Sunscreen Sun Safety Tips (+ A Giveaway From The Honest Company!)

If you follow me on Snapchat (—> juliepbfingers), you may already know that a few weeks ago, I had to get a mole removed. It looked quite different than my other moles and a biopsy revealed the presence of atypical cells. Thankfully I was able to have the mole removed and did not need any additional treatment or surgery, but it served as a great reminder to me to check my skin regularly, continue with my regular visits to the dermatologist and practice sun safety this summer.

Today I am teaming up with The Honest Company to share some tips for sunscreen sun safety this summer! And stay tuned for a great giveaway at the end of this post, too!

Sunscreen Sun Safety Tips

• Wear Sunscreen (Duh.)

Quick side note: Am I the only one who always thinks of that one graduation song from the ‘90s whenever they hear the words “wear sunscreen” together? Meeeemories!

Though “wear sunscreen” was a line of advice in that song, it’s advice that has some serious merit. This is the most obvious tip and also number one on my list of sunscreen sun safety tips because it is so, so important. (I seriously cringe when I think back to my teenage/college days when I didn’t bother putting on sunscreen. Ugh!) In addition to shielding the body from harmful sunrays, sunscreen helps decrease the risk of developing skin cancer and prevents premature aging of the skin, brown spots (my personal nemesis) and blotchiness.

Skin cancer runs in my family so while I understand the importance of protecting my skin from a health standpoint, it wasn’t until I entered my late 20s and began noticing brown spots on my face that I became much more aware of the importance of sunscreen from a purely aesthetic standpoint.

The Honest Company recently sent me their newest formulation of their Honest Mineral Sunscreen to try during my recent travels to Jacksonville Beach. Ryan, Chase and I used the sunscreen during two trips to the beach and found the sunscreen non-irritating, lightweight, non-greasy and effective.

Pediatrically and dermatologically tested, the new formulation of The Honest Company‘s Mineral Sunscreen is clinically tested to be safe and effective and is recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective broad spectrum sunscreen. We go through a LOT of sunscreen in our house, especially during the summer when we seem to spend nearly every single weekend on our boat on the lake, so I’m happy I’ll only have to pack one bottle of sunscreen that will work and is safe and gentle for the whole family.

• Regularly Reapply Sunscreen

Applying sunscreen in the morning and forgetting about it for the rest of the day isn’t going to cut it! Reapplying sunscreen regularly – at least every two hours is recommended – will help keep your skin properly protected.

• Don’t Forget Sunscreen On Cloudy Days

I always think of my friend Kristen when it’s cloudy outside and I remember to put on sunscreen because when we were back in high school lifeguarding together, she got one of the worst sunburns on an overcast day in Illinois. Just because the clouds are out doesn’t mean your skin isn’t vulnerable! UVA rays can still reach the skin through thick clouds!

• Use At Least SPF 30

I remember the days when I first started to realize I should probably be using sunscreen… I used to look for sunscreen with minimal SPF because I wanted to be TAN, man! Well, now I’d much rather be safe (and, let’s be honest, prevent wrinkles and dark spots), so I reach for SPF 30 and higher when I’m lathering up! SPF 30, when applied correctly, blocks out approximately 96 percent of UVB rays and SPF 50 increases this number to 98 percent.

• Don’t Rely Solely On Sunscreen For Protection

If I know I’m going to be out on the boat all day long, I always pack a hat, sunglasses and a cover up. Even if I’m diligent about reapplying sunscreen, sometimes I can just feel the heat on my skin and know I need additional protection. Now that we have a baby in the mix, I’m already planning to keep him in the shade on the boat as much as possible and keep a swim shirt and sun hat on hand.

• Check Expiration Dates

Sunscreens come with expiration dates for a reason! Many people store sunscreen in a closet all winter and go back to using the same bottle again the next summer without checking the expiration date which can make the sunscreen less effective.

Giveaway + Discount

PBF Reader Discount

The Honest Company is offering PBF readers who order their first bundle 35 percent off with the code SUNPBF35OFF, valid through June 30. (Full details below.) We love their diapering bundle (great discounts on their diapers and wipes) but bundles that include cleaning supplies, personal care and health and wellness items are also available.

Giveaway

Now for the giveaway! One PBF reader will win a collection of items from The Honest Company! The winner will receive the following:

• The Honest Company Sunscreen
• The Honest Company Sunscreen Spray
• The Honest Company Sunscreen Stick
• The Honest Company Body Wash/Shampoo
• The Honest Company Conditioner
• The Honest Company Lotion

To enter this PBF giveaway, please visit The Honest Company‘s website and leave a comment on this blog post, telling me which sunscreen product you’d like to try most and one thing you are looking forward to this summer! Do you have a fun vacation planned? Are you looking forward to more time outside? Let me know!

I will randomly select a winner next Friday.

Good luck!

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Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by The Honest Company who provided products and payment. All opinions are my own. Thank you so much for your support!

Terms: *Eligible for new honest.com Bundle subscribers only. Limit 1 Promo Code per customer/household. Code must be entered into “Promo Code” section at Checkout. Ends at 11:59 p.m. (PST) on 6/30/2016. Valid for up to 2 Bundles purchased in a single transaction. Cannot be applied to previous purchases, Gift Card purchases or Gift Bundles. Cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other promotion. Terms subject to change at any time.