How to Keep your Family Sunsmart This Summer

We’re in full swing with the Australian summer season and beach time, barbeques and family excursions are plenty. How are you keeping yourself and your family sunsmart during these balmy days? Sunscreen is just one part of sun safety and there’s a lot more you can be doing to stay protected from harmful UV rays.

Read on for our top tips for how to keep your family sun safe in 2022.

How To Keep Your Family Sunsmart This Summer

Which is the best kid’s sunscreen?

When it comes to finding the best sunscreen for kids, truth be told: you can use the same sunscreen for kids as adults. The caveat to this is that children can often have sensitive, more delicate skin than adults do, and could potentially break out or react to regular sunscreen formulas. If this sounds like your child, try using a sensitive skin sunscreen like Clean Screen SPF 30 from Ultra Violette. It’s specifically designed for more sensitive facial skin and is comfortably fragrance and alcohol-free.

Should I use mineral or chemical sunscreen?

If you’re confused about all the different sunscreen formulas, we hear you. Basically, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to choosing mineral or chemical sunscreen as both offer excellent UV protection We recommend choosing the sunscreen formula that works best for you - whether that’s because of the texture, the feel on your skin, or the finish it leaves. Just make sure to choose an Australian-made sunscreen that is SPF 30 or above.

Staying indoors this summer - do I need to wear sunscreen?

Aha! This is an interesting question because you might be thinking you’re protected from UV rays when you stay indoors. In reality, these rays can penetrate through windows in your house or car and still cause damage. It’s important to therefore still apply some sun protection to exposed skin (aka your face) in the mornings unless you’re staying in bed with the curtains down.

Top 5 Tips for Staying Sunsmart

Here are our top tips for keeping your family protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays this summer and beyond.

1. Reapply Sunscreen Every 2 Hours

It might sound obvious, but when it comes to sun protection we’re not taking anything for granted! Reapplying sunscreen is super important, especially if you’re swimming at the beach, hitting the pool, playing sports, going for a walk or anything else that’ll cause you to sweat. To ensure you stay well protected, you need to reapply your SPF every 2 hours to all exposed skin.

2. Wear a Broad-brimmed Hat, Sunglasses and Protective Clothing

We’re sure you already know this, but just in case, it’s important to remember that sunscreen is actually just one part of sun protection. If you’ve ever had a really bad case of sunburn, even if you were regularly applying your sunscreen, you may not have considered doing these other things! Make sure you wear a broad-brimmed hat and, sunglasses, and stay out of direct sunlight. If you’re at the beach, a sun umbrella is ideal to keep you protected.

3. Don’t Skip The Sunscreen If You’re Pregnant!

For the expecting mums reading this, please don’t skip sunscreen! Pregnant women are just as susceptible to sunburn and the dangerous effects of UV radiation as non-pregnant women and absolutely need to apply sunscreen. This also includes breastfeeding women, but if you have any specific concerns, please talk to your doctor.

4. Use Australian-made Sunscreen

Did you know Australian sunscreen regulations are the toughest in the world? We have the strictest testing facilities across the globe, so you can be guaranteed a superior quality sunscreen when you buy Australian-made, like the fantastic sunscreen range from Ultra Violette.

5. Make Sure You’re Not Using Expired Sunscreen

It’s perhaps a little known fact that sunscreen actually does expire. Some sunscreens actually expire after just one year, although some can last for up to three. Make sure you’re getting the most from your family’s sunscreen by always checking the expiry date on the bottle. Using expired sunscreen could mean you’re not getting adequate UV protection and could therefore be exposed to the associated dangers. Are you feeling a little bit more empowered with your sun protection now?

If you're looking for a trusted Australian-made sunscreen brand for the new year, check out Ultra Violette - the new generation of 'skinscreen' designed to work with your current skincare while keeping you and your family protected from UV rays.

More Summer Essentials

Six of The Best Kids Sunglasses For Summer
The Coolest Beach Carts in Australia
10 of the Best Beach Umbrellas

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