Top Tips for Wearing Sunscreen

Editor’s Note: This post is brought to you by Johna Jenkins, a nurse practitioner, and the co-founder of our sister brand A Plan for Health.

July is UV Safety Awareness Month! Did you know that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime? The American Academy of Dermatology has put together some guidelines that will help keep your skin safe.

Today I wanted to share some of those guidelines and top tips for wearing sunscreen! There is so much information out there about wearing sunscreen. As a mom, I want to make sure I’m doing the best for myself and for my whole family. I know Whitney feels the same!

Here are the top sunscreen tips from the American Academy of Dermatology:

• Avoid sunscreens in babies under six months. They should also be shielded from the sun’s rays in general by dressing them in sun-protective clothing or keeping them in shaded areas.
• For children aged 6 months and over, use an SPF of 30 or higher, water-resistant, and broad-spectrum sunscreen.
• Even on cloudy days, the sun emits harmful UV rays all year. 
• Most adults need approximately 1 ounce of sunscreen to cover their bodies. 
• Apply sunscreen to all skin that clothing will not cover.
• Allow at least 15 minutes for your sunscreen to dry before going outdoors.
• Don’t forget your lips! There are sunscreen balms you can get to help with protecting your lips!
• Reapply sunscreen at least every 90-120 minutes and after sweating or swimming.
• Avoid spray sunscreens as the aerosol can be inhaled.

The information above, as well as additional information on sun-related protection and recommendations, can be found through the American Academy of Dermatology.

Next week, I’ll be sharing my absolute favorite sunscreens! I tested a whole host of options and am excited to share my results. Sign up for our email list and you’ll get access to my best sunscreen recommendations!