Avoid the strongest rays of the day.
Avoid being in sun for prolonged periods when the sun is highest
overhead. In the northern hemisphere the sun is usually strongest between
10 a.m. and 3 p.m. If your child is outdoors during this time, be sure to
apply sunscreen – even if he’s just playing in the backyard. Even on
cloudy, cool or overcast days children can develop sunburn and skin
damage. Kids may be unaware that they are developing a sunburn on cooler
or windy days because the temperature or breeze keeps skin feeling cool on
the surface.
Cover up.
One of the best ways to protect children from the sun is to ensure
that clothing will screen out harmful ultraviolet rays by placing your
hand inside the garment and making sure you can’t see your hand through
it.
Because infants have
thinner skin and underdeveloped melanin, their skin burns much faster than
that of older children. Kids under six months of age should be kept out of
the sun whenever possible; and sunscreen should never be applied to them.
If the infant must be in the sun, dress him in clothing that covers the
body, including hats with wide brims to shadow the face.
Even older children
need to escape the sun. For all-day outdoor affairs, bring along
long-sleeved shirts and long pants and/or provide a wide umbrella or
pop-up tent to play in.
Use sunscreen regularly and consistently.
There are a number of effective sunscreens available for children,
including many formulations for sensitive skin, fun brands with scents,
long-lasting waterproof and easy-application varieties with spray bottles.
What matters most in
a sunscreen is its degree of protection from UV rays. When faced with the
many choices of sunscreen products, concentrate on the SPF (Sun Protection
Factor) numbers on the labels. For kids ages six months and older, select
an SPF of 15 or higher to prevent both sunburn and tanning. Choose a
sunscreen that states on the label that it protects against both UVA and
UVB rays.
In order for
sunscreen to do its job, it must be applied correctly:
- Apply 30 minutes
before going outside and don’t forget about lips, hands, ears, feet and
behind the neck.
- Apply the
sunscreen generously. Do not try to stretch out a bottle of sunscreen.
- Reapply sunscreen
often, approximately every two hours. Reapply after your child has been
swimming or sweating.
- Apply a
waterproof sunscreen if your child will be around water or will go
swimming. Water reflects and intensifies the sun’s rays, so kids need
protection that lasts.
Don’t forget the protective eyewear.
Sun exposure damages the eyes, as well as the skin. The best way to
protect the eyes is to wear sunglasses that have labels ensuring 100
percent UV protection.