Sunscreen Habits

As a family, we spend a lot of time in the sun. Whether it's watching the kiddos on the baseball and softball field, going out for a walk, or working outdoors while enjoying the fresh air, I find being in the sun to be energizing and refreshing (I'm truly solar powered).

I know it's really important to wear sunscreen while we're out there; but as someone who grew up in New England and doesn't burn easily, this was a really hard habit to form! While I'm diligent about sunscreen on my face, I still have to make an extra effort when it comes to other areas that may be exposed.

Behavioral change takes time. Whether it's remembering to sunscreen, or another healthy change you're seeking to make, take some time thinking about what it takes for you to build a new habit. Here are some of the things to help it stick:

1. Get the facts and take time to learn the basics. In the case of sunscreen, this includes things like understanding SPF, how much to use (typically ~1oz to cover to protect your face, neck, arms and legs), when to reapply (approximately every two hours), and how to understand UV index which helps inform what times of day may be higher risk.
2. Find a sunscreen brand that you LIKE wearing, taking into consideration things like the feel, the smell, and the coverage.
3. Keep it easily accessible -- this means bottles where people get ready for the day, by the doorway (near our shoes), and in bags we use for outings in case we need to (re)apply while we're out.
4. Avoid running out by keeping a couple bottles on hand and buying more anytime you open the last bottle.
5. Incorporate it into other habits. For example, try putting on sunscreen every day after you brush your teeth, or applying it at the same time you put your shoes on.
6. Actively talking about it! I'm sure my kids are annoyed by the reminders ??, but they will keep hearing them nonetheless.

We don't get this right 100% of the time, but we are getting better as we keep working at it. And the good news is sunscreen is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to sun-protection. Hats, sunglasses, rash guards, and shade all offer additional layers of protection.