The problem with time is that you blink, and it’s gone. Just yesterday, it felt like we turned the calendar to 2021, and now we’re heading toward the longest day of the year on June 21^st. With summer here already, it’s essential to take a step back and consider safety in the sun. While being outdoors is great for us, and our bodies benefit from sun exposure, a little goes a long way. Sun protection and hydration need to be at the top of your list for daily care routines. Here are some things you and your girls should know. 

Sunscreen

Some communities believe that skin with more melanin doesn’t require the same sun protection as white skin. That’s simply not true. Black and brown girls are at high risk of skin damage due to sun exposure. 

While the human body needs sunlight to make vitamin D, too much can cause long-term problems, including skin cancer. Using sunscreen on children of all skin types is essential for protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays. 

Sunscreen should be used whenever girls will have prolonged exposure to the sun. Use a generous amount and pay attention to ears, feet, and hands. 

Protective Clothing

The hot summer sun makes us all pull out the shorts and tank tops, but decreased skin coverage can also lead to increased skin damage. There may be occasions when protective clothing is a better choice. 

Swim shirts are becoming popular because they provide shoulder, arm, and torso protection when in the water. And out of the water, protecting the shoulders and sensitive areas of the body can help limit dangerous exposure. 

Two accessories to always have on hand are hats and sunglasses. The right hat will protect the scalp from sunburn and help shield the face and body and even provide a cooling shade. The sun can damage the eyes, too. Sunglasses can keep your girls’ eyes healthy. 

Skincare

Skincare for younger girls is as simple as sunscreen with a high SPF and some SPF lip gloss or chapstick. Older girls, including tweens and teens, might be exploring makeup and other skin routines. To help them keep their changing skin in shape, provide added guidance for skincare in the hot summer months. 

This website gives some great tips, including information on moisturizers, cleansers, and SPF products for your older girls. 

Water Consumption 

We would be remiss if we didn’t also mention hydration. It’s vital to keep us safe and healthy in the summer. 

Overheating can cause significant medical complications, and hydration is key to prevention. Your girls should drink around 8 to 10 cups of water per day. However, keep in mind that these numbers are just guidelines and that we do receive some of our hydration through food and other liquids in our diets. 

And watch out for signs of dehydration, including headaches, fatigue, and dry skin.  

Signs of Heat Exhaustion 

Beyond skincare and hydration, it’s also imperative that you’re aware of the signs of heat exhaustion in your girls. It can happen due to dehydration or extensive sun exposure and can be very serious. Watch for symptoms such as: 

• Weakness
• Dizziness 
• Muscle pain
• Vomiting or nausea 
• Raised body temperature

To avoid these and more complications, follow summer sun recommendations and limit exposure to extreme temperatures and direct sun. Learn more about heat exhaustion here. 

How do you stay safe outdoors in the summertime?