Summer brings a host of different skin concerns, but nothing you can’t be prepared for. Find out how to stock your beach bag with the right sunscreen, ways to prevent chlorine-green hair and what to do about the inevitable scraped knees and elbows. And, if your children are old enough, you can share this knowledge with them so they can take care of their own skin this season.

Battle #1: Proper sun protection

The sun takes the top of the list this summer, as it should all year long. Before sending the kids outside, make sure they’re covered with sunscreen from head to toe. To ensure a safe, effective application, follow these simple tips.

• Don’t miss a spot. It’s easy to forget about small areas like the backs of the knees and the ears, but they’re just as prone to sun damage as skin elsewhere on the body. WebMD suggests teaching your child to help you spell BEENS: Back of knees, Ears, Eye area, Neck and Scalp. Supplement your regular sunscreen with a smaller sunscreen stick for mess-free application on these smaller areas – a must for squirming children.

• Product pick: Kiss My Face Kids 100% Natural Mineral Sunblock SunStick SPF 30, Blue

• Watch for sunscreen sensitivities. Many children have sensitivities to the active ingredients found in typical sunscreens. If you notice any sort of skin reaction on your child, or if he or she already has very sensitive skin, look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These two non-chemical ingredients offer superior protection from the sun without irritation, because they sit on the top of the skin rather than being absorbed. Not only are these ingredients gentle for the skin, but they provide maximum broad-spectrum sun protection – for adults as well.

• Product pick: Mustela High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 50

• Take caution with infants. Even though there are many sun protection products specifically designed for children, infants require special attention. Most doctors advise not using sunscreen on children under six months of age; instead, keep them in the shade and cover them up with sun-protective clothing and hats. If your baby is still sensitive to sunscreen after six months of age, talk to his or her pediatrician and definitely consider trying a zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sunblock.

Battle #2: Squirmy children

“But Mom, I’m only going outside for a minute!” If this sounds familiar, you know that a major challenge is getting your kids to understand the necessity of protecting the skin – and getting them to sit still. Here are a few tips for making your job a little easier.

• Help them understand the goal. Whether you’re trying to get them ready for a day at the beach or a hike in the woods, explain what you’re doing and why it’s important. What will bug repellent do for them? How will a hat keep the sun from burning her face? If your children are confused by why they must sit through the daily application of sticky white lotion, help them understand why you’re using it, rather than just forcing them to sit through it.

• Teach them about the sun. Even a child as young as two or three can understand that sunburns happen when the sun’s rays are strongest. It’s better to tell children that sunburn happens during certain times of the day regardless of season or weather – otherwise you’ll continually hear the argument, “it’s cloudy today, so I don’t need sunscreen at the pool.”

• Make it fun. Instead of the obligatory sunscreen application, make your kids feel like they’re part of the daily ritual. Let them decide what scents they like, and help them become responsible for remembering before you walk out the door each morning. Older kids can help the young ones with putting their sunscreen on.

• Let them pick out their formula. Colored, scented or spray sunscreens can make application a little more fun.

• Product picks: Huggies Little Swimmers Sunscreen, Clear Continuous Spray, SPF 50, Blue Melon Splash; TruKid Sunny Days Mineral Sunscreen Face and Body Stick SPF 30+ 

Battle #3: The chlorine blues (and greens)

If your little water baby wants nothing more than to spend each day in the pool, make sure you’re prepared.

• Choose higher SPF – and reapply often. Whatever formula you use on your child, remember that how you apply is just as important as the SPF itself. You’ll want at least SPF 30, and if your child is swimming, reapplying every two hours (at most) is crucial.
• Understand “waterproof” vs “water-resistant.” There’s a lot of confusion surrounding these words. Technically, a water-resistant sunscreen is good for 40 minutes in the water, while a waterproof sunscreen is good for 80 minutes, so a durable sunblock for water activities should say “waterproof.”

• Give it time. After applying sunscreen, wait at least 15 minutes before you let your child to get into the pool; the formula needs time to absorb into the skin before it’s fully effective.

• Combat green hair. If you notice that characteristic chlorine-green tint in your children’s hair, fight back before and after the daily swim.

• Before: Protect hair from UV damage and chlorine with Oscar Blandi Capri Sun Shield Spray . With a summery melon and lemon scent, it’s perfect for kids.

• After: When it’s time to take a shower, have them lather up with a reparative shampoo like UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo to get hair back to its normal shade.

Battle #4: Sunburn

With longer days and more time spent playing outside, it’s inevitable that every parent will deal with the occasional sunburn this summer . But don’t despair; you can help your child to soothe burning skin and recover from sunburn.

• Take your child out of the sun immediately after you notice he or she is burned; the burn can become increasingly worse.

• Have your child drink lots of liquids to prevent dehydration.
• Use aloe vera gel or a lotion containing aloe to soothe any burning sensation, such as Ole Henriksen All Purpose Aloe Vera Gel.

• If your child complains of pain, use over-the-counter pain relievers. But if you notice your child is running a fever, or if he or she has blisters, call a pediatrician.

Battle #5: Bruises and scrapes

More time outdoors and fewer clothing items can mean daily cuts, scrapes and bruises – not fun for a parent. While you can’t force your kids to wear head-to-toe safety gear, you can make sure they know how to care for their skin. Here’s how to care for everyday bruises and cuts.

• Wash the cut with soap and water – even with the many antibacterial formulas on the market, soap is still considered the gold standard when it comes to protection against germs and bacteria. Scented or foaming soaps are good bets for kids, such as Jason Natural Cosmetics Kids Only! Tropical Twist Foaming Hand Soap.
• As a back-up, keep an antibacterial hand sanitizer handy for those times when washing with soap and water isn’t possible. Just try to keep it away from younger kids – due to the high amount of alcohol, ingesting these products can be dangerous. Try CLEAN Anti-Bacterial Hand Cream.

• Cover up any open wounds. This will prevent bacteria and germs from entering. For a bruise, you can use a cold compress or a bag of frozen vegetables to relieve pain temporarily. Over-the-counter children’s pain relievers can also help.

• Do your best to prevent your child from picking at cuts while they’re healing, and keep cuts clean.

• For any scars that do form, try a kid-formulated scar treatment like Mederma For Kids.

Summer becomes a little easier when you understand how to care for your children’s skin – and how to get them to cooperate. Keep the necessary items close at hand for impromptu trips to the beach or the park, and you’ll save yourself a little stress this season.

See also:

Green Your Summer Skin Care Routine with 8 Eco-Friendly Finds

10 DIY Summer Treatments to Rejuvenate Skin from Head to Toe

Skincare for Kids in 4 Easy Steps

Sunscreen and Children: What Every Parent Must Know

Impetigo & Kids: What You Need to Know