Don’t Get SunBurnt!

It’s set to get seriously hot this week, so don’t get burnt! For me staying safe in the sun is a big life lesson for me to teach my children. As a family, we are all very fair skinned and I am very careful over applying sun screen and getting the children to wear their hats. From talking to other parents at pre-school I was surprised that so many people don’t put sun cream on their children or make them wear sun hats. So when I received an email warning of the dangers of the sun I felt compelled to share this information with you. I hope you find it of use!

Please take some time to read the tips below from Skcin (The Karen Clifford Skin Care Charity) about how to protect your children and yourselves this summer:

• Firstly, did you know that blistering sunburn in childhood can double the risk of developing melanoma in later life?
• Use shade. Keep babies in complete shade- under umbrellas, trees, canopies or indoors.
• Cover children up. Dress them in cotton clothing that is loose fitting with a close-weave like an over-sized long-sleeved T-shirt or a sunsuit specifically designed for children
• Protect head, shoulders and necks. Use bucket or surfie style hats with a brim of at least 6cm (for primary school children and older) or 5cm (for pre-school children). The wider the brim the more skin will be shaded. Don’t put children in vest tops or sundresses if they are spending a lot of time outdoors- Shoulders and necks get easily burned.
• Buy good quality, wraparound sunglasses.
• Apply a broad-band sunscreen correctly. Use factor 30+ sunscreen before children go outdoors and reapply once they are in the sun to be sure of good coverage.  Think of applying sunscreen like painting a wall with a textured surface, where two coats are almost always required for satisfactory coverage.  In the same way, two “coats of sunscreen” may be required for adequate protection. Don’t forget shoulders, ears, nose and cheeks and tops of feet. Always use waterproof sunscreen when children are swimming or playing outdoors with water. Reapply after towelling.
• Don’t forget school times; remember playtimes and lunch-breaks. Give children a hat to wear at school, and, if they cant apply sunscreen at school cover their exposed skin with factor 30+ before they go.
• Act as good role models and make adults set a good example when out in the sun.
• Look for the 5 star rating when buying your sunscreen – 5 star products provide the best balanced protection against all UV rays.

Finally, please remember to look after your own skin! The easiest way to explain it is the 5 S’s of Sun Protection:

1. SUNSCREEN Apply a good quality SPF 30+ sunscreen, with broad spectrum UVA protection – a minimum of 3* rating, making sure you use enough and reapply every 2 hours

2. SUNHAT Always wear a broad-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck and ears

3. SUNGLASSES Wear wrap-around sunglasses with UV protection to give your eyes adequate protection from the suns rays

4. SHOULDERS Wear clothing that is UV protective if possible and always try and keep your shoulders covered up

5. SHADE Always seek shade, particularly during the hottest time of the day between 11am-3pm

Please don’t get sunburnt!