In retrospect, I probably should have done this post before Memorial Day, but better late than never. (In fact, Garrett really could have used this… he’s a lobster right now.)
I have very fair skin and growing up in Florida with family members who are as tan as can be made me very prone to sunburns. Literally every vacation we take is somehow related to the sun and/or beach. I typically retreat to canopies, hiding under towels, or simply staying indoors. But even with the best intentions, a few sunburns have slipped through the cracks. Especially as a coxswain, I’ve always taken as many precautions as possible when it comes to the sun.
With summer and sunny activities here, I think it’s important to remind everybody to take the sun seriously and to protect your skin. (A bunch of my friends, and even my mom, have all had run-ins with melanoma and skin cancer issues. It’s not something to mess around with or think that you’re invincible!)
My philosophy about the sun is to do everything you can to prevent sunburns. It’s like washing your makeup off your face before bed… annoying and a tiny bit of a time commitment, but worth it even if you’re the most exhausted.
Even if you’re not heading to the beach or pool, sunscreen should be used daily! Also, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist (if you don’t already regularly see one) and check for existing “spots.” Sometimes there are spots that you can’t even see!
Sunscreen // Check expiration dates (!!!) and make sure you’re using a sunscreen that works for your skin and needs. Waterproof for the beach, for sure. I like sprays, but it’s easy to miss spots with it. (Seriously, just ask Garrett.)
Sunnies // Protect your eyes too! Did you know that you can get melanoma in your eyes?! Choose a pair of sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Ray Bans are a cute and safe option!
Straw Hat // Sun protection and look chic! Win/win. Hats are my go-to protection. Super easy and they really do wonders to protect my nose, which seems to take the grunt of the UV rays.
Clinique City Block // Cannot speak highly enough of this product. The best for everyday protection. It feels like you’re really lathering your face and neck up with sunscreen, but it doesn’t feel like you have sunscreen on after. Amazing. It’s the perfect thing to start with before applying your normal makeup.
Surf Spray // Another “at the beach without being at the beach” product. Anyone else love the way your hair looks after a day at the beach? Something about that salt water! This spray will give your hair that perfect tousled look and texture.
Baseball Cap // Baseball caps are great for when you’re outside but not necessarily nearby the water. (Although they totally work at the pool or beach too!) If I’m going to be running errands in the city, I’ll braid my hair and pop on a hat. Just a great way to keep that nose safe!
Sun Shirt // SPF shirts can kind of look dorky, so it’s amazing that J. Crew has taken on the challenge. Hello cute sun protection. Mix and match with your existing swim suits and jump into the ocean knowing you’re doing your part to ward off sunburns. Great for girls who get sunburned shoulders easily!
Beach Pants // Don’t forget your pants. Protect those legs with a breezy pair of pants. The best of both worlds because you’ll stay cool without risking a burn.. perfect to throw on when you’re out of the water and drying off. Bonus? You can wear them around town after the beach.
Bronzer // When in doubt, fake the tan. I do like the way I look tan… but I don’t actually want to have tanned skin. So bronzer to the rescue. A swipe here, and a swipe there, and it’s an instant sun-kissed look sans sun damage.
Great post! As somebody who is fair skinned, I definitely feel your pain. Just a tip- make sure you use a sunscreen that is broad spectrum, which protects your skin from UVB and UVA rays instead of just UVB rays. It usually says it right on the bottle.
In pharmacy school, they told us that the place that most people forget is their feet. Ironically on spring break that's the part of me that was mostly burnt. Also if you know how long you can stay in the sun with no sunscreen before you start to get red and multiply that times the SPF you use then that gives you how many minutes of protection you get with that specific sunscreen. It's best to reapply every 2 hours though.
Being a redhead, I also have very fair skin. I used to lay out and try so hard to get a tan, but it just never happens for me. Now I'm all about protecting my skin. I'd rather be pale than have wrinkles and skin cancer when I'm older!
My hair is as straight as can be. Even when I braid it overnight, a few hours after I let it go, it loses all the waves. I'll definitely check out the Surf Spray! And boy do those beach pants look comfortable! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's
I found that I really prefer mineral based sunscreens instead of chemical. They are always on my must have summer list! Skin cancer is nothing to chance.
Thanks for this post on safe sun! My dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma last year and is just finishing his year of chemotherapy. So many young women our age still worship the sun, so it's great to see someone with a strong voice advocating for safe sun practices! Thank you for spreading the word 🙂
From head to toe, sun protection is needed specially while enjoying summer! This informative post will help people to protect their skin from cancer causing ultra violet rays. From http://www.avana-collection.com/collections/avana-sun-sun-protection-clothing people can also choose their fashionable and higher quality of sun protecting cloths.
Somehow yesterday felt like a week, last month was last year, and last year was a decade ago… but then time is simultaneously going by so fast too. The past ten weeks have gone by in a blink! Everyone warns you it goes by fast and they’re not wrong…. The days are long but oh how I wish time would slow down a bit? Or that maybe I could bottle up a tiny bit of these precious boys at every stage so I could revisit them down the road 🤍
I have grown to LOVE baby wearing. Not only do I think it’s such a nice and cozy way to bond with baby, it’s also incredibly practical, especially when you have a toddler to keep up with too! The @wildbird aerial carrier was a treat for myself- and I’m so obsessed with it. 👶🏼 Leave a comment “wildbird” and I’ll DM you the color I have as well as my personal review of it (including some troubleshooting tips).
Some top level things I like; - it’s easy to put on! - it’s so, so comfortable (for me AND baby!) - the little flap is seamless and provides extra support while baby naps and privacy when we need/want it
This affordable rechargeable LED lamp is cute and then made even cuter with this wicker lampshade! 💡✨ No cords needed- just charge and place wherever you want. (Will be extra perfect for dining outdoors this summer!) 💫 Comment “lamp” and I’ll send you links to the LED lamp ($38 for a pair!) and the lampshade (available in a few styles- including a darling blue).
Not really in the mood to be in photos right now, but I keep telling myself I’ll want to look back on these moments and remember them. (Right?!) when I look at these photos in 10, 20, 30 years…
I hope I remember Jack “rescuing” Rory from a windy tent, not how I stood in front of my closet with tears in my eyes.
I hope I remember watching Jack roll down hills and play hop scotch and scoot down the sidewalk with his besties, not that I caught a glimpse of my reflection and didn’t recognize myself.
I hope I remember sitting outside with my friend happily watching our kids play (while watching the minutes until bedtime tick by), and not that I spent too much time zooming in and examining every new wrinkle on my face.
I hope I remember the pure joy of these early warm days with my little family whom I love so much 🤍
The weather is warming up and I’m feeling slightly more comfortable in my skin every day ☀️ Here’s what I wore last week as a mom of two. I have a two and a half year old toddler and a two month old so I need outfits I feel good in, can chase a little guy around in, AND that I can breastfeed easily while wearing. 🔗 Leave a comment with “OUTFITS” to get links to every outfit I wore!
This room is so very special 🤍 The little cars sprinkled everywhere (watch your step!). A tiny sock, never two, peeled off and tucked somewhere hidden away. Piles of books that grow almost as quickly as the little boy who sleeps here. Outgrown pants and shoes to grow into mingling in the closet. Often messy, and a little cluttered, but a little boy lives here. 🚘☀️🐶📚🧸
(Rory is still in our room, but eventually the boys will share. I can picture their little twin beds already!)
About ten days ago, I noticed that today’s forecast was looking WARM. I told Mike, “We’re walking into town and sitting outside and I’m getting a beer. Put it on your calendar.” It ended up being warmer than forecasted (almost eighty degrees!) and let me tell you, it delivered. Today felt like the beginning of The Season™: dinners al fresco, beers/fries/ice creams, and late bedtimes. Indulging in it all because the kids are only getting older and we’re the grownups (somehow) and we get to make the rules ✌🏻
Dress is @tuckernuck & sweater is @kiltecollection
@pennylinndesigns and I hosted a “learn to needlepoint” class this past weekend and it was everything ✨ Needlepoint has been such a bright spot in my life over the past five years- and it’s gotten me through some difficult times. Because it’s helped me so much, sharing this hobby with others has turned into a mini life mission of mine. To sit in a room (my beautiful office space designed by @clare.sull!) with pro stitchers and needlepoint newbies alike was one of my dreams come true. I loved seeing women chatting, meeting, and bonding over this beautiful craft 🪡 Honestly, the needlepoint world is (sadly) filled with a lot of gatekeeping and competitiveness; this weekend proved that it doesn’t have to- and shouldn’t- be this way! It’s for EVERYONE. Whether you’ve never picked up a canvas in your life or you’re working on heirloom stockings for your family, there’s room for everyone at this table.
📍 Leave a comment saying “needlepoint” and I’ll send you my go-to resources for getting started with needlepoint!
This sunscreen in the top left is my holey grail for body! I can't top it. It's so quick drying and non-greasy.
— Alex at Cashmere Kangaroo
Great post! As somebody who is fair skinned, I definitely feel your pain. Just a tip- make sure you use a sunscreen that is broad spectrum, which protects your skin from UVB and UVA rays instead of just UVB rays. It usually says it right on the bottle.
Good luck this summer Carly!
I had never heard of "sun shirts", thanks Carly!
Claudia
What Now, Clauds?
In pharmacy school, they told us that the place that most people forget is their feet. Ironically on spring break that's the part of me that was mostly burnt. Also if you know how long you can stay in the sun with no sunscreen before you start to get red and multiply that times the SPF you use then that gives you how many minutes of protection you get with that specific sunscreen. It's best to reapply every 2 hours though.
Being a redhead, I also have very fair skin. I used to lay out and try so hard to get a tan, but it just never happens for me. Now I'm all about protecting my skin. I'd rather be pale than have wrinkles and skin cancer when I'm older!
I love that straw hats! Great tips!
Hunter
Prep on a Budget
great tips! dont forget SPF for your lips! xo jillian – cornflake dreams
My hair is as straight as can be. Even when I braid it overnight, a few hours after I let it go, it loses all the waves. I'll definitely check out the Surf Spray! And boy do those beach pants look comfortable! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's
I seriously have to get that Clinique Sunscreen. I've only heard the best about it!!!
Andy from savor each bite
I found that I really prefer mineral based sunscreens instead of chemical. They are always on my must have summer list! Skin cancer is nothing to chance.
Thanks for this post on safe sun! My dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma last year and is just finishing his year of chemotherapy. So many young women our age still worship the sun, so it's great to see someone with a strong voice advocating for safe sun practices! Thank you for spreading the word 🙂
I love the equestrian baseball cap!
~Sophia
http://plaidismyfavouritecolour.blogspot.com/
Great post! Although, sunglasses should actually say UVA/UVB protection on them. You can check out my post on organic sunblocks here: http://thegreenbows.blogspot.ca/2014/05/dear-those-of-you-who-tan-i-hate-you.html
-Katherine
I absolutely love the Neutrogena sunscreen! And I know a skin doctor that swears by the stuff! It isn't oily and it works well!
i love the sun but we always must be careful…
latesttrendfashion.com/
I love those pants, but the link is sending me to the JCrew sunshirt page. Where can I find them?
From head to toe, sun protection is needed specially while enjoying summer! This informative post will help people to protect their skin from cancer causing ultra violet rays. From http://www.avana-collection.com/collections/avana-sun-sun-protection-clothing people can also choose their fashionable and higher quality of sun protecting cloths.