Sun Protection Essentials: Your Ultimate Guide to Enjoying Outdoor Activities Safely

It's that time of year in Ontario when temperatures are rising and our family is transitioning from one sport to another. We've spent the season in hockey arenas, but now it's time to dust off the coolers and outdoor chairs and prepare for baseball and tennis season. As I packed for a baseball tournament on a warm weekend, it reminded me of the importance of preparation for sun protection and after-sun care.

Before heading out to an outdoor sports event, the beach, or a backyard pool, I always go through a mental checklist for the whole family. Here are the essentials:

1. Hats for everyone: A hat is a must-have item, no matter your age. Whether it's a baseball hat, a fancy straw hat, or a plain old cotton bucket hat, every little bit helps to shield you from the sun.

2. Sunglasses: Even our littlest, Sofia, who is only 3 years old, needs sunglasses. The eyes of infants and toddlers are still developing and are more sensitive to the sun's rays, so it's important to ensure that the sunglasses block UVA and UVB. Sofia enjoys her Babiator sunglasses and her My Little Sunnies.

3. Rashguards, SPF clothing, or umbrellas for shade: If anyone in your family needs extra protection from the sun, consider bringing rashguards or SPF clothing. These are especially convenient for infants, as they provide coverage without the need for excessive sunscreen application. For those who are sun-sensitive, a light, gauzy, or linen shirt can be a great way to stay covered up without getting too hot.

4. Don't forget the lips: Lips need protection from the sun too! I recommend using Green Beaver lip sunscreen, especially if you're prone to cold sores. SunBum also offers a lip sunscreen that you can check out. Both of these products are available on Well.

5. The essential sunscreen: Now, let's talk about sunscreen. Look for mineral sunscreens that are suitable for the whole family. My husband used to dislike the white cast that some physical sunscreens leave, especially when he went golfing. However, a few years ago, he tried AlumierMD Clear Shield and has been hooked ever since.

For the kids, my top sunscreen choices are ThinkSport, SunBum, and Green Beaver. I prioritize sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients whenever possible. These ingredients are generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE) and act as physical sunblocks that sit on the surface of the skin, rather than being absorbed like most sunscreens. The right choice depends on your child's age, activities, and how often they need to reapply. My two older children, who are soon to be 11 and 9 years old, can now apply their own sunscreen, and they prefer SunBum.

As for myself, my go-to sunscreen is AlumierMD Sheer Hydration Versatile Tint. It not only protects against UV damage but also has anti-aging properties and provides a nice dewy finish. It contains ingredients like resveratrol, grape seed extract, vitamin E, and glutathione. The versatile tint eliminates the white glow that most physical sunscreens cast on the skin. When I'm cheering on the kids or enjoying the backyard pool, I still love the convenience of the Green Beaver spray for my body.

Another brand that I highly recommend is Jane Iredale. They offer SPF skincare products, and if you need advice or products, you can visit Shade Makeup Studio and talk to Samantha. She is incredibly knowledgeable and a delight to chat with! Jane Iredale has a weightless, dry, physical SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen for the face, body, and scalp, which comes in a refillable flow-through vegan brush. You can wear it alone or over makeup.

For those who prefer a dewy highlighted finish without the need for additional makeup, Ilia is another fantastic option for women. Although it is more expensive than the other brands mentioned, you'll fall in love with the radiant finish it provides. Don't worry about choosing the right color; the company makes it easy.

Coola is another line that offers a wide range of suncare options for the face, body, and lips. This brand is great for the entire family.

6. After-sun care: Recently, during a trip to Florida, my oldest son forgot to reapply sunscreen after swimming in the ocean, resulting in a mild sunburn on his neck and unbearable itchiness. Luckily, we found relief at a nearby Whole Foods and purchased Badger Aloe After Sun care. Another option for the whole family is Coola Radical Recover Aftersun Lotion.

Last but not least, let's not forget about mosquitoes and black flies. I always make sure to have Viritidas Bug Spray and Boiron Dapis Gel on hand to help everyone in the family deal with those pesky bites.

Remember, preparation is key when it comes to enjoying outdoor activities safely. So gather your hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and after-sun care products, and get ready to have a fantastic time in the sun!

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