Posts Tagged ‘skincare’

Anyone who has tried to secure a hat on a newborn or slather an infant with sunscreen knows that safeguarding a baby’s delicate skin from that ball of fire in the sky is no easy feat.

Next time you feel outdoorsy, grab a Carasol Parasol. Depending on the fabric and color, these elegant brollies block 85 to 99 percent of UV rays, promising far more thorough protection for you and your baby-wearing wee one than even a wide-brimmed cap or high-number SPF. And the compact and lightweight design makes it a cinch to stash in a diaper bag.

Sure, walking around with an umbrella on a sunny day may seem a bit dorky, but with a tiny tot in tow you’ll appear not only exceptionally responsible, but more than a little cute.

Available at carasolparasols.com.

You’ve turned green with eco-friendliness when it comes to anything for your newborn. But what about your skin?

Honeydew’s maternity skincare is paraben and preservative-free, and full of natural ingredients like calendula, evening primrose and oats that will get you through those precious months. Try the clean-smelling belly balm that glides on deodorant-style, or the soothing leg and foot lotion scented with a hint of mint.

It’ll suit you.

Available at honeydewskincare.com.

How many times have you found yourself unprepared when confronted with sun? Not only is your inner Girl Scout disappointed, but you worry about baby’s unprotected skin.

Throw some of the handy new Baby Silk sunscreen towelettes in your bag. The soft wipes (developed by pediatrician moms) are saturated with a gentle, sweat-proof, broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen that’s safe for young babies (one wipe will cover an infant, though you may want to double up).

When in doubt, sunscreen.

Available at mdmoms.com.

Happy second day of summer! Before you hit the beach with baby in tow, make sure you’ve got all the right sun protection in place. Remember, everyone is at risk: Children especially should guard their sensitive skin, and learn the basics for a lifetime of sun safety.

Sunscreen basics: Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB, with an SPF of at least 15. Apply as much sunscreen as you can — imagine the size a golf ball. Use it on any area that’s exposed to the sun, including chest, ears, hands and around eyes and mouth. Reapply every 90 minutes you’re outside, or after getting wet.

Stay in shade: Adhere to the “shadow rule” — if your shadow is shorter than you, that means the sun is directly overhead. Time to head indoors.

Dress for sun: Even SPF and a T-shirt don’t protect you from the rays. Wear sun-protective clothing, like long-sleeved shirts, pants and even swimsuits that are specially designed to minimize sun exposure. Pick up a sun guard detergent that coats clothing in a UPF protection of 30.

Top it off: Go for a broad-brimmed hat, preferably with a back flap, rather than a baseball cap, to protect the face, ears and neck. Complete the look with dark sunglasses with “Total UV” protection.

See a doctor: Visit a dermatologist for a yearly skin cancer screening. Get examined right away if you notice any moles that itch, bleed or change in size, shape or color, or any skin lesion that doesn’t heel.

Have fun, and play safe.

As the UV index heats up, you can’t have enough sunscreen. But that “apply 30 minutes before exposure to sun” rule proves difficult, given a squirming toddler’s attention span.

Slather on the SPF quickly: AB Baby’s sunscreen has a moisturizing formula that takes effect immediately, so kids won’t be cooped up inside while waiting for the protection to kick in. Developed by a Manhattan dermatologist, this chemical-free sunscreen is specially formulated for children 6 months and up.

And don’t forget you need some, too.

Available at abskincarestore.com.