Posted on 06/08/2021
Like so many safety issues, when it comes to protecting children from the sun's harmful rays, better education will influence better application. Even though you probably realize that applying sunscreen is important, according to a national poll on children's health, many parents aren't taking all the right steps to protect their children's skin. It's important not only for preventing sunburns but also for blocking the UV radiation that causes skin cancer as well as premature signs of aging. But don't take our word for it! The following tips come from Dr. Sarah DeHaan, and you can read them in fuller detail on the Health Blog of the University of Michigan.
Myth 1: Sunscreen Is Just for Sunny Days
Many parents surveyed admitted that they don't typically re-apply sunscreen on a cloudy day, and this practice (or lack thereof) is based on a common misconception: that clouds block all the sun's UV rays. Like many misunderstandings, this one is partially true: clouds do reduce some UV rays, but not all of them. UVA rays, in particular, have the ability to penetrate clouds and water and can even bounce off of reflective surfaces, such as water and snow, concrete and sand.
Myth 2: Using Waterproof Sunscreen Protects You in Water
When sunscreen is labeled as "water resistant," what does that really mean? In order to be allowed to use that term, a sunscreen has to verify that it remains effective for between 40 and 80 minutes when a person is sweating or swimming. But don't let that make you think that if you put sunscreen on your child before he or she gets into the water, it will be enough to protect his or her skin for the duration. When immersed in water, any sunscreen—labeled "waterproof" or not will eventually wash off, making re-applying sunscreen even more important when a child is playing in the water.
Myth 3: Having Dark Skin or a Base Tan Offers Protection
It's absolutely amazing how common this sun-protection myth still is! Like the others, it has a drop of truth. Darker skin naturally includes more built-in protection, because the pigment melanin is able to filter out some UV radiation naturally. Even though those with lighter complexions will more quickly experience sunburn, no one is immune to it.
And sunburn isn't the only reason for using sunscreen. According to the American Cancer Society, when black people are diagnosed with skin cancer, it's more likely to be in the advanced stages and, as a result, more difficult to treat, giving those with dark skin a 69% 5-year survival rate (compared to 93% of white-skinned people).
Have you uncovered any false assumptions you've had about sunscreen? Check out the next post in this series for 2 more often-held myths about sun protection, so you can best protect your children from this potential danger this summer (and the rest of the year)!
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