I think we all know that too much sun is not good for you yet a little sun does you good. The vitamin D in the suns rays help us to absorb calcium in our body.
Growing up in England there was not much need for sun protection. Don't get me wrong we did have sunshine, but it was usually accompanied by rain and a beautiful rainbow.
I was fortunate enough to be able to take my holidays 'abroad' so I got to see quite a few countries and they were always warmer than England (with the exception of Scotland). My parents were always great about protecting us from the sun though. We had to wear sunscreen, a hat and were never allowed out in the middle of the day.
Clothing and staying out of the sun are the best ways to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays but if you do have to spend time in the sun the following are how the experts recommend you protect yourself and your children.
1 - Always wear sunscreen when in the sun.
Most experts agree that anything higher than SPF 30 doesn't give you that much more protection. It is better to reapply the SPF 30 more frequently than to use a higher factor.
Always make sure that the sunscreen you choose provides a broad spectrum of UVA and UVB protection.
It should also be waterproof, and is better for sensitive skins if it is hypoallergenic and fragrance free.
For the children I take care of I like to use a stick sunscreen on their face (don't forget lips and eyelids) as it seems to prevent anything from going in their eyes.
The FDA recommend not using spray sunscreens as they are inconclusive with their research on children inhaling sunscreen and the effects it may have. If you have to use a spray sunscreen they recommend spraying it on your hands first and then applying it on the body.
Some pediatricians recommend sunscreens that contain the ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients appear to work faster and prove to be very effective in sun protection and claim to be less harmful than chemicals found in a lot of sunscreens.
Always do a test on a patch of your child's skin before applying it all over their body. And F.Y.I. most experts also say that there is not too much of a difference between adult and children's sunscreens it's better to look at the ingredients instead.
Sunscreen on babies should try to be avoided.....especially under 6 months. Try and cover them up with long light clothing and a large brimmed hat if they are to be in the sun. An umbrella attached to the stroller or carriage will help also. If sun screen is to be applied it is recommended to not put it on hands and arms as it can get in their eyes and mouth easily.
2 - Try to avoid being in the sun between 10am and 4pm
This is when the sun is the strongest. As a nanny I find this quite impossible....if we can help it we stay out of the sun between 12pm and 3pm but it seems that there is always somewhere to go or something to do that involves being outside.
3 - Wear a hat
Preferably with a peak or a brim that will help keep the sun out of faces and also help to prevent the scalp from getting burned. Also wear sunglasses to protect the eyes.
4 - Stay in the shade as much as possible.
It is still very important to wear sunscreen in the shade as you can still get burned.
5 - Wear sun protective clothing.
This usually applies to children, very fair skinned people or people at a high altitude spending a lot of time outdoors. Most of us don't get burned through our clothing but it is possible. I have fair skin and have never been burned through my clothing. I think it's a great idea for some extra protection though. Nowadays you see plenty of shirts, shorts and swimsuits with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). Choose those that are between 15 UPF and 30 UPF.
I'm curious as to how much sun you allow your children and how do you protect your children from too much sun?
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