Posted on 06/11/2021
As a parent, you want to protect your child from all kinds of danger. But if you're misinformed about sun protection, you may be unwittingly exposing your child to harmful UV rays that can cause damage to the largest organ of her body. While sunburn can be uncomfortable, it's not merely the discomfort that makes it so important to avoid sunburn: for every 5 sun burns, you actually double your child's chance of getting skin cancer, which is 1 of the 5 most common types of cancer. In our previous post, we looked at 3 common myths related to sun screens:
• Myth 1: Sunscreen Is Just for Sunny Days
• Myth 2: Using Waterproof Sunscreen Protects You in Water
• Myth 3: Having Dark Skin or a Base Tan Offers Protection
Now we'll look at 3 more common misconceptions about this important, yet incomplete, aspect of your sun-protection plan.
Myth 4: Any Old Sunscreen Will Do
Not all sunscreen is created equal; two important aspects of any sunscreen include the SPF, or sun protection factor, and the designation of "broad spectrum" protection. While it seems as if the higher the SPF the better, there really isn't evidence that an SPF higher than 50 offers any added protection; instead, it can confuse people who think that it will mean they don't have to re-apply it as often. If you use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, the most important part is to re-apply it often. For those who prefer spray-on sunscreen, it can be difficult to see, making it easy to miss body parts and get even coverage.
The term "broad spectrum" refers to products that protect against both ultraviolet B and ultraviolet A rays (also referred to as UVA and UVB rays). One website that can be helpful in researching a specific sunscreen's effectiveness is the nonprofit organization, Environmental Working Group, which publishes lists of sunscreens that include only ingredients that are safe for both the wearer and our planet.
Myth 5: Sunscreen Is All You Need
Many parents think of sunscreen as being all the sun protection that their children need, but this is actually opposite of how they should be thinking of it. According to Dr. DeHaan, the best perspective about sunscreen is to think of it as a last resort. A much better sun-protection policy is to think of it like we do drowning prevention, with multiple layers of protection - in that case, a safety fence, parental supervision, and swimming lessons. The first line of defense, when it comes to sun protection, is to avoid exposure to direct sunlight during the peak hours (usually 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
If you are outside during that time, protective options could include finding a shady place or bringing your own shade in the form of an umbrella or canopy. (For babies, this is especially important and can include stroller canopies.) Lightweight, protective clothing that covers arms and legs as well as a wide-brimmed hat can help protect sensitive skin from harmful UV rays as well. And sunglasses that include UV protection will do more than make your kid look cool - it will protect his eyes, too.
Once you have a more realistic perspective on the place of sunscreen as one part of the sun-protection plan and have secured a highly effective brand, be sure to re-apply it at least every 2 hours - or more, if your child is playing in water. Having an accurate perspective about the dangers of summer sunshine can help you and your family safely delight in the golden hours that are yours this summer.
Continue reading with Part 3.
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