Summer is here! The season where kids go wild and just want to have some fun in the sun. It's time for vacations, lazy days by the pool, or the beach, outdoor picnics, or other outdoor activities! While we want our kids to have the best summer and make some cherished memories, without proper sun protection, your child’s health is at risk. Children are exposed to the sun a lot more during summer, and sun safety for kids has become more important than ever due to hotter temperatures and the exposure to the sun’s harsh ultraviolet rays.
Here are four simple tips on how to keep your child safe from the sun.
- Choose a Child-Friendly Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
There are two types of UV rays that you need to protect yourself from – UVA and UVB. Broad-Spectrum sunscreen provides protection from both.
Choose a mineral-based sunscreen that contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for natural broad-spectrum protection.
Unlike chemical sunscreens, mineral-based sunscreens provide a barrier that absorbs or reflects UV radiation before it can damage the skin. Avoid sunscreens with chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene and homosalate. They can cause allergic skin reactions and change hormone function in the body. Most recently the FDA found that these chemicals can pass into the bloodstream and maybe a link to some cancers
- Applying Sunscreen- Shot Glass Rule
When applying sunscreen on the body, use the shot glass rule, which is one ounce or six teaspoons of sunscreen. Apply this amount twenty minutes before stepping outdoors. Make sure that you reapply sunscreen when sweating occurs or after swimming.
- Cover Up Head to Toe
The best sun protection is something that completely blocks the sun from getting to the skin. Wearing protective clothing and a wide brim sun hat can keep your child's skin safe from the UV rays. Make sure that the clothing and hat have a UPF 50+ rating.
- Minimizing Sun Exposure
It’s healthy and important for children to play outside, however, there are certain hours in the day where it is safer to be indoors. Try to keep your child indoors during the sun’s peak hours from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If your child must be out during these times, make sure that your child is wearing enough sunscreen and is wearing sun protection clothing.
It’s important to remember that your child’s skin is more vulnerable to sun damage than yours. Follow these recommendations for sun protection, to help you protect your child from burning and other skin damage. To select from a variety of natural and child- friendly sunscreens, visit: https://sunshineonthego.com
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