This Summer We #ChooseSkinHealth With Simple Tips For Sensitive Skin!

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Neutrogena. I received samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for my participation. All photos contained below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.

Momma Told Me: Cover up!

Have you ever heard the expression "You're going to catch your death out there?" It's an adage many of the women in my family have used for generations, but one we most often associate with cold weather and the Winter. As grim as it sounds, you're actually more likely to compromise your health during an unsuspectingly gorgeous day outside, rather than in gloomy weather when you're naturally more aware of the risks. Why? Because 1 in 5 adults will be diagnosed with skin cancer, and an overwhelming number of those cases can be attributed to unprotected UV exposure from the sun. Going outside during the sunny months without your 'coat' of UV protection sunscreen, and proper hydration can be just as dangerous as walking into a snowstorm in a tank top and flip flops.

Having been raised in SoCal, and by Momma herself, I was constantly being educated and reminded about two major 'invisible' health risks, sun exposure and smoke. We'll save the smoking lecture for another day. Today we're going to talk about skin health and your Summer life plans. You see, unless you quite literally live in a rock, or a cave- and yes, even (especially) those who live in continually cold climates such as Alaska, you should be using SPF protection daily. UV rays travel through materials, reflect off surfaces (such as water and snow), and are always present when the sun is out (even if you can't see the sun because of clouds and such.)

In fact, you are being exposed to UV rays even when you are taking shelter in the shade, as shade offers only about 5-7 SPF protection; lower than even the lowest commercial sunscreen, and most tanning lotions. And external factors, such as medications and beauty care products can actually make your skin more absorbent and responsive to the impact of UV rays! That means you may actually be making yourself more susceptible to sun exposure risks AND forgoing any preventative measures like sunscreen, effectively doubling your risk of skin cancer. It may be scary stuff but I'm glad to share that the art of active sun protection doesn't have to be scary.

You may have noticed, through the years, I'm sort of an unofficial brand champion for Neutrogena products. Neutrogena is a brand I've trusted my haircare and skincare routines to for years thanks to their conscious product formulations that are sensitive skin considerate and ingredient intelligent. Their Triple Repair haircare collection single handedly brought my hair back to life after a very unfortunate run-in with professional grade bleach chemicals, and their Cleansing Towelettes consistently remove full face costume makeup without any irritation. So, it's easy to see why I haven't needed any convincing in trusting their sun protection line.

However, if my testimonial isn't quite enough, Neutrogena sun care products now boast another credit, with 5 products recently having received the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance for their extra gentle formulations perfect for eczema prone and sensitive skin. Neutrogena® Pure And Free® Baby Faces Ultra Gentle Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45, Neutrogena® Pure And Free® Baby Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 60, Neutrogena® Pure And Free® Baby Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 60, Neutrogena® Sensitive Skin Sunscren Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 60, and Neutrogena® Pure And Free® Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 have all recieved this prestigious nod. The formulations and products themselves have not changed, they are just as awesome and gentle on skin as ever, but now are simply recognized for their superior skin protection with gentle application.

You know I, myself, have very fair and sensitive skin (I have to use fragrance free detergents and break out with contact to several common skincare ingredients,) but baby Nathan, 10 months, is exceptionally sensitive with his read hair and fair genes. This Summer he'll be hitting the pool (he really is a little tadpole, and just loves the water) with UV protective swimsuits and Neutrogena® Pure And Free® Baby Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60. Water resistant and with a suggested 80 minute application life, this simple stick applicator makes SPF protection a breeze on baby's face and ears, and is entirely fragrance free for gentle application. Here Nathan is seen styling in his UV protective Coolibar swimwear, paired with Neutrogena skincare protection. For more tips on simple sun care for infants and children stay up to date with the brand on their Facebook page.

In fact, the Neutrogena sun care lineup has not only traveled up the coast and back on our Road Trip through national parks and along the Pacific Coast beaches, but recently accompanied me to Mudderella NorCal 2015. If there isn't a better test of a suncreen's resiliency than direct sunlight at high noon and consistent exposure to muddy water and make-shift rivers, I don't know what is. Neutrogena®'s Sensitive Skin Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 60 made sure the only discomfort I experienced after this day long event was seriously sore muscles. Though, I do have to warn the product itself is quite thick and requires diligent application- so always enlist the help of a partner to ensure full coverage. Upon first rub in, there was a thin white residue, which made coverage tracking a bit easier.

No matter your skin's complexion or age, it's important to observe safe sun exposure, and proper hydration, throughout the Summer and entire year. Don't let sensitive skin, or eczema, keep you from properly protecting your skin. Choose dermatologist recommended and National Eczema Association accepted Neutrogena® sun care products for easy to wear protection with a powerful punch. You'll find these skin health much haves at national drug and grocery chains near you (I usually grab mine at Walmart and CVS.) Have you used one of the 5 NEA Accepted Products before? Why not help let the world know how simple sun cae can be by leaving a review on one of the seal accepted products product pages!  Now, be honest, how often do you apply products with SPF protection?

What Daughter Says: You put on a coat in the Winter, now don't forget to put on some SPF protection in the Summer (and all year, too!)

Make Suncare A Part Of Your Summer Routine, Know The Facts

Momma Told Me: Your skin will thank you in 20 years.

This past, holiday, weekend I spent some time at the local beach park with family and friends. I'll admit I'm the palest of the group, and I seem to burn just thinking about going outside for an hour; so I'm always sure to protect myself with various forms of skincare. You see, when you have fair skin, and are prone to burning, you don't think twice about protecting from the sun's rays. However, I was shocked to hear child after child tell me they 'don't need' sunscreen because they have 'darker skin' and don't burn. This alarming statement, which I can only deduce was inherited from the adults in their lives is quite possibly part of the skin cancer epidemic the current generation faces. Proper sun care is not about keeping an even tan, or avoiding nasty peeling, it's about safeguarding our skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, which we most of the time cannot detect at all.

I'm sure you've all heard the age old point that people can get burned, but most importantly, absorb UV rays, with an entirely cloudy sky. That's because the rays themselves are transparent, and even reflected off of surfaces in cloudy conditions. These powerful rays even make their way through clothing material, and with 1 in 5 Americans developing skin cancer during their lifetime, it's clear we're not doing enough to defend ourselves.

One of the biggest reasons American consumers do not 'lather up' with sunscreen is because they perceive it as inconvenient. Well, we've come a long way with skincare, baby! Coppertone's new Clearly Sheer range of sunscreen products are specially formatted to be light, yet effective, for moisturizing all day wear that can even be layered beneath cosmetics. They're even approved for sensitive skin and acne prone complexions, so you never have a reason not to protect that gorgeous face. And, if you're one of the millions of sunscreen consumers who skip protecting because you don't want to smell like a pool or beach, the Clearly Sheer line is specially formatted with a citrus inspired fragrance that is easy to wear and almost undetectable.

I keep a convenient 1oz Coppertone Clearly Sheer for Sunny Days in my glove compartment at all times. I never know when I will find myself outside for more than 15 minutes, or among company equally in need of UV protection. While I'm a 'spray' screen kinda gal, studies have shown that people are less accurate in fully covering their skin with such applications, so I reach for the light layering lotion with it's refreshing citrus infuse scent. And don't forget to protect those eyes too; be sure the entire family is outfitted with sunglasses this Summer!

What Daughter Says: Proper skincare starts with accurate knowledge, how much do you know about staying protected?