Spring has finally arrived so it’s time to start thinking about SPF and keeping our children safe while they enjoy the sun. It’s really important to teach children about the dangers of UV rays from a young age. As much as we all want to enjoy that afternoon on the beach or a family stroll to the park, we can’t underestimate the damage the sun can do.
I’ve been working with Green People to test out their sun protection products and discuss sun safety with my children. If you’ve followed my blog for a while you will know that I used to review Green People products a lot and I cannot rave enough about their products. Green People is a 100% natural and organic brand who recently celebrated their 25th anniversary. Their range includes sun creams, makeup, skincare, hair care, as well as anti aging and baby and children’s ranges.
“Forever a family business, we care for every single one of our customers, offering the same personal service that we always have and giving back whenever and wherever we can.
Green People continues to expand its range of innovative certified organic products, each one created using a wealth of knowledge and drawing on the balance of nature and science.”
Keeping children safe in the sun
Here are just a few ways that you can teach children about sun safety…
1.Talk about sun safety
First and foremost, it’s important to discuss the sun and how to stay safe in it with your children. To encourage healthy habits in young children, they need to understand why they are being asked to do something. You could talk about UV rays and the times of day when the sun is as its hottest. You could also talk to children about the potential consequences of sun damage, in a child appropriate way that they can understand but that doesn’t scare them.
2. Lead by example
Leading by example is incredibly important when it comes to teaching little ones about sun protection. If you ask your children to put on sun cream, or to sit in the shade while you sunbathe without sun cream on, you’re child is going to be pretty confused. Let your children see you using sun care products and they will soon learn how important it is.
I have been trying out Green People’s Age Defy+ Daily SPF30 Moisturiser and I have found it to be a fantastic product. I hold my hands up and admit that although I do wear sun cream as I burn easily, I haven’t been good at remembering to wear SPF under my makeup. I now understand how important this step in my skincare routine is and I won’t be going back to my old ways. I make sure that the children see my applying this so that they follow my lead.
Green People’s Age Defy+ Daily SPF30 Moisturiser is Vegan, cruelty-free and made with certified organic ingredients. Edelweiss, pomegranate oil, green tea and rosemary give this moisturiser a beautiful fresh scent that is perfect for summer. I am thoroughly enjoying using this product and feel my skin is protected as well as feeling smooth and nourished. I have sensitive, acne prone skin and haven’t had any issues with my skin since using this product.
3. Stay hydrated
Too much sun, even when you are wearing sunscreen can make us dehydrated and can even lead to heat exhaustion. It’s important to teach children to always keep a drink with them when they are in the sun. After all, we aren’t always with our children, and while schools will try their best to ensure children are safe, we must encourage our children to take care of themselves in the sun.
4. Shade
I always encourage my children to stay in the shade as much as possible. Shade will keep them cooler whilst protecting them somewhat from the suns rays. As my daughter has red hair and fair skin, just like me, I know how important it is to stay in the shade.
5. Apply sunscreen regularly
Sunscreen should be reapplied every few hours throughout the day. Even more if you are sweating or have been swimming. During the Easter holidays we went out for a walk and bike ride, followed by playing in the garden at home. It was a lovely sunny day, so I encouraged the children to reapply their Green People sun cream every three hours. My children are old enough to be able to apply sun cream on their own now but it’s something I’ve encouraged from a young age, as they need to be able to do it whilst at school.
The Green People sun bundle includes SPF30 and aloe vera lotion & after sun for £39. Organic Children Sun Cream SPF30 is scent free, natural and organic so is great for kids with sensitive and eczema prone skin. My son has particularly sensitive skin and eczema too so using sun care products that don’t irritate his skin is incredibly important to us.
Organic Children Aloe Vera Lotion & After Sun is one of my favourite products to use as it is super moisturising and non greasy. Soothing plant extracts cool and hydrate delicate skin after sun exposure, and again it’s perfect for children with sensitive skin. I have used this product myself and can confirm it leaves skin feeling beautifully soft.
Green People also sent us their Quick Clean Hand Foam, which is ideal for cleaning hands after sun cream application. It’s citrus scented, so smells amazing and can be used with or without water so it’s perfect for on the go. My son had actually claimed this for his school bag as he likes it so much! Again it’s great for sensitive skin and is non-drying and free from SLS and alcohol.
6. Wear protective clothing
It’s important to teach children to cover as much of their skin as the can in the sun. Certain areas of our bodies such as shoulders, necks, faces and the top of the head need extra protection from the sun. Teach children to wear t-shirts that cover their shoulders, hats and sunglasses. Some hats have a flap at the back that covers the neck which is a great idea for children who burn particularly easily.
I hope that this post has been useful and you’ve picked up some tips to help you talk to your children about sun safety. I would encourage you to give Green People sun products a try. We’ve loved the brand for years and wouldn’t use anything else for the children’s skin now.
How are you teaching your children about the importance of sun safety?
Thank you for reading.
