During the summer, it is important to take precautions against the damage which the sun can cause. Children are playing outside for much longer periods of time and many families are jetting off on holiday – the dangers associated with the sun arrive hand-in-hand with the season.
If you take the correct precautions, sun-associated damage can be easily avoided.
- Use high-factor sun protection (at least SPF 30) on your children, especially if they have fair skin. Make sure to apply sun protection 20 minutes before direct exposure to the sun and reapply fully every two hours. We recommend purchasing a once-a-day and waterproof sun screen, especially if your child will be swimming regularly.
Our sunscreen top-picks:
- Calyspo Once a Day Sun Protection SPF 50 150ml
- Calypso All School Day Long SPF40 150ml
- Soltan Kids Once 8-hour Spray SPF50 200ml
- Eucerin Kids Spray SPF50+ 200ml
- Calypso Sensitive Lotion Spray SPF50+ 150ml
- If your child does get sunburn, ensure they are out of the sun as soon as possible and apply cold water to the area using a flannel. Remedies such as Aloe Vera and after sun will help cool and calm the affected area, but do not use on broken skin.
- Make sure to take frequent breaks from sun exposure, especially from 11am to 3pm when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
- It is important to wear clothing which will protect your child from the sun. If you are unable to see your hand through the material of the clothing, the harder it will be for UVA and UVB rays to penetrate and cause damage. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat or cap will also help to protect your child’s face from the sun.
- Ensure that your child drinks plenty of fluids when out in the sun – dehydration can increase the risks of heatstroke.
For more advice on sun safety, please visit:
www.nhs.uk/Livewell/skin/Pages/Sunsafe.aspx
www.bad.org.uk/for-the-public/skin-cancer/sunscreen-fact-sheet