As temperatures rise and school is out of session, your family could likely be spending more time outdoors than inside. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting sun exposure (and avoiding it for babies) as the best way to prevent sunburn.
When you are spending time outdoors, keep in mind these sun safety tips:
- Everyone over six months of age should wear sunscreen whenever they’re outdoors, every day of the year. Infants less than six months old should be kept out of the sun as their skin is especially susceptible to sun damage.
- Apply sunscreen with SPF (sun protective factor) 30 at least 15-30 minutes before you go outside
- The sun is everywhere, so apply sunscreen everywhere. Don’t forget your hands, nose and ears.
- Reapply every two hours, and after swimming, sweating or toweling off.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for extra protection.
- Double-check medications, as some may cause a greater sensitivity to sunlight
There are other precautions you can take to minimize harmful sun exposure. Limit time spent outdoors between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Avoid tanning oils or salons- tanning increases the risk of melanoma and accelerates skin aging. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration, which could make it harder to produce sweat and cool down your body.
Learn more safety and wellness tips from CHOC’s community educators.
