Sun Safety Tips: Especially for Kids

The sun gives us life—but too much can damage your skin and cause serious health problems. Respect the sun for the powerful radiation source it is, and moderate your exposure. Here are some suggestions for how to enjoy your life’s activities to the fullest, without compromising your health—or your skin! This week we’ll share a 3 part series on 1) Sun Protection Tips for Active Adults on the Beach or Ski Slope, 2) Year round Anti-Aging Tips for Adults and 3) Sun Safety Tips for Kids. We believe that chemicals and nanoparticles have no place on your child’s body, ever. Here are some tips to keep kids safe in the sun without chemicals or nano’s:

UVB Protection
No one wants to see kids get burned, however, you need to weigh the long-term risks of sunburn (UVB) over UVA sun damage, which may not show up until years later. Chemical sunscreens with a high SPF will protect against the burn, at least temporarily, but free radical formation may undo the benefits if it is not applied frequently. I know the trick is to get kids to sit still long enough to get their sunscreen on, and in general you have one shot at it before they are gone for the day. Sunscreens with chemicals really do not fill the bill as their ROS generating properties mean you still need to reapply it frequently. Here are some suggestions that will help provide kids with better protection long-term than they’ll get from chemicals.

Apply Enough Sunscreen
Starting with the assumption that we don't apply enough sunscreen, by overlaying products you are much more likely to use a sufficient amount to give you the protection you need. With a physical block you are increasing concentration of the active ingredient, so, while you will get an increase in SPF with the amount applied, the actual number is very hard to gauge. At some point, where the number gets past SPF 40 or so, SPF numbers are essentially meaningless anyway. Bottom line: the best protection is an actual PHYSICAL BLOCK that reflects the suns rays. Apply a thick layer of your safe, zinc oxide containing sunscreen, wait about five minutes, then apply another layer. You will at least be getting the SPF stated on the label. Sun sticks that are a thick coating of zinc oxide can be applied over the very vulnerable areas; cheeks, nose, shoulders etc.

Routine
Two layers of sunscreen, then sun stick, and then you’ll let them go. Reapply after swimming.

UVA Protection
ZnO, not chemicals! Sunscreen needs to be broad protection, and zinc oxide provides the best and safest UVA protection

Hats and t-shirts
Cover up, especially during the hours between 10 and 4, or if they are starting to turn pink.

Supplements
Vitamin C powder mixed with the sunscreen provides excellent additional protection. Make sure it is l-ascorbic acid.

Diet
It’s not hard to get kids to eat watermelon. Nature provides a wonderful assortment of orange, red and pink foods that are high in beta carotene and lycopene. Carotenoids provide natural sun protection, so eat up! PS red Popsicles do not count.

Infants
The general rule for infants under 6 months is to avoid any kind of sunscreen. Just keep them clothed and hated, or under an umbrella Their bodies are developing rapidly and the skin is a big organ charged with making a lot of adjustments during this crucial first year. Your best bet in supporting its development is to let it alone as much as possible. Nature knows best!

Sun Exposure
Monitor and regulate their sun exposure. Establish check in periods, just to make sure they aren’t getting too much sun. Nature does give you plenty of warning signals, we just need to pay attention to them.

To summarize: use the layering technique with a broad spectrum chemical-free non nano sunscreen containing zinc oxide, SPF 15-30. Add Vitamin C if desired, apply sun stick layers to vulnerable areas and monitor for signs of pinkness/redness. Pack hats and t-shirts in your beach bag along with the sunscreens, and don’t forget the watermelon!