Summer break is almost here – and you’re ready to spend some quality time with your kids!
But before you start making plans for baseball games, poolside adventures, and camping trips, you should arm yourself with the best sun safety tips for parents. After all, every sunburn increases your odds for developing skin cancer later in life – so why not build a foundation for excellent sun safety now?
Take a look at the best ways you can keep your kids protected while they make the most of summer fun:
- Apply sunscreen often: Let’s face it – if your kids aren’t splashing around in the pool, they’re running around the backyard. Make sure your kids re-apply their sunscreen every hour, especially while being active. Sweat and water can strip away even the longest-lasting sunscreen, so encourage your kids to be aware of when they need to re-apply.
- Provide shade: Headed to the beach or lake for the afternoon? Make sure your kids have some source of shade, especially if they’re very young. It’s important for your kids to take breaks from the summer sun. Put up a large beach umbrella or bring a tent with you to your next waterside outing.
- Wear protective layers: Keep in mind that clothing can offer some protection from the sun; however, not all clothing is created equal. White clothing offers the least protection against the sun, while black clothing could cause your kids to overheat. Surprisingly, the best protection is offered with red-colored clothing, or clothing that has a UPF rating.
- Know the most dangerous hours: Parents should try to minimize exposure to the sun between the hours of 10AM and 2PM, when the sun’s rays are at their peak strength. If your children must be outside at this time, make sure they’re wearing a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.
Wondering what else you can do to keep your children protected from the summer sun? Contact Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. and Aesthetic Center to schedule a summer skin consultation. With seven offices located in the Atlanta mtero area, you’ll be able to visit a Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. near you!
