Product Spotlight: Summer Skin Care for Outdoor Kids

Yes, I realize summer is almost over. But I would be remise if I didn’t share a couple of skin care products we tried this summer and will continue to use in the future.

SUNSCREEN
Our use of sunscreen around here isn’t limited to summer. And believe it or not, we still haven’t discovered the “perfect” product. Some take too long to apply; others sting our eyes. You get the picture.

What we tested: During our road trip last month, we tested two products from the KINeSYS Spray-on Suncare collection:

• Kids SPF 30 Alcohol-Free Sunscreen Spray, fragrance-free (1 oz. size is $6.99 / 4 oz. size is $18.99)
• SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray, mango scented (1 oz. size is $6.99 / 4 oz. size is $18.99)

 

The KINeSYS Spray-on Suncare product line also includes:

• SPF 30 Girl Sunscreen Spray, vanilla green tea scented (1 oz. size is $6.99 / 4 oz. size is $18.99)
• SPF 30 A fragrance-free spray (1 oz. size is $6.99 / 4 oz. size is $18.99)
• SPF 15 spray, mango-scented (1 oz. size is $6.99 / 4 oz. size is $18.99)
• SPF 30 Sun Protection Stick ($12)
• SPF 30 Zinc Ointment ($29.99)

Good to know: According to the manufacturer, KINeSYS Spray-on Suncare products contain no oil, alcohol, PABA, parabens, preservatives, nanoparticles, nuts, nut-oils, gluten, dairy, egg, soya, sulphites or colorants.

All products provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and are very water- and sweat-resistant, making them well suited for outdoor lifestyles.

The microspray application is unique to this product line and might take a few tries to get used to.

Our findings:

• We loved the texture – it doesn’t feel like your typical heavy or creamy sunscreen when applied & doesn’t leave you covered in white paste
• It’s fun & feels like a puff of air when applied
• It dries super quick & isn’t messy
• The non-aerosol sprayer is environmentally friendly
• The mango scent was a favorite with me
• I found it a little tough to tell how well I was providing coverage on the face since I couldn’t actually see or feel the product on my hand (where I sprayed it before applying to The Explorers’ faces)

Where to buy: KINeSYS Kids Sunsceen online at Kinesys.com

INSECT REPELLANT
I’m not gonna lie to you: Prior to sampling Avon’s Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard collection, we relied on DEET-based insect repellants for the few times we found ourselves in mosquito country. Out of fear mostly. Fear that the alternative – using products that don’t contain DEET and don’t work – was too risky. Good news is, I’m a convert.

What we tested: During our trip to Yosemite in July and then on our camping-filled road trip last month, we tested two products from the Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard collection:

• Bug Guard Plus Picardin Aerosol Spray/$16 (which we used for the body)
• Bug Guard Plus Picardin Towlettes/$14 for an 8-pack (for the face & neck)

Avon’s Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard collection also includes bug sprays combined with sunscreen, but we prefer to keep the two separate so we didn’t test these. Here’s a complete list of the Bug Guard products (excluding those we tested):

• Anti-itch Spray ($10)
• Bug Guard Plus IR3535® ExpeditionTM SPF 30, which includes an Aerosol spray ($16), Pump spray ($14), Gentle Breeze Lotion ($14) & the Cool ’n Fabulous Disappearing Color Lotion ($14)
• Bug Guard Plus Picardin Pump Spray ($14)

Good to know: According to the manufacturer, all products are DEET-free and appropriate for the entire family. Avon’s insect repellents have the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval and contain one of two EPA-registered active ingredients, IR3535® or Picaridin.

I made sure to follow all label directions and precautions and applied all products myself (no kid applying allowed).
 
Our findings:
Earlier this summer when I asked Facebook fans for their favorite insect repellant, the Skin-So-Soft line came highly recommended. Here’s what we thought:

• The products work! (So well, in fact, that we weren’t able to test the anti-itch spray pictured above.)
• Both the aerosol spray & towlettes were easy to apply
• The Explorers especially appreciated that the products didn’t make them gag after application (as DEET-based products usually do)
• I wish the Picardin products included a lotion alternative

Where to buy: Find a local Avon rep or purchase online

Note: We received a complete set of Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard products and the two KINeSYS Spray-on Suncare products we tested in exchange for providing my honest review with you. Read my full disclosure policy for more information.