It’s instinctive to run outside and enjoy the rays as soon as the warm season arrives. Without applying sunscreen, however, you may develop sunburns or acne outbreaks. These issues could be even more harmful for children. Even though many youngsters detest the application process, sun protection for kids is crucial.
Why Sunscreen Is So Important for Kids
In summer, it is normal to see parents chasing their kids around with sunscreen. Kids will complain about the lotion and say it is cold or pasty. However, children must get into a routine of applying sunscreen whenever the sun is out. Sun safety for kids should be non-negotiable. Here are some reasons why your child should always wear sunscreen.
Avoid Sunburn
Sunburn is a radiation burn that occurs when you stay in the sun for a long time. The effects of sunburn include itching, peeling, redness, and swelling. These can be painful and hence the need for emphasizing the importance of child sunscreen.
However, the kind of sunscreen you use matters. Some will boast of their esteemed protection, but the results are far from average. While making a purchase, you have to be aware of a bottle’s SPF. What does SPF stand for? SPF simply means the sun protection factor.
The sun protection factor is the protective measure of a sunscreen brand. How well can a brand ensure sunscreen protection for kids? The SPF factor helps to answer this question. Experts recommend that you should never use a brand with an SPF factor of less than 15.
However, you also need to be aware of your child’s skin type. Sun safety for kids requires you to understand a few things. Knowing your child’s skin type will help you decide on the right sunscreen. If you wish to know more about skin types, reach out to Worldwide Pediatrics Group. You can also visit our pediatric office in Plantation. We’ll have a professional guide you on how you can protect your child against sunburns.
Fight Skin Cancer
The sun has many benefits. However, you need to teach your child how to enjoy it safely. Getting sunburns every once in a while could lead to melanoma.
You cannot feel UV rays on your skin. However, the longer the exposure, the higher the likelihood someone will develop skin cancer. Embrace the idea of sun protection for kids and see your child grow into a healthy adult. A combination of child sunscreen, hats, and long-sleeved shirts could do the trick.
There is a misconception that sunscreen should only be applied when the sun is out. Well, UV rays also cause damage during cloudy days. Cloudy days in winter are different from cloudy days in summer. In summer, sun safety for kids should continue even on cloudy days.
Everyone wants to see their children grow to be happy and healthy. This starts by encouraging good safety habits early. If you instill the importance of sun protection now, your kids will be more likely to continue to use sunscreen as they get older.
Protect the Health of Your Child’s Skin
Our skin is made healthy by certain proteins such as keratin, elastin, and collagen. Exposing your child to sunlight without sunscreen could destroy these essential proteins. Those three proteins ensure your child’s skin is smooth and radiant.
Keratin is the protective barrier on your skin. It is rigid, which adds to its protective quality. Elastin gives your skin its structure. Collagen, on the other hand, ensures that your skin looks good and maintains elasticity. With sunscreen protection for kids, one can protect these essential proteins.
However, you may be wondering how SPF plays a role here. In summer, it is advisable to use child sunscreen with an SPF factor of 30 and above. Ensure that you cover all of your child’s exposed areas. This is the only way you can guarantee your child’s skin safety and health.
Fight Acne
Acne is common in teens and tweens as well. What many do not know is that exposure to the sun could enhance the damage. The misconception here is that only kids with a history of acne will have their skin damaged if exposed to the sun. However, even kids with smooth skin could end up with inflammation after prolonged exposure.
Numerous sunscreen options are marketed as offering solutions to acne. However, while trying to ensure sun protection for kids, one needs to be sure of their choices. There is no point in using something with side effects that are worse than the issue being resolved. Our pediatric office in Plantation can help if you are unsure of your next step.
Understanding that different skin types will yield different results is another crucial factor to keep in mind. Acne-prone skin will require a sunscreen.
The goal of fighting acne is to improve your child’s skin texture. To achieve this goal, you have to know a thing or two about sunscreens and their effects. Set up an appointment today and see professionals from our pediatric office in Plantation for guidance. We can also explain what does SPF stand for.
Prevent Exposure to UV Rays
The earth is protected from the sun’s UV rays by the ozone layer. This layer absorbs these harmful rays preventing them from reaching us. UV rays are known to cause skin cancer, premature aging of one’s skin, leathery skin, and wrinkles. They can also impact one’s eyesight.
The sun is crucial to your child. Exposure to sunlight helps in the manufacturing of vitamin D. Your child’s mood can also be enhanced through exposure to sunlight.
However, sunlight could also be deadly to your child’s skin as well. UV rays can easily penetrate your child’s skin and cause damage as indicated above. These rays can be just as bad on rainy and cloudy days. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, clouds block as little as 20% of UV rays. Therefore, sunscreen protection for kids is necessary for every outdoor excursion.
Any exposure to the sun can cause damage to your child’s skin. Note that sunscreen wears off after a while. So, do not forget to reapply your child’s sunscreen every two to three hours. Sunscreen protection for kids is not a one-off thing. You have to reapply to ensure maximum protection.
We understand that the information out there is limited. However, this is nothing that an appointment at our pediatric office in Plantation cannot fix. We promise to provide top-notch service and recommendations.
You might expect resentment from your child when you introduce the idea of applying sunscreen. However, you know the benefits of sunscreen and the effects of negligence. You can use this opportunity to explain to your child why you want them to wear sunscreen.
Insist on your child getting into a routine of applying sunscreen every time they wish to go outside. If you have a problem with choosing the best sunscreen, call Worldwide Pediatrics Group today.
