Protecting Your Skin From the Sun

Think that suntan looks good? Think again!

Did you know:

 »According to the Cancer Center of the University of Miami, sand and pavement can reflect up to 85% of the sun’s harmful rays beneath and umbrella-providing shade at the beach does not protect your child!

 »Exposure to the sun’s damaging effects as a child may determine the chances of developing skin cancer as an adult?

 »On a cloudy day, a full 40% of the sun’s damaging rays penetrate the clouds?

 »Skin cancer is color-blind?

 »Ultraviolet “A” (UVA) rays penetrate most window glass?

 »There is no such thing as a “safe” tan?

 

 So what steps can you take to reduce the damaging effects of the sun for their child?

 The most important steps you can take are to limit your child’s exposure to the sun from 10am to 3pm, buy high quality broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15 that has the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation on the label (and apply liberally and often). Sunscreens are available as ointments, lotions, gels and sprays and protect against UVA (these ultraviolet rays do the most damage because they deeply penetrate the skin) and UVB (these ultraviolet rays burn the outer layer of the skin causing sunburn). Liberal application of sunscreen means that you should be using at least one ounce per child every two hours; even more if they’re swimming or sweating.

 Infants six months and under should not be exposed to the sun, nor should you apply sunscreen to their skin, according to the American Cancer Society. Remember that keeping them under an umbrella doesn’t protect them from reflected rays. Consider tossing a light blanket over their body and head when transporting them from the house to the car or in the stroller.

 Another way to protect your child is to purchase clothing that has a tight weave and is labeled as sun-blocking.  A plain white DRY t-shirt has a SPF of 3; wet it has virtually none.  You can purchase colorless dyes that you add to the washer that add sun-block properties to clothing-up to a SPF of 30.  It’s a convenient way to protect your toddler, ‘tween or teen.

 Miami-Dade County Public Schools have a sun protection policy to ensure that a student has minimal sun exposure during school hours. Although the school’s policy doesn’t include the use of sunscreens, it does actively promote keeping students and teacher inside between the hours of 10am and 3pm when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.

 Guarding your child from the sun is an important task.  Knowing the facts about sun damage and how to prevent future skin problems is the first step; applying that knowledge (and sunscreen!) is the second. Now get out there and enjoy the numerous activities summer has to offer!