Prevention is the best medicine! Start protecting your child’s skin from the sun from the day she is born, but it is never too late to implement steps to improve your skin’s health and prevent serious problems down the road.
Overexposure to ultraviolet light from the sun or tanning salons is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. To protect yourself from these risks, take these steps:
Keep your children younger than 6 months out of sun, as they should not be using sunscreen lotions.
Apply sunscreen lotion of at least SPF 30 that provides protection from UVA and UVB rays. Be generous. Do not continue to use the same sunscreen you used last season–it will be less effective than a new bottle of sunscreen!
Wear protective clothing: a hat, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirts, and pants should be worn as much as possible.
Stay in the shade! Sunrays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so avoid being outside during those times, or simply seek the shade’s protection. » Read more: Your Child’s Skin Health