As Summer Winds Down, Don't Forget to Apply Sunscreen Before Heading Outdoors #BBBestSummer #sponsored #MC

Disclosure:  I participated in an Ambassador Activation on behalf of Mom Central Consulting #MC for Banana Boat® Sun Care. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating. 

"Banana Boat® sun care products are tested in seven conditions – sun, pool water, ocean water, wind, sweat, sand and extreme heat – to provide safe and effective broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection for the entire family.*"

While my family had a great 4th of July holiday weekend, spending time with family and friends, and getting in a little swimming, I was not planning to be nursing a bad sunburn the following week.  Even though I am pro-active in applying sunblock to my kids and I, go figure the one day I was rushing to get the girls ready for the pool and out of the house, I forget to lather myself up.  Then, when I got to the pool, there was an overcast, so I thought our short time in the pool (the girls usually only last 10-15 minutes when the water is cold), I would be fine.  Next time, I will definitely listen to the little voice in my end that was telling me to turn back around and go back to my parent's condo and put sunblock on.  While the sun was not out over the pool, it was still sunny elsewhere and then made its way to the pool, where our girls decided to stay in longer than usual.

By the time we brought the girls home, my neck area in the front, as well as my shoulders and upper back area were a deep lobster red.  Ouch.  Not only was it hot to touch, but I had trouble laying it on while it bubbled and flaked off all week.  Not fun at all.  And, if I had only put on sunblock or remembered to throw it into our pool bag I would have been all set.  Usually when we plan a beach or pool day, I try to get the tote ready the night before, with the towels, sunblock, sunglasses, swim diapers, etc.  But, like I said I was rushing around and forget to pack it.  I ended up just grabbing towels after I had put the sunblock on the girls.  

Lesson learned...make sure you pack ahead, or turn back and apply sunblock, as you can never be too careful when it comes to the sun, especially around a pool, and getting a sunburn.  And, with my history of cancer, I can't take chances like I did as I have delicate skin around my neck area due to the radiation I had.  I was foolish, and I payed for -- and, will not take that chance ever again.  Next time, I will be making a point to pack our Banana Boat sunblock products.  I have already left a few in the car in case we run low on my packed stash, so we will be ready for a day out with the girls, without worrying about sunburns or other skin damage caused by not protecting our skin from the harmful rays.  

Luckily, I had Banana Boat's Aloe After Sun Gel in the medicine cabinet in case someone ever was to get a sunburn.  This product really works well at soothing hot, irritated skin caused by a sunburn, and adds moisturize to the dry skin, helping to prevent peeling.  While I did feel after blistering up in a few areas that got burned more than others, the peeling was limited due to my applying Aloe After Sun Gel to the area daily.  

"Banana Boat® sun care products are tested in seven conditions – sun, pool water, ocean water, wind, sweat, sand and extreme heat – to provide safe and effective broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection for the entire family.*"

In addition to packing your tote the night before for a pool/beach day with your family, so that you don't forget anything (especially the sunscreen), make sure you get into the habit of applying sunscreen daily to the kids, hubby and yourself.  Just because you don't see the sun out, doesn't mean it will not pop out during the day when you least expect it.  Also, on those windy days, you want to keep your skin protected from the harsh elements, as the wind can dry out your skin, too.  

Don't be foolish like I was over the 4th of July weekend.  Play it safe when it comes to enjoying the final weeks of summer fun in the sun with your family, but picking up Banana Boat sunscreen, and making a point to apply it --- even if you are running late.  Your skin will thank you for it!

When it comes to choosing Banana Boat products for my girls, I love their spray on sunscreen.  It is quick to apply and dries faster than other brands I have tried in past.  And, when I know we will be spending time in the water, I make sure to reapply every 20 minutes, to keep my girls' delicate skin protected, and protect against a sunburn.

"For Moms searching for that perfect sunscreen that’s gentle on kids’ skin, yet powerful enough to provide powerful protection, Banana Boat® has a solution. Introducing NEW Banana Boat® Kids Free Clear UltraMist® Sunscreen – the only Alcohol-free, Tear-free, Sting-free kids clear spray!"

• Broad Spectrum UVA and UVB Protection
• Water Resistant (80 Minutes)
• Sting-Free and Tear-Free so no painful distractions
• Alcohol-Free and helps to avoid irritation and dryness, even on sensitive skin
• Goes on invisible
• Fast & even coverage
• Easy Grip 6oz UltraMist® spray can
• Pediatrician-tested
• Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation

I also love Banana Boat® Kids MAX Protect & Play Lotion Sunscreen SPF 100, which is a must for beach and pool days, or when the girls will be running around and sweating a lot outdoors.  This sunscreen is water resistant (up to 80 minutes), and will not run into their eyes.

Banana Boat® Kids MAX Protect & Play Lotion Sunscreen SPF 100

"Our MAX Protect & Play™ Lotion SPF 100 Lotion for Kids provides maximum lotion protection for active kids, protecting them from 96% of UVA/UVB rays and is ideal for the beach or the pool."

• Broad Spectrum UVA and UVB Protection
• Water Resistant (80 Minutes)
• Won’t Run in Into Eyes
• 4 fl. oz. tube
• Pediatrician-tested
• Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation

When I remember to lather up, I reach for Banana Boat's Banana Boat® Protect & Hydrate™ Sunscreens, which offer a "2-in-1 combination of sunscreen and all-day moisturizer*" 

 I love being able to protect my skin during sun exposure, while also nourishing it.  My skin looks radiant and is baby smooth. :-)  

• Available in SPF 15, SPF 30 and SPF 50 lotion and NOW in SPF 30 and SPF 50 clear spray
• Broad Spectrum UVA and UVB Protection
• Water Resistant (80 Minutes)
• Provides all day moisturization*
• Non-Greasy
• Lightweight, Fast Absorbing
• 6oz. lotion bottle and 6oz spray can
• Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation

*for sun protection use as directed

And, don't forget your stubborn men this summer. Banana Boat now offers sunscreen made especially for them.  My husband loves it, and doesn't mind taking a few minutes to apply before heading out the door with us.  :-)

"Formulated for men’s unique sun care needs, Banana Boat® Triple Defense sunscreens provide the heavy-duty, Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB protection you need, while also combating odor and hydrating skin."

In addition to the new men's line of sunscreen from Banana Boat, I am make a point to pick up the NEW & IMPROVED Banana Boat® Sport Performance® Clear UltraMist® Sunscreens with Powerstay Technology™ for him to use when he goes out running daily, or is working out in the backyard.

"The new Banana Boat® Sport Performance® Clear UltraMist® Sunscreen with Powerstay TechnologyTM was specifically designed for the sport enthusiast and active individual who doesn’t want to be slowed down while out in the sun. Powerstay TechnologyTM is the brand’s latest innovation, which helps sunscreen stay on strong throughout all outdoor activities. This new formula has been designed to provide better application aesthetics, including a light-weight feel compared to the original formula, as consumers continue to seek products that feel good on their skin. Banana Boat® Sport Performance® Clear UltraMist® Sunscreen with Powerstay TechnologyTM is available in SPF 15, 30, 50+ and 100."

My husband loves the spray on applicator, which makes it easy to reach those hard to get spots that sunscreen lotion usually can get to.  And, he doesn't need me to apply it, so he can spray on whenever he wants to go running outdoors at work, or is mowing the yard or tending to the garden out back.  

To learn more about Banana Boat and their line of sunscreen products, as well as learn more about protecting your skin this summer head on over to http://www.bananaboat.com/.

--BUY NOW--

You can find Banana Boat sunscreen products at your favorite local pharmacy, grocery and other retail stores, as well as through online retailers like Amazon.com.  Prices vary on product and sizes chosen.

Follow Banana Boat on their social media pages, including Facebook and Instagram, to stay up-to-date on special offers, promotions and giveaways and so much more. 

--

 -- Enter the "Best Summer Ever" Sweepstakes from Banana Boat -- 

Banana Boat® sunscreen is teaming up with actress and mother of two, Busy Philipps, to bring moms and their families the tips, tools and fun prizes they need to have the Best Summer Ever! 

Have you entered Banana Boat's "Best Summer Ever" Sweepstakes yet?  If not, you still have a few days left to enter, as the sweepstakes ends on July 31st.  

Banana Boat is offering families a chance to win cool summer prizes, including the grand prize -- a family trip to a Treehouse Resort.  Who wouldn't want to win the grand prize, right? :-)

All you have to do to enter is head on over to Facebook and visit the Banana Boat Fan page. There you will see the sign up page for this great summer sweepstakes.  So, what are you waiting for?  Head on over the Banana Boat Facebook Page -www.facebook.com/BananaBoatBrand -- and enter the "Best Summer Ever" Sweepstakes.  Then, get ready for fun in the sun with the whole family -- that is, after you apply the necessary sunscreen to all members of the family, from a trusted sunscreen brand like Banana Boat. :-)

Visit www.facebook.com/BananaBoatBrand to learn about the Best Summer Ever Sweepstakes. The Sweepstakes ends on July 31.

Disclosure:  I participated in an Ambassador Activation on behalf of Mom Central Consulting #MC for Banana Boat® Sun Care. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.