Summer is filled with outdoor fun. But your little ones skin can pay a price if you are not careful. Just one blistering sunburn from unprotected sun exposure as a child may double the risk of melanoma. This according to The Skin Cancer Foundation.
You can protect your child (and yourself) from the sun’s damaging rays by following a few simple and practical steps as suggested by Dr. JJ Levenstein, MD, FAAP:
- Protect your children’s skin early. For babies, avoid direct sun exposure. If this is not possible, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB and has at least SPF 15.
- Choose physical protection, not chemical. Use a physical sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These pure physical blocks provide the safest protection and the least skin irritation. They “deflect” immediately after application and do not have to be absorbed in order to be effective. Read labels!
- Use the right amount. Use at least a one ounce sunscreen (a palm full) application on children with an SPF of 30+.
- Apply regularly. When dry, apply sunscreen every 3 or 4 hours. If swimming, wet or sweaty, apply every 1 or 2 hours.
- Check the date. Read expiration dates on all sunscreen products. They tend to lose effectiveness easily.
- Seek shade. Avoid direct sun exposure from 10am to 4pm. Yes, sun contains active amounts of protective vitamin D. It can also cause significant damage. Please use your discretion.
- Dress for the sun. Put your child in clothes with UV protection, such as “Cabana Life” sun protective clothing. Shade your child’s face and ears with a wide brimmed hat. Protect their eyes with with sunglasses that block 99-100% of UV rays.
- Lead by example. Let your children see you applying sunscreen, wearing a hat and sunglasses.
Enjoy the summertime. Be prudent. And remember this practical hint from your friends at The Tender Nest:
“Protection from the sun applies in the winter months too. Snow covering can reflect UV rays – so remember, apply protection during winter fun also”.
