Parenting

Staying Cool As the Mercury Rises

While the end of summer is all too near, these last few weeks can be amongst the hottest of the year, and all the more uncomfortable when you are running from school drop-offs to the office to little league practice without a moment’s rest.

Photograph via Shutterstock. Photograph by Shutterstock. Photograph by Shutterstock. Photograph via Shutterstock. Photograph by Shutterstock. Photograph via Shutterstock. Photograph by Shutterstock. Photograph by Shutterstock. Photograph by Kip Dawkins. Photograph courtesy of Grooming Lounge. Photograph by Kate Warren. Photograph via Shutterstock. Photograph by Shutterstock. Photograph via Shutterstock. Photograph by Shutterstock. Illustration by Ted Slampyak. Kelly Rogers Hale in the water teaching her swim-float-swim technique devoid of flotation devices. Photograph by Kelly Rogers Hale. Andre, Lily, David, Jasmine, Charles, and Lucas in the family room of their Glover Park home. Photograph by Kate Warren. Photograph By Blend Images/Alamy. Photograph via Shutterstock. Illustration by Ted Slampyak. Photograph by Shutterstock. Photograph by Kate Warren. Photograph via Shutterstock. Photograph by Image Source/Getty Images. Photograph via Shutterstock.

With the still-a-bit-too-warm months of August and September upon us, it’s important for dads to keep their cool. And when we’re talking “cool,” we’re going beyond attitude and demeanor to focus more on avoiding the negatives excess heat and sun exposure can have on a gent’s body. Sweat, smell, chafing, being really uncomfortable, and feeling greasy are just a few of the downsides to the warm weather. Here’s how to tackle some of these issues:

SUN OF A B%&!!: Nothing wreaks more havoc on skin than excess exposure to the sun and it’s important to note that skin can burn even when it’s cloudy out (those tricky UV rays). Don’t forget yourself when you are applying sunscreen to your kids every 2 hours. In fact, men should slap on a moisturizer with SPF every single day before heading out. Such a product will help keep skin soft and healthy and also help fend off the wrinkles and fine lines too much sun can cause. 

IT’S THE PITS: B.O. is a real issue for anyone—man, woman, and child alike. Guys can eliminate it from their worry list by choosing and using the proper antiperspirant or deodorant. There are so many choices out there and certain solutions that work better for some than others. Use this handy chart to figure out what under-arm warrior is right for you. 

POWDER TO THE PEOPLE: There’s no denying that men tend to sweat a lot in places we’d like to not think about them sweating—in the shorts and in the shoes. Remedy short and shoe stench with the help of a quality powder that once sprinkled onto the affected area, can absorb sweat, reduce smell, and avoid unwanted chafing or rubbing.

THE WIPE STUFF: Feeling a little cleaner and fresher while at the office, gym, or park without the need for a shower, is always a big summer benefit. Guys can freshen up, smell better, and rejuvenate with the help of one of the many one-time body and face wipes on the market today.

NOT LETTING HEAT GET TO YOUR HEAD: Use anti-humectant hair styling products (stuff that doesn’t cause extra sweat) to deflect sweat, avoid a greasy look, and maintain that style despite the humidity.

Mike Gilman is a husband and father of two sons. He’s also the founder of Grooming Lounge and resides in Bethesda.