It’s that time of year again! Memorial Day is just around the corner and kids will be getting out of school for summer break… which means more time than usual spent outdoors! Summer is, without a doubt, a great time for kids. But it’s also important to take precautions to protect your kids’ skin during the summer to avoid potential disasters (not to mention long term damage to the skin)!
Use these 5 tips to make sure your kids stay safe in the sun this summer!
- Choose the right sunscreen.
If your child is going to be active outdoors for long periods of time, it’s best to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 (sunscreens with higher SPF don’t actually offer much additional protection). Look for a sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide since they’re good for young children and those with sensitive skin. Sunscreen that has these ingredients physically blocks the UVA rays for penetrating the skin and are best for infants, toddlers and anyone with eczema.
- Use sunscreen religiously.
Always apply a broad spectrum sunscreen to your child 15-30 minutes before he or she heads outside. And don’t forget to reapply every two hours – or sooner if the child is going swimming.
- Apply sunscreen on cloudy days.
It’s easy to think of sunscreen when its bright and sunny outside, but it’s easy for it to escape our minds when it’s cloudy out! However, even on cloudy days up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can pass through the clouds, so it’s important to get in the habit of applying sunscreen daily, regardless of the weather.
- Wear appropriate clothing.
Dress your child in lightweight cotton clothing. Also try to choose dark hues or red, green or blue since they don’t absorb the sunlight. Make sure that your child is wearing a broad brimmed hat and sunglasses outside as well, since these items will not only protect the face but the eyes as well!
- Avoid peak hours.
This one is tough and may be impossible to avoid, at times. However, it’s best to try to avoid the sun during peak hours when the sun is at its strongest, between 10 and 2.