Summer is coming and it's time to start thinking about sunshine. Babynet has some tips to help give your children the protection they (and you!) need.
- Forget all the marketing hype. There is no such thing as "the best sunscreen". Choose one to suit your activities and skin type. An SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 will give almost as much protection as a factor of 60 - 95,5 percent versus 97,5 percent protection. The effect is rapidly reduced if wiped off.
- Sunscreens are available in creams, gels, sprays, each of which has different properties. Select one according to preference, need and activity. Sprays may be wiped off more easily than a thicker sunscreen.
- Choose a sunscreen product that blocks UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreens containing micronised titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are also physical barriers which are more effective as UVA blockers. A number of newer chemicals can also do this.
- Allergies to sunscreens are rare, however, stinging and burning may occur with some products. If you develop a rash, try a product containing different active ingredients. If it persists, see your dermatologist.
- Make a sunscreen a daily part of your skincare routine - as you would a moisturiser or aftershave or just as a good habit.
- Use at least a factor 20+ for most activities and re-apply often if exercising.
- Apply at least half an hour before exposure and re-apply liberally and frequently as long as you stay in the sun. Sunscreens should always be re-applied after swimming or heavy perspiration.
- Apply sunscreens in an even layer to ensure adequate protection and re-apply more frequently in areas of friction.
- Don't forget often missed areas such as lips, ears, around the eyes, neck, scalp (if thinning), the back of the hands and tops of the feet and behind the knees (especially in sports activities).
And dermatologist Dr Robert Weiss gives more tips:
- Keep infants out of the sun. Sunscreens can be used from six months of age unless specially formulated for younger infants.
- Teach children about sun protection at an early age and encourage daily sunscreen application as well as wearing of hats and protective clothing and swimming gear.
- Avoid the sun from 10am to 4 pm. Try to plan outdoor activities for early mornings and late afternoons.
- Wear a hat with a wide brim for adequate protection. Baseball style caps leave ears and neck exposed.
- Ultraviolet-blocking sunglasses help to prevent damage around the eyes as well sun-induced cataracts.
- Use protective clothing - long-sleeved shirts and pants, darker colours and tightly woven fabric. If you can see the sun through a fabric, the sun can see you.
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater daily and re-apply after swimming or exercise.
- Practise self-examination of you and your children's skin every three months. If you spot any warning signs, especially changes in colour, shape and size of any moles, report these to your doctor.
- Tanning at tanning salons is dangerous and adds to the cumulative damage caused by the sun.
- Don't forget to use sunscreens in cloudy weather or on overcast days. The sun's rays are just as damaging and burning is more common as you don't feel the heat.
- Sun damage is worse at high altitudes such as the Highveld or on mountains. Extra care is required as there is less atmosphere to absorb the sun's rays.
- Sun can reflect off surfaces such as sand, grass, snow, and water. You can also burn while swimming.
- Sitting in the shade does not give adequate protection - cover up and use sunscreens as well.