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Sun Safety

Spending time outside under the sun can be a great way to get the family active while creating long-lasting memories, but it’s important to know the basics of sun safety so that you don’t create long-lasting skin damage, too. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most sun damage occurs during childhood, so as parents, the sooner we can start educating our kids about sun safety, the sooner we can help them avoid this damage and risks later on in life.
 

The Basics of Sun Safety

If you’re planning on heading outside for a day under the rays, consider these tips to stay sun-safe:

  • Keep babies younger than 6 months in the shade. Their skin is ultrasensitive to sunlight, and they can very easily get sunburned, which can cause serious health issues.
  • Don’t forget the sunscreen! Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen that’s a SPF 15 at a minimum about 20 minutes before going out. Use a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and reapply every two hours, or each time after drying off with a towel.
  • Dress for the occasion. Consider layering lightweight clothing that protects your child’s skin but is also breathable and comfortable in warmer weather. Natural fiber cloths like cotton, are good choices because they can wick away moisture and keep your child cool all day. Hats and sunglasses are also good additions to your child’s wardrobe; they protect the eyes, face and neck from sun damage.
  • Avoid being out between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The sun’s harmful UV rays are strongest during this timeframe, so it’s a good time to take activities indoors for a while.
     

Sunburn care

Sunburns may seem common, but they are nothing to ignore or take lightly. If your child does get a sunburn, it’s important to treat it right away. First, get them immediately out of the sun and into a shaded area. Make sure they drink lots of water, since sunburns can cause the skin to lose hydration. You can give pain medication as directed if your child’s sunburn is painful.

If you have a baby less than 1 year old who has a sunburn, call your pediatrician immediately – they may need special care. For older kids, try to make your child comfortable by using the sunburn care tips above. Call your child’s doctor if the sunburn is very painful or starts to blister, or if your child’s condition gets worse.
 

A note about indoor tanning beds

While many teens and young adults think heading to the tanning salon will help get them a healthy, sun-kissed glow, using indoor tanning beds can actually super-charge their risk for skin damage and skin cancer later on in life. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, indoor tanning booths and beds can produce more than 10 times the amount of UV radiation as the sun at its most intense point in the day. Instead of seeking out a certain look, we encourage teens and young adults to love their skin and take care of it for the long haul! Seek out sunless tanners and bronzers for the same look without the damage.
 

Resources from the American Academy of Pediatrics