Summer Skin Care for Children

Did you know that sunscreen is necessary year round? Here in Florida we might worry about applying it more often than other parts of the country, but it is something that should be used every day. Sun damage can happen even while driving in the car. Now that summer is around the corner, children won’t be in school, they could possibly be outside all day, in playgrounds, back yards, and even at the beach.

We all need vitamin-D which the sun provides, but spending just a little time in the sun can expose your child to the damages from the sun. They have delicate skin, and as they are young, it is important for us as parents to teach them how to be in the sun safely, as well as to protect them from the harmful rays.

Some ways to help greatly reduce the risk of developing skin cancer are:

• If your child is over six months of age, use sunscreen that protects from both the UVA and UVB rays. (Broad Spectrum)
• Using an umbrella at the beach.
• Having your child wear a hat.
• Wearing sunglasses. The sun can also cause eye damage, and it is especially bad when reflected off the water and sand.
• Wearing clothing that has built in sun protection.
• Going to the beach at times when the sun is not at its peak. This would be before 10am and after 4pm.