With warmer weather and the summer quickly approaching, droves of parents and children are headed to the beach or just out in the backyard for a little fun in the sun.
Sun safety is important for all ages, but especially small children and babies who's skin is particularly delicate. Here are some tips to keep in mind when it comes to your children's (and your own) safety in the sun.
The Sun's Rays
The sun emits ultraviolet waves, or UV waves. These are especially damaging to younger skin and can cause lasting, negative affects on their skin health. While it may seem that a mild case of sunburn may not be a big deal, it's doing more damage than you may think.
There are places on Earth that are prone to higher levels of ultraviolet radiation than others. Areas that are closer to the poles than the equator actually receive greater amounts of UV rays and are therefore more damaging.
Protection
In any event, it's a good rule of thumb to seek shade every 20 minutes or so that you are out in the bright sun. The same goes for a cloudy day. While you may not receive the same intensity of rays that you otherwise may on a sunny day, the UV rays are still present and can still cause serious harm. Sunscreen isn't all that is needed to properly protect them.
Sunburn is just as dangerous as any other burn may be. Always use a waterproof sunscreen of 50+ SPF, or Sun Protection Factor. Ensure the product has covered every bit of skin that is exposed to the sun. Even a small area burn can become very serious.
Other things to consider:
Wear a hat
Sit or play under an umbrella
Take a break to hydrate
Reapply sunscreen after an hour or after swimming or playing in water
Sunglasses are important for protection of the eyes from the sun's rays
Summer is the best time of the year for many children and their parents. Don't let one bad day in the sun ruin it.
SafetyNook aims to protect your children, consultations are available.
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