Help Your Children Avoid Sunburns
with
Jonathon E. Stewart
Do you and your kids know the sunscreen ABCs? If not, check out these tips for keeping their skin healthy and burn-free.
Transcript: Help Your Children Avoid Sunburns
Hey guys - Jonathon Stewart here for About.com. Everybody knows that the blazing ball of fire in the sky known as the sun can be damaging to your skin if you're not careful, but did you know that in general this is most true during the first eighteen years of your life?Take a look at these simple tips for protecting yourself and your kids from sunburn, and you'll be cool as a cucumber. Or Snoopy. Snoopy's always been pretty cool. Check it out.
Avoid Exposure to the Sun
The absolute best way to prevent sunburn is to simply avoid exposure to the sun: try to stay out of the midday sun, which is typically most potent between 10am and 4pm, and when you are outdoors, look for shade, try wearing a hat with a brim, sunglasses, and clothes that cover exposed areas of your skin.Use the UV Shadow Test
As you know, the sun is generally strongest in the summer, but can be equally bright in the winter months as well, which can be intensified by reflected ultra-violet, or UV, light from ice and snow. To see how much UV light you're being exposed to, try doing the shadow test: if your shadow is longer than you are, the exposure is relatively low - likewise, if it's shorter, your exposure to UV light is relatively high.But, don't be fooled that no shadow equals no exposure to damaging UV rays, which are actually invisible to the naked eye. Some of the worst sunburns can occur during overcast days when people forget to take appropriate precautions.
Use Sunscreen to Avoid Sunburn
Sunscreen is your best friend in the prevention of sunburn and long-term skin damage, so choose wisely. Start by selecting a Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, that's at least 15, and if you or your child will be swimming, pick one that is waterproof.Apply your sunscreen liberally about 30 minutes before exposing your skin to the sun, and be sure to reapply often, up to every 30 minutes if you'll be in the water, even with a "waterproof" sunscreen. Try to find screen that is free of preservatives, PABA, perfumes, and other chemicals, especially for use on sensitive skin.
Start Good Sun Practices Early
Be sure to take care of those eyes and lips, too - buy funky and inexpensive sunglasses for your kids that are fun to wear and protect against UV rays, and always carry a lip balm that contains sunscreen. Some of these come in delicious flavors, too, like coconut. Yum.Be sure to keep babies under 6 months out of the sun completely, and teach your kids the ABCs of sun exposure: A, stay AWAY from the sun during midday; B, always use sun BLOCK, and C, COVER up.
Sun Exposure and Skin Type
Finally, don't be tricked into thinking you don't need to worry about the sun because you've got dark skin. According to the EPA, "everybody, regardless of race or ethnicity, is subject to the potential adverse effects of overexposure to the sun." So take good care, even if you don't fry to a crisp on a cool day in March like me.Thanks for watching! To learn more, visit us on the Web at parenting.about.com.