For most parents, keeping their kids healthy and safe is a number one priority. Given the fact the skin is your child’s largest organ, it is important to take steps to keep it safe this summer. Since the school year will be winding down soon and spring sports are starting, kids will be spending much more time outdoors. Did you know that suffering one or more blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence more than doubles person’s chances of developing potentially deadly melanoma later in life? Sun safety is SO important!
Here are some Skin Tips from the Skin Cancer Foundation that can help you keep your children healthy and safe in the sun.
Wear SAFE sunscreens/sunblocks:
- American Academy of Dermatology recommend sunscreen NOT be used on babies under the age of 6 months. We recommend sun protective clothing for young infants. Between the ages of 6 months and 6 years old, dermatologists recommend that sunblocks containing only zinc and titanium oxide be used. Chemical sunscreens are deemed unsafe for young children. Brands that I like include Blue Lizard, Aveeno Baby, California Baby, and Badger. The most important thing is to do is to read the label. If you see any other ingredients besides zinc and titanium then you can conclude that the product is not is safe for a baby, even if it says “babies” on the label.
- Take extra precautions: Remember that water and sand reflect the sun’s rays. Sunscreen/Sunblock should be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure. It should be reapplied every 80 minutes if your child is swimming and every 2 hours if your child is not swimming.
- Avoid sunburn: It may seem like a temporary irritation, but sunburns cause long-lasting damage to the skin. To decrease the risk of sunburn, seek shade whenever possible, particularly for outdoor activities taking place between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV rays are most intense.
- Set a good example: Incorporate these tips into your own lifestyle. You’ll not only set a good example, but you will also lower your risk of skin cancer as well.
I’m all for getting outside and enjoying the warm air and sunshine, but doing it safely is important!
The month of May is here and that means its skin cancer awareness month. I’ll be spreading messages about skin cancer and how to detect and prevent it. I would love for you to pass these messages along to all of your friends and family. Melanoma is 100% curable with early detection, so we should all be doing our part to spread awareness!
Don’t miss my PSA on sunscreen!
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