Sun Exposure

With the ever-diminishing ozone layer, it is vital to begin sun protection at an early age. It is estimated that 80 percent of a person’s lifetime sun damage occurs before the age of twenty. According to a University study, it only takes one severe sunburn before the age of eighteen to double your risk of developing malignant melanoma.

The fairer the skin, the higher the risk. Thus, extra special care should be exerted with White children who have blonde or red hair. Sunscreens should be used with all children, however, and protective clothing should be worn. Hats are very important, since 85 percent of all skin cancers occur in the head and neck region. Make a point of carrying SPF 15 (or higher) sunscreen with you.

Spread it on the baby’s or child’s skin. If they are old enough, teach them how to apply it themselves, but supervise them. We really can’t expect kids to understand the importance of this “unfun” task. However, as you probably know, sun exposure must be monitored and protected against throughout life, not just in young children. So don’t just carry and use sunscreen for the kids. People of
all ages should use it whenever they are exposed to the sun.