As warmer and sunnier days are upon us, it’s important as a parent to know how to apply sunscreen correctly on kids. Practicing sun safety should be a priority, no matter the age. Because protecting your skin from the sun is the best practice to help reduce your risk of skin cancer, teaching your kids good sun sense from a young age is crucial. Here are six tips to protect your child in the sun this summer, both by applying sunscreen correctly and through other means of sun protection:
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Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater
Find sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher, and check the label for a broad-spectrum sunscreen which will properly protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen marketed as “children’s” often has the same active ingredients as regular sunscreen, so you shouldn’t need to buy sunscreen specifically for your children.
You should also avoid using sunscreens with PABA, which can cause skin allergies.
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Use a medicine cup amount of sunscreen
We recommend applying 1 ounce of sunscreen on your child, or enough to fill a medicine cup. This will ensure that any exposed areas of their body are generously covered.
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Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside
Apply sunscreen on your kids 20-30 minutes before they go outside. This allows the sunblock enough time to sink into their skin.
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Apply sunscreen thoroughly, and don’t skip smaller body parts
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen on the smaller body parts of your kids such as the ears, hands, feet, shoulders, and behind the neck. These are more vulnerable areas that could easily be overlooked. You should also apply sunscreen under their bathing suit straps incase the straps shift while they move around. The same thing applies to lighter clothing like tank tops and shorts.
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Reapply sunscreen often
Reapply sunblock on children every 2 hours or right after a child has been swimming or sweating. Consider using a water-resistant sunscreen if you know they will be in water. Most water-resistant sunscreen brands protect children while in the water for 40–80 minutes.
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Use other means of sun protection in addition to sunscreen
Although sunscreen is an effective tool for sun protection, it should not be your only means of sun protection for your kids. When protecting your children from the sun, you should also consider sun-protective clothing to get the job done. There are plenty of sun-protective swimwear and clothing designed for high-energy children and babies!
Sunscreen isn’t recommended for newborns, and babies younger than 6 months should be kept out of the sun as much as possible. If you’re going outside, you can dress your baby in lightweight clothing that covers the arms, legs, and head. If you’re in a situation where you can’t avoid the sun, you can use a small amount of sunscreen on your baby’s exposed skin, like the hands and face. At 6 months, start using sunscreen on your baby in small doses to ensure their skin doesn’t develop rashes.
As a parent, remember to be a good role model to your kids by wearing sunscreen and protecting your skin in the sun as well. Consistently wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater and limiting your sun exposure will reduce your risk of sun damaged skin and teach your kids good sun sense.
How do you treat sunburn in children?
Despite your best efforts, your child may still get sunburned after a beach day or playing outside. If this happens, make sure they get out of the sun right away and cool down. Treat the area with after-sun aloe vera gel or natural moisturizers. If the sunburn is serious, or your child starts developing symptoms of heatstroke, including nausea or dizziness, seek medical attention immediately.
If you have further questions about sun skin care best practices, contact us today.
Vujevich Dermatology Associates offers medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology from some of the most highly trained physicians and clinicians in the greater Pittsburgh area. You can reach our team at 412-429-2570 or visit our contact page to see our locations in Mt. Lebanon, Washington, and Pleasant Hills. You can also follow us on Facebook to see what’s new in the world of dermatology.