by Anita Kaiser
As the weather gets warmer and we shed our winter layers many of us forget that sunscreen is necessary even before the scorching hot days of summer.
UVB and UVA protection
One of the most important facts is that UVB rays, which are the ones that most sunscreens provide protection for, are not the only important rays we should be protected from UVA rays penetrate the skin on a deeper level and can react with chemicals already in the skin (even some that are naturally there like B2). Also, UVA damage occurs before sunburn, so you may not even be aware that you are damaging your skin. The best sunscreen is one which has both UVA and UVB protection as well as ingredients that do not break down in the sun and are safe for both children and adults.
Sun saftey
Don’t forget about sun safety at school for the older kids.Check with your school to see what their policy is – some schools treat sunscreen as a medication and require a nurse to administer it or have a special note to use it. Find out what the policy is and ensure that your child is protected.
Keep in mind that once the SPF rating gets past 30 the difference in protection is minimal so go with the sunscreen that has safe ingredients rather than the one with a higher SPF. With little regulations on chemicals in our cosmetic products, it’s up to you to read the labels and really check out the ingredients and make an informed choice.
Loose fitting clothing
Wear loose fitting clothing that has a tight weave to it. You want the clothes to be solid not sheer. If you can see through it; then the sun and its rays can reach your skin.
Use sunscreen
For toddlers and children use sunscreen and reapply often. If you are using a new brand try a test patch on the inside of their arm and watch for 24 hours to see if there is any adverse reaction. For maximum protection apply sunscreen 20 minutes before exposure.
Minium SPF 15
Pick a sunscreen minimum SPF (sun protection factor) 15 with zinc or titanium dioxide in it. These ingredients both have broad spectrum UV coverage. For children under 6 months – try and keep them out of the sun as much as possible as they have not yet developed the melanin (skin pigment) which protects the skin.
Avoid sunscreen with 4-Methyl-Benzylidencamphor (4-MBC), Oxybenzone, Benzophenone-3, Octyl-methoyl-cinnamates (OMC), Octyl-Dimethyl-Para-Amino-Benzoic Acid (OD-PABA) and Homosalate (HMS).
Anita Kaiser lives in Windsor in Ontario, and love to spend time outside with her family.
