42
We get such horrid winter
weather that it’s no surprise
that we want to spend every
second in the sun when we do
actually see it. Children’s skin
in particular is very delicate
and can be easily burnt and
damaged by the sun, even if
they appear to tan easily. Those
at most risk have fair or red
hair, pale eyes and freckles,
and babies six months and
under should be kept out of
direct sunlight altogether,
especially during the hottest
time of the day.
Sunsmart advice
Cancer Research UK’s
Sunsmart Campaign advice to
protect people from burning
and the dangers of burning is:
• Avoid the sun at its strongest
(11am–3pm)
• Sit or play in the shade as
much as possible
• Be extra careful with babies’
and children’s skin
• Cover up with cool, loosefitting clothes
• Never use a sunscreen lower
than SPF15 on yourself or
your child
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat
and sunglasses with UV
protection to protect your
face, neck and shoulders
• If there are any unusual
changes in your skin or your
child’s see a doctor as soon
as possible
• Drink plenty of nonalcoloholic fluids and eat ice
lollies to keep hydrated.
Sunscreens - the facts
Sunscreens help protect us
from the sun’s harmful rays if
you use them properly:
• Apply sunscreen at least 30
minutes before going out in
the sun
• Reapply sunscreen every two
hours and after getting wet,
even if the bottle says it’s
waterproof
•Apply a teaspoon for a baby
or a dessert spoon for a child
• Cheaper sunscreeens are
just as effective as long
as they have the required
SPF protection and protect
against UVA and UVB rays
• Gentler and unscented
brands are perfect for
delicate skins
• Apply sunscreen on the
shoulders, nose, ears,
cheeks and the tops of feet.
They are easy to overlook but
they burn very quickly.
No one wants to stay indoors when the sun
is shining so make sure you know how to
stay safe in the sun with your little one!
HAVE
FUN IN
THE SUN
Take care with clothing
Always cover up during the
hottest time of day and when
you feel your skin has had
enough.
• Choose loose-fitting cotton or
linen clothes, which are cool
and comfortable to wear
• Children should wear baggy
clothes that have a close
weave
• Lighter-coloured clothing
reflects the sun’s rays away
from you and is cooler than
darker colours
• Clothes can stretch when wet
and lose up to 50% of their
UV protection, so always put
dry clothes on your children
when they’re not in the water
• Wraparound sunglasses
offer great protection as
they protect the eyes from
all angles from the sun.
You don’t need to buy an
expensive brand either: just
ensure that whatever you
choose offers proper UV
protection.
FURTHER
INFORMATION
Cancer Research UK’s Sunsmart
Campaign: www.sunsmart.org.uk