The harmful ultra-violet rays of the sun damages the skin. Everyone, including children, should protect their skins from these UV rays. By applying sunscreen creams/lotions you help prevent
· Sunburn
· Premature ageing of the skin and formation of wrinkles
· Risk of malignant melanoma
Non usage of sunscreen is a matter of serious concern as, according to the American Cancer Society, over one million people were expected to be afflicted with skin cancer, last year.
What is a sunscreen?
Sunscreens are lotions, gels, sprays or creams that can be bought over the counter. They help protect the skin from the UV rays. The sun protection factor (SPF) varies from 15 to 45 for different products. A cream with an SPF of 45 is stronger than one with 15, though not exactly three times as much.
Why should we apply sunscreen on children?
· Small children are especially vulnerable to the harmful UV rays of the sun
· Some children are more sensitive to the sun’s rays than others and may get skin rashes if they are not protected from the UV rays
· Nearly half the exposure to sun of a person happens during childhood
· Due to water or cool winds, the extent of exposure to sun may not be noticed
· As water increases radiation, children on a beach vacations are more at risk for sunburn and other skin ailments
That is why it is very important to apply sunscreen on children before they go out to play in the sun. The sunscreen should be applied half an hour before the child goes outside.
You can apply the lotion/cream generously on all areas that would be exposed. Children, and adults, need about 28 to 30 grams or one ounce of the sunscreen to cover all areas of the body exposed to the sun’s rays.
After every two hours sunscreen has to be re-applied. It is particularly important to do this for children as they are busy playing. Also if they have been swimming then the sunscreen has to be applied even before two hours.
In fact, a study reported by Science Daily reveals that a group of seven-year old children, on a holiday at the beach, had 5% more skin moles, a risk factor for malignant melanoma.
Suitable sunscreens for children
· Parents should choose a sunscreen with a high SPF of factor for children
· The sunscreen should be water-proof
· The ingredients should include zinc oxide or titanium oxide rather than avobenzone
· It should preferably have minimum fragrance
· It should be hypoallergenic especially if it is for children who are vulnerable to skin rashes
How to apply
· Apply generously on all areas exposed to sun including back of neck, nose, ears, cheeks and shoulders; reapply after two hours
· Do not apply sunscreen near the eyes and mouth; be especially careful if you are using a spray
· For small children who fuss about getting the sunscreen applied you can
1. Use attractively colored and printed washrag to apply the sunscreen
2. Switch on his favorite program on TV while you apply the cream/lotion
3. Or tell him his favorite story with a song and dance routine
4. Allow the child to apply the lotion on himself
5. Ask the child to apply sunscreen on you
It is important to teach children from a tender age that sunscreens are important to protect their skin from many problems. Getting them into the regular habit of applying lotion will keep their skin healthy and problem free.
Blurb: Half the exposure of a person, to the sun, occurs in childhood. It is especially important for children to apply sunscreen in order to protect their tender skin. Children should use sunscreens that have higher SPF factor. Sunscreens with titanium oxide or zinc oxide are harmless on the child’s skin. Regular usage of good quality sunscreens protects children’s skins from harmful UV rays and several skin related problems as they grow older.