On National Suncream Day, it’s important to remember that while outdoor exposure is great for topping up our bodies with vitamin D, we should not overexpose ourselves. Did you know it doesn’t take long at all for the vitamin to absorb into our bodies? In fact, we can gain our daily intake in as little as 15 minutes!
Most children gain much of their lifetime sun exposure before they reach the age of 18, so it is crucial for parents to protect their little ones from the sun to keep them safe. Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause skin damage, eye damage, immune system suppression, and skin cancer.
Here are some quick tips for National Suncream Day to help keep you and your child safe in the sun…
Seek shade
UV rays are strongest and most harmful during midday. If you catch yourself outside at this time, seek shade under a tree, an umbrella, or a pop-up tent.
Get a Hat
Hats that shade the face, scalp, ears, and neck are easy to use and give great protection. If your little one constantly pulls their hat off, try one with an elasticated or Velcro strap that tucks under their chin to keep it in place.
Wear Sunglasses
They protect your child’s eyes from UV rays, which can lead to cataracts later in life. Look for sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
Apply Suncream
Use Suncream with at least SPF 15 protection every time your child goes outside. For the best protection, apply Suncream generously 30 minutes before going outdoors. Don’t forget to protect ears, noses, lips, and the tops of feet.
Cover up
Cover your child up in loose cotton clothes, such as an oversized T-shirt with sleeves. At the beach, sun protection tops and suits made of Lycra are perfect for splashing in the sea as they dry quickly and block more of the sun than normal t-shirts.
Stay hydrated
Like adults, babies and young children need to drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated. This is especially true when the sun’s out. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water, or cooled boiled water for babies.