Learn the ABCs of Sun Protection For Children
Sun Protection for children is important because skin cancer in children is becoming more common in our society, according to a recent article in the journal Dermalogical Nursing.
Obviously it's important for parents to take charge of skin protection because obviously we can't expect children to know the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50.
Skin cancer accounts for 4% of pediatric malignancies, the journal said.
The good news is that 90% of all skin cancer is preventable.
Several factors determine a child's propensity for skin problems from sun exposure.
These include skin color, eye color, tendency to freckle and family history.
But perhaps the most important factor is how much unprotected sun exposure a child has in early life.
That's why skin protection is so important.
The damage will show up for them in later life and by then it's too late.
As we have said before in 30-SPF.
com, damage from the sun comes from overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
This problem will only get worse with time as Global Warming and the diminishment of the ozone layer will allow more and more harmful UV rays through.
That means that the job that SPF 30 sunscreen did when you were a child might not be enough in years to come.
According to a study cited in Dermatology Nursing, the Earth's ozone layer has dropped 6% between 1983 and 1993.
And it's thought that every 1% drop translates into a 1% to 5% increase in skin cancer.
This is why sun protection and sunscreen of SPF 30 and above is so important.
How to protection children? A good place to start for sun protection is the UV index that is published daily in many American newspapers.
If you can't find it there, Google for it.
Here are the rating levels and suggested sun protection actions: 1-2 (low) use sunglasses 3-5 (medium) use sunglasses and sunscreen 6-7 (high) use sunglasses, sunscreen and hat 8-10 (very high) use sunglasses, sunscreen, hat and stay in shade 11+ (extreme) use sunglasses, sunscreen, hats and stay in shade all day Apply enough crème A lot of people are stingy with the sunscreen.
Pros recommend applying ½ ounce at a time for a child.
That is about half an adult palm full.
Use broad-spectrum sunscreens It will use this phrase on the bottle.
Look for it.
These will protect the child against both UVA and UVB rays.
Its important to look for this, beyond just the SPF rating.
Keep your teens away from tanning salons The use of these parlors is a growing concern.
Many teenagers don't realize these tanning booth require sun protection and proper SPF rated crèmes.
Reapply often You have heard this before, but its true that sunscreen should be reapplied to insure proper sun protection, particularly after swimming.
Get into a routine This is the only way to make sun protection work on a long-term basis.
You are busy and so is your kid.
That means you should set aside a time everyday in the morning to apply sunscreen.
This means both YOU and you child.
Parents need sun protection also, using the appropriate SPF rated product.
Obviously it's important for parents to take charge of skin protection because obviously we can't expect children to know the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50.
Skin cancer accounts for 4% of pediatric malignancies, the journal said.
The good news is that 90% of all skin cancer is preventable.
Several factors determine a child's propensity for skin problems from sun exposure.
These include skin color, eye color, tendency to freckle and family history.
But perhaps the most important factor is how much unprotected sun exposure a child has in early life.
That's why skin protection is so important.
The damage will show up for them in later life and by then it's too late.
As we have said before in 30-SPF.
com, damage from the sun comes from overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
This problem will only get worse with time as Global Warming and the diminishment of the ozone layer will allow more and more harmful UV rays through.
That means that the job that SPF 30 sunscreen did when you were a child might not be enough in years to come.
According to a study cited in Dermatology Nursing, the Earth's ozone layer has dropped 6% between 1983 and 1993.
And it's thought that every 1% drop translates into a 1% to 5% increase in skin cancer.
This is why sun protection and sunscreen of SPF 30 and above is so important.
How to protection children? A good place to start for sun protection is the UV index that is published daily in many American newspapers.
If you can't find it there, Google for it.
Here are the rating levels and suggested sun protection actions: 1-2 (low) use sunglasses 3-5 (medium) use sunglasses and sunscreen 6-7 (high) use sunglasses, sunscreen and hat 8-10 (very high) use sunglasses, sunscreen, hat and stay in shade 11+ (extreme) use sunglasses, sunscreen, hats and stay in shade all day Apply enough crème A lot of people are stingy with the sunscreen.
Pros recommend applying ½ ounce at a time for a child.
That is about half an adult palm full.
Use broad-spectrum sunscreens It will use this phrase on the bottle.
Look for it.
These will protect the child against both UVA and UVB rays.
Its important to look for this, beyond just the SPF rating.
Keep your teens away from tanning salons The use of these parlors is a growing concern.
Many teenagers don't realize these tanning booth require sun protection and proper SPF rated crèmes.
Reapply often You have heard this before, but its true that sunscreen should be reapplied to insure proper sun protection, particularly after swimming.
Get into a routine This is the only way to make sun protection work on a long-term basis.
You are busy and so is your kid.
That means you should set aside a time everyday in the morning to apply sunscreen.
This means both YOU and you child.
Parents need sun protection also, using the appropriate SPF rated product.
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