Sun Protection, facts you need to know
Sun Protection is critical
for children
Estimates are that people
typically receive about 80% of their lifetime
sun exposure before the age of 18. The days of
harmless "healthy glows", deep tans and "I burn
and then tan" are over. While sun burns cause
the most damage, many people do not appreciate
that getting a tan can be damaging as well.
After all, a tan is essentially cooking of the
skin.Awareness for the
need of adequate sun protection is growing
daily. Every year we see segments on sun
protection on new shows and in papers and
magazines. And sun protection now goes far
beyond applying SPF 15 once during the day.
Proper sun protection now includes UV rated sun
glasses, high SPF waterproof sunscreens,
broad-brimmed sun hats and UV protective
swimwear and even clothing.
Make Sun
Protection a part of your kids life
It is absolutely critical to
impart good sun protection habits to children at
an early age. Just like wearing seatbelts has
become an accepted part of kids’ routines when
getting in the car, adequate sun protection
needs to become routine among kids as well. That
routine will continue to serve them well
throughout their lives – and even if far down
the road, when they are parents as well.
If parents practice good sun protection with
their children when they are very small, they
will be the ones reminding us to wear sunscreen,
sun protection clothing and a wide-brimmed hat!
And that is important, because adequate sun
protection is critical for people of all ages,
not just children. Dermatologists emphasize that
although adults may already have had "a life’s
worth of time in the sun", it is still critical
to utilize proper sun protection steps to reduce
the likelihood of increased damage. An initial
body check with a dermatologist and then regular
follow-up exams is highly recommended. Just as
adults wear seatbelts too, they should practice
smart sun protection habits just like they
expect from their kids.
Some Smart Sun Protection Habits
- Use Sunscreen: At least SPF 15
is recommended, but the higher the better! For
best sun protection results, apply 15-20 minutes
prior to going outside and reapply during the
day. Do not use for children under 6 months –
they should not be in the sun at all!
- Wear Sun Protection Clothing / Sun Protection
Swimwear: the less area exposed to damaging UV
rays, the less area to worry about sunscreen.
- Put on a Hat: Wide-brimmed bucket hats and
Legionnaire style hats ensure neck and face, two
vulnerable areas, have sun protection. A hat
with a published UPF rating is the best.
However, don’t forget sunscreen on areas
protected by hats.
- Wear Sunglasses: Introduce your kids early to
wearing "cool shades" like their parents.
Standard sun protection is "UV400" and
sunglasses are important to protect sensitive
eyes.
- Take a Break: The best sun protection is to be
out of the sun. Limit time in direct sunlight
between 10 am and 4 pm, as this is the strongest
sun of the day. This suggestion may be
challenging as it is a good chunk of the day,
but consider the best (and quietest) time at the
pool or beach is often early or late in the day.
For more information on Sun Protection visit
Sun Protection - educational website.
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