.  I started using it a few years ago on the kids because it’s a brand that’s doctor, dermatologist and pharmacist recommended as a safe, full spectrum sunscreen that offers broad UV coverage and is also safe for sensitive skin. It also happens to be one of the top ranked sunscreens with the Environmental Working Group, which makes me very happy.

We generally use the Sensitive formula, as it’s paraben-free, chemical-free and fragrance free, although my husband prefers the Sport and I do like the Face formula a lot for me. The Sensitive is just easy because we can all use it without worry of skin irritation and am not having to keep track of multiple bottles of sunscreen. I don’t know that my kids care too much one way or another what sunscreen they use, but the kids do like how the bottles of Blue Lizard change color in the sun.  Whatever works, and gets them to USE the stuff! Blue Lizard’s patented BPA free Smart Bottle™ changes color when exposed to UV light- the 5oz bottles change color and the lids on the 3oz tubes do as well.

blue-lizard-sunscreen-blue-change

We are outdoors for hours each day and spend lots of time swimming, boating, fishing and even just playing in the yard, so we take sun protection seriously. We all have (and wear) rash guards, we apply sunscreen multiple times each day, and we seek shade, not sun, when at outdoor events.  I have sun damage from my youth. I’m sure my husband does (although like many men, he’s showing it less than me) too. We’re doing what we can to educate our kids so they continue to choose to be proactive in protecting their skin, sensitive or not, from the dangers of sun exposure and skin care prevention. 

blue-lizard-sports

Ready to try Blue Lizard for your family? Use code P20THISMAMA for 20% OFF orders over $35 at www.bluelizard.net. (Expiration 12/31/16)

What are YOUR tips for protecting sensitive skin in summer?

We have a GIVEAWAY for 2 lucky readers!

-1 GRAND PRIZE WINNER will receive: a Blue Lizard Tote Bag, Tumbler, Beach Towel, 5oz Sensitive, 5oz Face, 5oz Sport, 3oz Sensitive, 3oz Face, 3oz Sport, Box of Baby sachets, 5 UV sensitive Bracelets (ARV: $151)

-1 RUNNER-UP: BL Tumbler, 5oz Sensitive, 5oz Face, 5oz Sport, Box of Baby sachets, 3 UV sensitive Bracelets (ARV: $80) *Giveaway is open to US residents only.

 

Comments

  3. Trisha McKee says

    I would love to try the Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sport! Perfect for hiking and kayaking and those volleyball games.

  4. Carolyn Daley says

    I would love to try the Sensitive formula. I have never tried Blue Lizard sunscreen before.

  5. Amy Deeter says

    i would love to try the Blue Lizard® Australian Sunscreen Regular 8.75 oz

  12. Jaime Cummings says

    I would like to try the regular one. I don’t do too many sports or anything so regular would be great!

  13. Laurie Emerson says

    Since we all have too sensitive skin I would like to try the Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen.

  20. Janine H says

    I’d love to try the BLUE LIZARD AUSTRALIAN SUNSCREEN FACE 3 OZ TUBE! Got to protect my face!

  21. Nikki says

    I’d love to try the sensitive formula for my babies! Thank you so much for this opportunity 🙂

  22. Jeanna says

    I’d like to try the BLUE LIZARD AUSTRALIAN SUNSCREEN REGULAR 8.75 OZ BOTTLE!

  25. Paige Campbell says

    Blue Lizard is fabulous and has been my go-to sunscreen since being diagnosed and treated for skin cancer. It’s the one thing I don’t leave home without applying and I always carry it with me as well.

  27. jules m. says

    i would love to try the Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Face 3 oz Tube. i have very fair skin so sunscreen is a necessity

  28. Stephanie Larison says

    I would like to try the BLUE LIZARD AUSTRALIAN SUNSCREEN BABY 3 OZ TUBE for my daughter.

  30. Heather Jones says

    I would love to try the sensitive! My daughter has severe eczema and I am always looking for different products for her to use.

  35. Alisson H says

    Blue Lizard is an awesome line of sunscreens! I used just their regular formula & loved it!

  38. Regina Wright says

    I’d like to try the sun screen sensitive. I’ve never tried blue blizzard.

  39. Elaine X. says

    My family and I all have sensitive skin. I am even allergic to sunscreen, but I know it is important to protect skin from the sun’s rays. I would love to try Blue Lizard’s sensitive and face sunblock to see if they are suitable for my skin type. The last thing I need is another itchy red rash! I hope to win! Thanks!

  45. jennifer thomaa says

    The link is not opening up the entry form. Is there another way to fill it out? Thank you.

  52. Sarah Hall says

    I would like to try the sensitive so I can put it on the children without worrying about a reaction.

  53. Rosanne says

    My favorite is the sport because I tend to think they stay on better in water.

  54. Richard Hicks says

    I want to try the BLUE LIZARD AUSTRALIAN SUNSCREEN REGULAR 5 OZ BOTTLE

  55. Jennifer Reed says

    I have not tried the Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen products before but have seen good reviews of them. I would try the BLUE LIZARD AUSTRALIAN SUNSCREEN REGULAR 5 OZ BOTTLE first to test the waters for my family.

  57. elizabeth p says

    I would try the sensitive formula because my skin is super sensitive. Thanks for the chance.

  63. Ann Fantom says

    Blue Lizard’s Australian Sunscreen Sensitive is the only sunscreen that my daughter can use.

  64. Katherine Riley says

    We have babies in the family, so we would like to try the Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Baby.

  65. Karen M says

    I would love to try the sunscreen for the Face. That seems to be where I need it most. Thanks

  67. Janet W. says

    I would love to try the Sport formula on myself and my grandsons when we’re out sweating in the sun and playing tennis!

  71. Janet marie Gillich says

    The face lotion. My son has a birthmark on his face and this is one of the brands his dermatologist recommends that we use on it.

  77. Kim Johnson says

    I have fair skin and burn easily. My father is a skin cancer survivor. I would love to try Blue Lizard!

  78. Echo says

    I have very sensitive skin and my kids inherited it as well. We burn within 5 minutes if we don’t protect ourselves!

  79. CourtneyLynne says

    Skincare is so important!!!! I always make sure to carry sunscreen these days especially for my daughter.

  81. Seyma Shabbir says

    I would love to try the Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Regular 8.75 oz Bottle !

  86. Stephanie Pass says

    I haven’t heard of this brand of sunscreen before. We all are very fair skinned and burn easily, so I am always applying sunscreen to the kids and me all the time.

  87. Tara Speece says

    I seen this on “This Mamma Loves” fb page. And wow I’m glad I’m a part of the group because I wouldn’t want to miss this amazing opportunity for this giveaway. I would love to try the sports sun block because we are always out doing sports with my 11 year old son. He is always sweating his sun block off and gets in his eyes then can’t see to play. Thank you for the opportunity

  89. Up Run For Life says

    I did the same thing as a teenager. Sunscreen wasn’t my friend. I had some crazy sunburns too growing up. Most of the time they didn’t last long because I turn tan really quickly. I make my kids wear sunscreen.

  90. Ann Bacciaglia says

    I will have to give this sunscreen a try. I have very sensitive skin and have a hard time being out in the sun.

  91. OurFamilyWorld says

    These are great tips to keep the skin protected in the summer. I haven’t heard of this brand before, but they sound like great products. I will check this out.

  92. Terri Beavers says

    I love finding new products to try for my family. We spend a lot of time in the summer at the country club and other water front places. I’ll have to check this product out and see how it works on my family.

  93. Kathy says

    I’ve actually been wanting to try out the Blue Lizard products. They’re one of the brands that is okay for my youngest to have because she has eczema. I have to be careful with what skin products I use on her.

  94. Dawn Monroe says

    I’d like to try the Blue Lizard baby lotion. I bought my smaller grandkids sunhats to help protect their skin.

  95. katherine says

    I would love the regular bottle not in the gallon size tho. That is alot of sunsscreen

  96. Rebecca Swenor says

    It really is so important to protect your skin from the sun and it harmful rays. I have not tried Blue Lizard products but have heard good things about them so I will have to try them. This is indeed a great giveaway and I will have to share it with my sisters. Thanks for sharing your story and the giveaway.

  97. Annemarie LeBlanc says

    First time I heard about this brand. It looks like it is good enough to try. I love that the bottles turn blue in UV light, that alone is a reminder for us to put on sunscreen!

  99. Emily says

    I hadn’t heard of blue lizard before. My boyfriend has sensitive skin so I’ll have to look for this for him to try.

  101. Jennifer says

    I have heard so many great things about Blue Lizard. My hubby is a fisherman and it is the sunscreen that all the pro fisherman use. It must be great!

  102. Jeanette says

    We need a new lotion that will cover more! I have yet to see this one in the stores, but I will keep looking! We are going on vacation in a few weeks and we need something like this to protect us.

  103. Julie Wood says

    I want to try the BLUE LIZARD AUSTRALIAN SUNSCREEN FACE 3 OZ TUBE because I always forget to put sunscreen on my face and this sunscreen looks like it can keep my face from being burned!

Lets Connect

By Month

By Category

Amazon Associates

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. com and affiliated sites.

[instagram-feed id=”28999805″]