Childhood Sunburns and Skin Cancer Later in Life #momsmeet #coolasuncare

I received this product for free from Moms Meet. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support me!

Right now, in this moment, you probably aren’t concerned about your child getting skin cancer later in life. You just want to watch them splash in the water and have fun in the sun. Sadly, the exposure your kids have to the sun now can affect them later in life. 

The Facts

These aren’t facts that someone has made up, they are real. Sun exposure and sunburn put your children at risk for skin cancer later in life. It’s a proven fact that exposure to the sun’s harmful rays can up your risk for skin cancer. When your child is exposed to a blistering sunburn as a child, this can double their risk for skin cancer as an adult. Children spend a lot of time outside, during the summer months, when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

Preventable is key

When it comes to educating yourself on skin cancer, there is something you should know. Skin cancer is preventable. Which means there are things you can do to prevent sunburns now and skin cancer later in life. Not only should you read up on how to protect yourself from the sun, you should also educate your children. Teach them about complete sun protection.

• Shade is a good thing. While it’s fun to be in the sun, it’s safer to be in the shade. Teach your children to seek shade when they can. Being in the shade means your kids aren’t getting those direct UV rays.
• Wear more clothing – Although it seems natural to want to wear less clothing in the sun, more clothing is better. While you don’t want to dress them in hot sweltering clothing, you can suggest they wear lightweight clothing that protects them from the sun but doesn’t smother them in heat.
• Applying sunscreen is important – At the end of the day, wearing appropriate sunscreen is important. Sunscreen should be applied to exposed skin, every day. Whether or not your kids will be outside for a short amount of time or a long amount of time, sunscreen needs to be worn.

What I've Been Using

Lately, we've been using a green, luxurious sun and skincare products called COOLA. Specifically, their Sport SPF 50 Guava Mango Sunscreen Spray. My kids love that I can just spray this on them quickly and they can get on their way – without a greasy residue!

This sunscreen spray goes on super sheer yet lasts through our long hikes and swim-time play. This sunscreen is extra special, though. It actually contains ingredients that actually nourish and hydrate the skin WHILE protecting it. What a concept, right?

Sport SPF 50 Guava Mango Sunscreen Spray is filled with antioxidants and organic ingredients like strawberries, cucumber, cell renewing aloe, and collagen promoter algae. They all combine to make this sunscreen spray a moms dream. Plus, it's water resistant for 80 minutes and  SPF 50! It is a must for on the go moms!!

You can purchase COOLA at Sephora, Ulta, and Nordstrom, as well as at coolasuncare.com. To find the Sport SPF 50 Guava Mango Sunscreen Spray in your area, visit www.coolasuncare.com/locator for the full list of locations.

One major tip that you will want to pass onto your kids, is that they should avoid a sunburn, at all costs. Being sunburnt is not only damaging to your skin, but it can have long-term effects that you cannot always see.

Kids shouldn’t be exposed to the sun for long periods of time

No matter the age, kids shouldn’t be exposed to the sun for long periods of fun. Newborns shouldn’t be exposed without proper protection. There is no doubt about it that children are more sensitive to the sun than adults. However, adults should also pay close attention to exposing themselves to the sun too. Sunscreen and proper sun care is important for everyone, not just kids.

Take precaution now – and later

Keep in mind that research shows that sun damage now can cause skin cancer later. It’s best to take precautions now to avoid any issues down the road. Just like children learn that brushing teeth is good for them, they should also know that applying sunscreen is an everyday ritual that is essential to long-term skin care success!