No one has to state the obvious, that Summer is HOT. But many don’t think about how hard the summer months can be a hard time for Spoonies! We may nit admit it, but it is really hard not being able to be a part of the activities our friends/family love doing in the summer. In fact it can be just plain disheartening. Especially for those with certain conditions or taking certain meds that cause sun sensitivity like Lupus or certain antibiotics. After spending time sulking indoors for a period of time while your friends and family are out at the pool or at the ball-field, you find ways to get back outside to enjoy your time with friends and families. So today I want to share a few summer MUST HAVES that every Spoonie needs to have to get through the summer.
1. SUNCREEN

For spoonies especially those with lupus, Sunscreen is a MUST. I asked around and this brand was mentioned the most.

My TOP PICK: Sun Bum Sunscreen

PRICE: Around $12

WHERE CAN YOU BUY IT: Amazon

WHY IT IS BEST: This product is so well liked because it is gentle enough for kids and adults and can be used on a daily basis. Also due to the fact that it protects from UVA & UVB rays which many other products don’t. It is also very important that this product is hypoallergenic and is made with reed friendly (VERY IMPORTANT) ingredients. While also helping to prevent premature aging, while moisturizing the skin. This product comes in SPF 15-50.

***Example if your normal skin would burn in 10 min without any protection so a 30 SPF sunscreen would provide 30 times the protection of sunscreen. Meaning it will take you 30 times that original 10 minutes, 300 minutes.***

2. SELF -TANNER

As I mentioned above, many spoonies have a sun sensitivity so walking around pale is the norm! However, with this product those who can’t spend time in the sun can still look like they spend time in the sun! I tend to run in the Casper family and I often joke that you can almost see through me. So any self tanner that works and doesn’t leave me orange is great for me. I miss being able to be in the sun at least for a little while. But being sick just to get a little tan isn’t worth it!

My TOP PICK: Senegence Self-Tanning Bronzing Coconut Milk.

PRICE: $50

WHERE CAN YOU BUY IT: www.senegence.com/kissthislips.

WHY I LIKE IT: One of the biggest reasons I love this product is that it has seneplex complex in it, which increases your cellular turnover by 23%. And provides anti-aging benefits while getting that sun kissed look we all dream of. The product gives you a long lasting streak-free, Orange-free tan. That is visible in as few as a couple hours and will last for 3-7 days, and you can reapply every 2-3 days to maintain the tan you want.

**Note- make sure to exfoliate before applying this tanner in order to get the best tan possible.

** Each bottle should get you between 10 & 15 uses which would make it much cheaper than going to a tanning bed

3. UPF/UV SUN PROTECTION CLOTHES

There are going to be times when you want to, or have to be outside. Whether it be going to a family party, or doing some work in the garden. In either case spoonies need something to protect them from the sun to help minimize the negative effects that they may experience from being in the sun. So the best we can do aside from staying in, or sunscreen, is to wear UPF/UV Protective Clothing.

What is it: UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. This indicates what fraction of the suns UV rays can penetrate the fabric. A shirt with a UPF of 50 for example, will allow just 1/50th of the suns UV rays radiation to reach the skin. The higher the UPF, the higher the protection. In general fry fabric is going to be more protective than wet fabrics.

Price: Ranges from $15-$50 per item.

Where Can You Find It: Walmart, Ahtleta, Lands End, Amazon, Coolibar, LL Bean and many more.

Why I Like It: Three simple reasons: they are lightweight, they protect me from the sun, and they wick moisture away from my skin!

***Remember that covering your skin isn’t enough. If you can see your skin through the fabric the suns rays can also get through. So make sure that in order to provide full protection, that you can’t see through the fabric.

4. Maxi Dresses

Why I Like Them– I chose this item to make my summer must have list because I personally live in these dresses during the summer. They are light weight and comfy and they don’t feel tight on your belly or any part of your body that might be hurting. They are also great for outdoor events because they cover your legs like you need but also allow air to pass through so they aren’t as hot and restricting as Jean or jeggings might be.

Where Can You Buy Them: Any where dresses are sold!

*** I prefer to get mine from Old Navy, as I find them the most comfortable and for the best price

Prices: This can be a wide range of anywhere from $10 to several hundred dollars

5. Ozark Tumbler

What is it/Why I Like It: Everyone knows about the Yeti coolers and tumblers, but the Ozark tumblers aren’t as common. In my area they are very well known and in my opinion are just as good. For Spoonies it is essential that we stay hydrated because our bodies need it, especially if you are going to be out in the heat. I have tested it out and I can keep ice in my Ozark Tumbler for 18-24 hours!

Price: Price varies depending on size, from $6-$22.

Where Can You Buy Them: Walmart, Amazon

6. Hats

Why I Like It: Whether it’s a ball cap or a wide rimmed hat, they are an essential part of the spoonies wardrobe. Not only are they good on a bad hair day, they also work to keep the sun out if your face. When worn in combination with the sunscreen it’s a great way to save your safe from being burned.

Price: Varies

Where Can You Buy Them: Anywhere hats can be purchased.

I hope you all enjoyed my summer must have list! I just wanted to share a few things I have to have to get through the summer. I would love to hear about some of your summer must haves. So please leave a comment below and let me know one thing that is on your must have list to help you get through the summer!!

With Love,

Amber