Sunscreen
Sunscreen and your family: What you need to know
It’s important for your children to wear sunscreen when out in the sun, especially if there’s not enough shade or their clothing doesn’t protect them.
You may be surprised to learn that your children’s skin may still tan even when using sunscreen. This is because all sunscreens allow some ultraviolet (UV) rays to penetrate the skin.
Using sunscreen doesn’t mean your children should stay out in the sun any longer than usual. But they should be covered up, wear a hat and sunglasses and use sunscreen, so they’re protected from the sun’s rays.
Tips for applying sunscreen
- Always apply sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher to children at least 20 minutes before they go outside. Reapply often and don’t forget their nose, ears, cheeks and tops of their feet.
- If your children are playing in or near water, make sure the sunscreen is waterproof and reapply often. Also make sure they have dry clothing after playing in water as wet clothing can lose up to half of its UV protection.
- Don’t put sunscreen around your children’s eyes – it will probably sting. Try to get them to wear a hat. Or as soon as they can wear sunglasses, think about getting them a good quality pair of wraparound sunglasses to protect their eyes. Toy sunglasses may be fun but they can do more harm than good.
- Don’t use baby oil as a moisturizer before your children go outside. The oil will make the effect of the sun stronger and could cause your children to burn faster.
- Apply sunscreen generously.
- If your family has light-coloured skin, eyes and hair, or if you tend to burn, choose a sunscreen with a higher SPF.
- Don’t forget to apply sunscreen on cloudy days and during the winter months.
For information about sunscreens and how to protect your children from the sun’s rays, visit www.cancer.ca or call one of our information specialists at our toll-free and confidential number 1 888 939-3333.
