Fun in the Sun Part 2

We know. Sunscreen and lotions aren’t the only way to protect those baby soft cheeks (and we don’t mean your face after microdermabrasion). Our savvy Dr. Skotnicki-Grant reminds us that shade and protective clothing are just as important as sunscreen. So here’s the second half of our two-part series —what to wear in the sun for you and your tots.

For the Kids
Luckily, hats and protective swimwear are the bomb this summer. UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is to fabric what SPF is to skin. Make sure you look for materials that block UV rays or have a UPF index (with 50 being the highest). 

Sunseals is a designer collection of “solar protective swimwear” (we like retro the best) with style and sweat-proof sun protection blocking 98% of the harmful rays. Prices start at $35—a small one to pay for those soft cheeks.

Surfer dudes and babes on your list? Land’s End is your destination. They ship to Canada and have hip styles that even the grooviest will agree to wear in public. Kids will look cool and moms will relax knowing that the 40 UPF is working to block out the sun as well. Awesome, totally.

For hats, let them pick and they will be more willing to wear them. The wider the brim the better, but cowboy, floppy or baseball are all acceptable. For the highest in sun protection, Tilley’s “top notch toppers” have a 50+ UPF rating which is the maximum UPF rating given to fabrics. 

For Mom
Hats are the new flip flop. So buy more than one if you find some you love. The new Tilley hat (we like the TH8) collection is stylish, practical and can get crushed, mushed and folded but still look good. Designed not just to turn heads, but to protect them, this hat is made from all natural hemp. The best part of all—the secret pocket inside (ok, and the UPF factor). Available for $75 at www.tilley.com.

H&M has a $6.90 floppy knock-off, not made of hemp or UPF fabric but well worth adding to the hat collection—a nice addition to your summer white wardrobe (because white is the new black this season).

This summer, think sun safe, because “fun” is always more fun with the right protection. 

For more information on how to protect yourself and your family from the sun, go to www.dermatology.ca.

Comments