Children tend to be the ones that can bounce back from anything: broken bones, bruises, coughs and colds. However, being young doesn’t make them immune from getting skin cancer. To avoid future skin damage from the sun, practicing proper sun care is essential. When the sun’s rays start to peek this summer, make sure that every member of your family is protected.

Sun care isn’t just meant for adults. Children love to play and lose themselves under the sun for hours so as parents or guardians, it’s vital that you emphasize the importance of using sunscreen on your kids. Educating children early on about sun care will help them maintain the same practices as an adult. What many people don’t realize is that children (babies and teens included) are the biggest targets for getting skin cancer. 80% of excessive sun exposure in a person’s life occurs before age 21. That’s more than enough time for skin cancer to take hold. Because the symptoms generally take years to surface, by the time it’s detected, it’s too late. During the early years, sun care should be taken to the extreme when it comes to your children. By diligently using sunscreen, a child’s risk of getting skin cancer is reduced by 78%, so it doesn’t take much to ensure that your child is protected at all times.

There are a number of sun care products on the market that are designed especially for kids, even babies as young as six-months old. Unless you’re told otherwise by your pediatrician, products that contain SPF 15 or higher are more than enough to properly keep children safe from UV rays. Be sure to choose a sunscreen or sun block that is appropriate for your child’s skin type. There are many formulas that cater to sensitive skin. If you have a child that is active in sports, there are also lines of sun care products that are specially designed to be water and sweat proof. But just applying one coat isn’t enough. The best way to make sure all the bases are covered is to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, especially if your child is swimming or sweating profusely.

Summertime isn’t the only time parents should use sun care products. Even days that are overcast pose a threat. Radiation is potent and travels right through the clouds, so make sure your child wears protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, pants and hats if they’re going to be outdoors for an extended period of time. Staying out of the sun during the hottest times of the day (10am-4pm) will also provide an extra wall of protection.  

Keeping your child from getting skin cancer later on in life is as simple as educating them about sun care and training them to develop good sun care habits. That will ensure they are set for life.

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