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Most parents worry about the immediate impacts of the
sun on their kids' delicate skin, - the sunburn, dry skin and sleepless
nights - but the long term effects are also important.
Why do you care?
- Most sun exposure occurs in our first 18 years - between 60 -
80%. Why? Because children spend more time outdoors.1
- Two or more blistering sunburns as a child or teen increase the
risk of developing skin cancer later in life.2
- A baby's sensitive skin is thinner and still in the process of
developing which makes children more susceptible to sun damage.
Even babies with naturally darker skin need protection.3
- There are two kinds of UV rays that can damage skin and eyes,
especially for young child or infants. They are UVA and UVB. See
Sunny Days for more information on these rays, and how to protect
yourself.
The Know How
- Sunscreens that contain physical blockers such as zinc oxide or
titanium dioxide don't have hormonal effects and are safe for young
children and those with sensitive skin.4
- Many highly-recommended and store-bought sun screens may contain
harmful ingredients. Know what ingredients to be wary of and why.
Check the Sunscreen
Ingredients to Avoid List.
- For more information on what sunscreens to scout out for your
wee ones, check out the Skin Deep product safety database on Baby
Sunscreens or plug
in your child's sunscreen product and see how it rates.
- We all want to know "What kind of sunscreen is best for my
baby/toddler?"
The Baby Center's guest pediatric dermatologist responds. · For
basic tips on how to protect your child(ren) from the sun's rays,
check out A
Parent's Guide to Sun Protection and Air
and Sun from Health Canada.
Know and Tell
- Shannon used the doctor-recommended sunscreen, specially formulated
for kids, for her 3-year-old son. He broke out in a rash. With very
sensitive skin and a fair complexion, she knew she had to find something
to protect against the sun but also wanted only the safest ingredients
for his young delicate skin. She found a great, all-natural product
for kids; SUN kids (SPF 32). It did the trick - no sun burns and
no skin reactions.
- In fact, she loved it so much; she picked some up for herself
- SUN lavender (SFP 30). Read Shannon's product review.
- To keep things simple Tamey uses the same sunscreen for the whole
family.
- See Pure Know How's Bits
of Rays for more info and links.
Take a look at the Sunny Days
e-Bulletin.
1 Guidelines
for School Programs to Prevent Skin Cancer, National Center for
Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2002.
2 Protecting
Your Child from the Sun, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS
3 "Keep
your baby safe." Child Development Institute.
4
Photoprotection, The Lancet-online. May 3, 2007.
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