Getting serious about sun protection

You probably know that as you increase sun exposure, it is crucial to remember the importance of suncare. But even when spending time indoors, or on cloudy days, it’s important to block the sun from your skin. Shielding the skin from harmful UV rays not only preserves its youthful appearance, it also plays a pivotal role in preventing conditions such as skin cancer.

You might also already know that sunscreen is FSA eligible. But did you know that trips to the dermatologist, SPF lip balm, even some sunscreen/bug spray combos are also on the Eligibility List? Here's how to form healthy skin care and protection health habits – without skipping the sunshine altogether.

Use sunscreen everyday (no skipping)

It's surprisingly easy to overlook sunscreen when life gets hectic, but establishing it as a regular habit is essential. Consistency in applying sunscreen is a simple yet crucial step for maintaining healthy skin and avoiding unexpected sunburns.

Keeping a basket of sunscreen by your front door is a great way to remind yourself to slather it on before you step outdoors — baby sunscreen for your little one and sunscreen and protective lip balm for you. Don't forget to wear hats outdoors, as the CDC says it can help reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Find the right sunscreen

Sunscreen is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It's crucial to choose a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection and an appropriate SPF level to ensure comprehensive defense against both UVA and UVB rays, all while making the most of FSA eligible options to support your skin and lifestyle needs.

While some busy parents buy a jumbo bottle of sunscreen and slather it on the whole family, most sunscreens are too strong or irritating for a young child's skin. Experts recommend that kids' sunscreen be water-resistant with SPF30+ and include UVA and UVB protection.

Another reason it's important that you find a sunscreen just right for your little one? Just one blistering sunburn during childhood can nearly double skin cancer rates.

Selecting the right sunscreen involves considering various types to meet specific needs, and the good news is, many of them are FSA eligible:

Mineral Sunscreens: Containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, these provide a physical barrier, ideal for sensitive skin.
Water-Resistant Formulas: Essential for water activities, offering prolonged protection even in wet conditions.
Quick-Drying Options: Convenient for individuals on the go, ensuring easy application without leaving a greasy residue.

Invest in other types of sun protection

Sun protection isn’t just limited to sprays and lotions. Consider these options to keep your whole family safe:

Protective sun clothing: Many retailers offer sun shirts, bathing suits, and sun hats with SPF 50 or higher, adding one more layer between your skin and the sun's damaging rays. (Please note that protective sun clothing is not FSA eligible.)
High-quality sunglasses: Invest in sunglasses that offer UV protection for your eyes, and remember, prescription sunglasses are FSA eligible as long as the lenses provide vision correction.
Lip Protection: Though often forgotten until they’re painfully chapped, shielding your lips from the sun is just as important as the rest of your skin. SPF lip balms provide a convenient way to ensure your lips stay protected and moisturized while enjoying sun-filled days.
SPF 15+ Sunscreen/Bug Repellent Combo: Bug spray alone isn't covered by your FSA, but as a secondary feature to your eligible sunscreen, this is a great chance to kill two birds (er, bugs?) with one stone.

Always turn to the professionals

No, we're not talking about professional sunbathers. One of the most important steps you can take to take care of your skin is to visit your dermatologist at least once a year for a skin cancer screening.

During the screening, your doctor will check for changes in size, shape, or color of moles or freckles, or look for other changes in your skin, which could be an early sign of skin cancer.

Prioritizing these appointments is a key aspect of long-term skin health, addressing concerns before they escalate.

Safeguard skin health with FSA eligible products

Prioritizing the protection of your family's skin from the sun's harmful effects is crucial for overall well-being and can be made more accessible with the use of FSA eligible suncare products.

From sunscreens to prescription sunglasses and SPF lip balms, incorporating these items into your sun care routine ensures a comprehensive defense against UV rays. By taking advantage of FSA benefits, you not only invest in your family’s skin health but also enjoy financial flexibility in acquiring quality products.

So, embrace the sun responsibly, armed with the tools you need to keep your skin radiant, healthy, and protected.

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