This summer, we’ve been all about getting outdoors. From visiting Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park to rafting and camping on the Lower Salmon River, and finally hitting the beach at Disney Aulani in Hawaii, it’s been an adventure-packed season.

Through it all, we’ve made sun safety a top priority.

Why Sun Safety Matters

Protecting against skin damage

Skin cancer has been a concern in many families, making sun protection a critical focus. Teaching children to safeguard their skin from a young age is essential. Studies from the Skin Cancer Foundation reveal that experiencing just five sunburns before the age of 20 can increase the risk of melanoma by more than 80%. Sunburns cause irreversible damage, leading to skin fragility, accelerated aging, and a heightened risk of cancer over time.

Choosing the Best Sunscreen

Key factors to consider

Dear Lykkers! When selecting sunscreen, dermatologist-approved options are preferred, particularly those specifically designed for children. For beach vacations and active outdoor activities, water resistance is an essential feature, as children often spend hours in the water and under the sun.

A reliable choice

During the recent trip to Aulani in Hawaii, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo-Kids was used for sun protection. This sunscreen met all necessary criteria:

SPF 60 for extended protection against harmful rays.

Water resistance lasting up to 80 minutes, suitable for swimming and sweating.

A smooth, non-sticky texture that ensures easy application.

The sunscreen also includes CELL-OX® SHIELD TECHNOLOGY, offering UVA/UVB protection along with antioxidants such as Vitamin E to combat UV-induced free radical damage. Its dual-purpose formulation for face and body made it convenient for travel.

Remembering to Reapply

Maintaining consistent protection

One of the challenges during vacations is remembering to reapply sunscreen. While initial applications are simple, taking breaks to reapply often disrupts activities.

Technology as a solution

La Roche-Posay’s-MY UV Patches provided a tech-savvy solution. These transparent patches, integrated with the MY-UV PATCH app, offer real-time UV exposure readings. Designed to be ultra-thin and water-resistant, the patches can be worn for up to three days and are suitable for sensitive skin.

When to Wear Sunscreen (and When to Skip It): Dermatologist Explains | Dr. Shereene Idriss

Video by Dr. Shereene Idriss

Teaching Kids to Care

Fostering awareness

Instilling the importance of sun safety in children is vital. Some children readily adopt daily sunscreen routines, while others may resist due to discomfort or inconvenience. Engaging tools, like the MY-UV Patch, help make the process more interactive, encouraging kids to take ownership of their sun protection.

After Sun Care

Addressing dryness and irritation

Even with rigorous sun protection, exposure to the sun, saltwater, and chlorine can lead to dry or irritated skin. This is a common concern during beach vacations.

Effective solutions

To alleviate dryness, aloe vera gel and rich moisturizers are essential. For this trip, Cicaplast Baume B5 by La Roche-Posay was included. This multi-purpose balm effectively soothes and deeply hydrates dry or irritated skin. Its paraben-free, fragrance-free formulation ensures suitability for all skin types, making it an essential part of post-sun care.