Protect Your Skin

Sun Safety - Protecting Children and Yourself from the Sun

 

When outdoors, children, as well as adults, need protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Just a few serious sunburns can increase the chance of developing skin cancer later in life.  Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your child from the sun's exposure.

Seek shade.   

• UV rays are strongest and most harmful during midday, so it's best to plan indoor activities then.  If this is not possible, seek shade under a tree, an umbrella, or a pop-up tent.  Use these options to prevent sunburn, not to seek relief after it's happened.

Cover up   

• Clothing that covers your child's skin helps protect against UV rays.  Although a long-sleeved shirt and long pants with a tight weave are best, they aren't always practical.  A T-shirt, long shorts, or a beach cover-up are good choices, too, but it's wise to double up on protection by applying sunscreen or keeping your child in the shade when possible.

Get a hat  

• Hats that shade the face, scalp, ears, and neck are easy to use and give great protection. Baseball caps are popular among kids, but they don't protect their ears and neck.  If your child chooses a cap, be sure to protect exposed areas with sunscreen.

Wear sunglasses  

• They protect your child's eyes from UV rays, which can lead to cataracts later in life.  Look for sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.

Apply sunscreen 

• Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and UVA and UVB protection every time your child goes outside.  For the best protection, apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes before going outdoors.  Don't forget to protect ears, noses, lips, and the tops of feet.

Take sunscreen with you to reapply during the day, especially after swimming or exercising.  This applies to waterproof and water-resistant products as well.  Keep in mind that sunscreen is not meant to allow kids to spend more time in the sun than they would otherwise.  Try combining sunscreen with other options to prevent UV damage.

 

Too Much Sun Hurts

Turning pink?   

• Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun's UV rays in as little as 15 minutes. Yet, it can take up to 12 hours for skin to show the full effect of sun exposure.  So, if your child's skin looks "a little pink" today, it may be burned tomorrow morning.  To prevent further burning, get your child out of the sun.

Tanning 

• Tanned skin is damaged skin.  Any change in the color of your child's skin after time outside, whether sunburn or suntan, indicates damage from UV rays.

Cool and cloudy? 

• Everyone still needs protection.  UV rays, not the temperature, do the damage. Clouds to not block UV rays, they filter them and, sometimes, only slightly.
• Kids often get sunburned when they are outdoors unprotected for longer than expected.  Remember to plan ahead and keep sun protection handy. 

 

Information obtained from the CDC