Sunshine brings a warmth that no other feeling can bring—especially to children! But as a parent, we know that it is important to make sure our kids are playing safely in the sun. Ensuring they have sufficient protection from the sun’s rays is key to shielding them from any potential harm. Read on to learn more about how to practice responsible sun safety for kids.
1. Blazing Sun: A Risky Element for Young Skin
The sun’s warm and inviting rays may be a great source of comfort during hot days, but for young skin, it can be a source of danger. Despite the benefits of the sun such as providing essential Vitamin D, it also carries a number of risks, particularly for the young.
Skin Damage
The sun’s UV rays can damage the surface of the skin, resulting in issues like sunburn, skin discoloration, wrinkles and age spots. The longer and more often your skin is exposed to the sun, the more likely it is to be at risk of skin damage. Young skin, in particular, is much more vulnerable to sun damage as it is not as resilient as older skin.
Skin Cancer
Perhaps the most concerning risk of all is that of skin cancer. Over-exposure to the sun is now considered one of the primary causes of skin cancer in children and adults alike. To reduce the risk of skin cancer, it’s important for young people to protect their skin when they’re outside.
- Wear a waterproof sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher – this should be applied every two hours or after swimming.
- Limit time outdoors during peak sun intensity – which is usually around midday.
- Wear clothing that covers the skin and a hat for added protection.
Protecting young skin from the sun is essential and is something that all parents should make sure they are doing. Every family should have a good sunscreen and should be applying it whenever they go outside.
2. Sun Safety Tips for Young Tots and Teens
We all need to take extra precaution against the powerful sun, especially young tots and teens.
Tip #1: Wear a Hat. Hats are necessary for providing shade and protecting the face and ears from sunburn. Make sure your kid wears a wide-rimmed hat that will also cover the neck.
Tip #2: Wear Sunscreen. Sunscreen with at least SPF15 is recommended for protecting your kid’s delicate skin from ultra-violet rays. Pick a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection for the best coverage. Make sure your kid re-applies sunscreen as directed on the package.
Tip #3: Dress Appropriately. Have your kids dress in lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants to provide protection from direct sunlight. Choose bright colors to reflect the sun’s rays. Also, avoid leaving coats and sweaters in the car where the heat can be dangerous.
Tip #4: Take Regular Breaks. Even when your kid is wearing protective clothing, make sure they take regular breaks from the sun. Have them rest in a shady spot such as under a tree, or you could use an umbrella to create shade. Another good option is to have them wear sunshades at all times.
3. Learn the Lingo: Understanding Sun Protection Labels
When selecting sun protection products, it’s important to look at labels and understand their meaning. Not all products are created equal when it comes to UV protection, and there are a few key terms to be aware of before making a purchase.
UPF – Ultraviolet Protection Factor – is a rating system used for fabrics and clothing, and measures how much of the UV radiation is absorbed by the material. UPF ranges from 15 to 50; the higher the number, the higher the protection.
SPF – Sun Protection Factor – is a rating system primarily used for sunscreens and tells you how much protection will be provided against sunburn. SPF ranges from 2 to 50. SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays, and SPF 50 blocks about 98%.
You may find products labelled with:
- Broad Spectrum: This means that the sunscreen or clothing will provide protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
- Water Resistant (or Waterproof): The product has been tested in the presence of water or sweat and is designed to stay on for a certain amount of time.
- Hypoallergenic: Contains materials that are unlikely to cause an allergic reaction on sensitive skin.
When selecting sun protection products, it’s important to make sure you’re familiar with the terms and labels available and choose the products best suited to your needs.
4. On-the-Go Sun Protection: Gear for Staying Covered
Ditch the sunscreen routine and switch to more dependable options! When you’re on-the-go, especially in the summertime, wearing light clothing and protective gear is key for protecting your skin from the sun’s harsh rays. From sun hats to sunglasses, here are some items to help you stay safe and covered during your outdoor adventures:
- Wide brimmed hats – Hats with wide, structured brims protect your head, neck, and face from the sun’s direct rays. Wear one with a UPF rating for further sun protection.
- Sunglasses – Shades of course not only protect your eyes from the sun and harmful UV rays, but they also keep away sand, dust, and debris.
- Umbrellas – Take an umbrella with you to your outdoor trips or day hikes to provide shade when no trees are around to protect you.
- Protective clothing – Look for clothing that offers UV protection, such as UPF hats, rash guards, and long-sleeved shirts.
Sunscreen should always be your first line of defense, but these items can come in handy when you’re looking for a little extra sun protection. Be sure to reapply on a regular basis to stay safe and burn-free. Even though you use extra precautions such as these, it’s important to keep an eye out for any abnormal changes in your skin and seek medical attention if necessary.
5. Empowering Children: Teaching Kids to Effectively Shield Skin from Harmful Rays
It’s vital to teach children to protect themselves from exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Here are five tips to help empower your kids to stay safe:
- Stay out of strong direct sunlight – While getting out in the sun is healthy, limit kids’ activity in direct midday sun as much as possible.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV protective clothing – UV protection is important all year round. Hats that provide an extra layer of protection for ears and face can make a difference.
- Shield the skin with sunscreen – Teach kids to take preventive measures before heading out in the sun. Sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30 are recommended by the FDA; apply more than once a day, as the protection wears off.
- Limit time spent outdoors – When spending time outdoors, take breaks indoors where possible. Do not stay outside for too long, especially around midday.
- Re-apply sunscreen – After swimming, sweating or towel-drying, reapply sunscreen on skin that may have been wiped off. A hat and UV protective clothing with UPF over 50 should also be worn.
Encouraging kids to practice these simple yet effective steps can help your children protect their skin against UV-related health problems and keep them safe as they enjoy activities in the great outdoors!
Arm your kids with the protection they need against the sun’s potentially harmful rays and equip them with the knowledge to make the most of #ResponsibleSunSafety. Show them all the fun ways they can protect their skin while still having a fantastic time outside. Kids can, and should, enjoy their time in the sun guilt-free, with health and safety in mind.
