{waikiki}
If there is one lesson I took away from living in Hawaii, it was how the Japanese women took excellent care of their skin. When others were soaking up rays for endless hours and slathering tanning oil on their skin, the women flying in from Tokyo donned hats, over-sized sunglasses, and umbrellas. Yes, umbrellas on perfectly sunny days (parasols for you fashion mavens). Underneath those umbrellas was wrinkle free, porcelain-like skin that would otherwise be on a baby.
I took notice, because even though I was pretty young at the time, sun damage has a way of catching up with every one of us. Personally, I think aging is a beautiful process; looking like a lizard in your 30s is not. Wearing sunscreen is one of the obvious answers, but there is one more step that I have incorporated in to my regime that has helped me up my game: wearing a Vitamin C serum under my sunscreen. It is like giving steroids to your sunscreen, boosting overall protection by 8 times. It actually protects the DNA of your skin. Learn more here.
Moving to Texas has only reinforced the desire to protect my skin and my children's skin. The sun here is to be reckoned with. This may sound lofty, but I hope my children never endure a severe sunburn as long as I am in charge of their skin. So far, so good. Here are a few of my favorite products, and I am in no way endorsing any of these brands; just my personal favorites. There are many great companies that make anti-oxidant serums and sunscreens. I have tried what seems like 100 kids sunscreens and these 2 are my favorites for really protecting without excess chemicals: LaVanilla Baby Block and Alba Emollient Sunscreen for Kids. You can also check out the EWG's list of recommended sunscreens here.
{1st step:: anti-oxident serum}
{2nd step:: a mineral UV blocking sunscreen}
{3rd step:: moisturizer + a natural foundation with SPF. I love Jane Iredale}
{protect your babies!}
{4th step:: have fun in the sun}