IPEMA’s Recommendations on Making Playgrounds Safer
May 4, 2022
The Perfect Picnic at the Playground: Easy Hacks for Swinging into Summer
June 2, 2022Many adults today grew up without the regular (or any) use of sun protection as children. Through the 1970s and 1980s, most media advertised that the best way to take care of your skin during the summer months was by sunbathing. Tanning oils and similar products claimed that a healthy tan would make your skin look younger and fresher – which we now know is false. People who work or play outdoors and overexpose themselves to the sun will develop freckles, dark spots and wrinkles much earlier in life.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, sun damage in childhood is also one of the most important causes of skin cancer in adults. Not only do children spend significantly more time in the sun, but their skin is also significantly more vulnerable to its damaging rays. Here are two eye-opening facts, courtesy of the USDA: About 80% of a person’s total lifetime sun exposure occurs in the first 18 years of life. And, it can take less than 10 minutes for a child’s unprotected skin to get a sunburn.
Photo credit: Unsplash
Just like wearing a seatbelt in the car or a helmet on the bike, sunscreen in the summer has finally become a priority in recent decades. As we get into full outdoor/vacation mode for the summer months, here is everything you need to know about sun protection that can help children enjoy fun in the sun at your local playground more safely.
First and foremost: Shade and cover
Try to stay out of the sun and encourage children to do the same when it is at its strongest – in the northern hemisphere that is usually from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from May through August, with the midday hours from noon to 2 p.m. considered the most harmful. Also remember that even on cool or overcast days, UV rays reach our planet and can cause skin damage.
Depending on where you are going and what you’ll be doing, a beach umbrella or a pop-up tent can help create shade – not only at the beach, but at your local playground or your own backyard, too – just remember to adjust it at least hourly as the sun moves. Many of these are also small enough to keep in your trunk, along with your playground pack.
If children must be in the sun, dress them in hats with wide brims to shadow the face, ears and neck. If it won’t make them uncomfortable, have them wear light, long-sleeved shirts and long pants as well. (And check to make sure these are specifically sun-safe clothes by putting them up to the light to make sure you can’t see easily through them – because if you can, so can the sun.) For swimming, consider buying long-sleeved rashguards and longer swim trunks.
Next: Sunscreen and more sunscreen
Any time children are outside for more than a few minutes, apply – and reapply – sunscreen. Be consistent even if they’re just kicking a ball in the backyard, as most skin damage happens from sun exposure during everyday activities, not at the beach. (But if you are anywhere near water, be even more vigilant about reapplying after each swim.)
Any children’s sunscreen labeled broad spectrum (that protects against both UVA and UVB rays) at or above SPF 30 will do. While the active ingredients are the same in sunscreens labeled for kids or adults, children’s sunscreen is formulated with sensitive skin in mind. Look for longer lasting water and sweat resistant versions, in a spray or lotion that promises a non-sticky, dry feel. For best results, also consider buying a small sunscreen stick for the face, which is less irritating and easy to apply avoiding little eyes.
If your child has any skin challenges, such as eczema or acne, be sure to ask your pediatrician or dermatologist for a recommendation.
What else?
Sun exposure can damage the eyes as well as the skin. Even one day in the full sun can lead to a burned cornea and prolonged exposure over time can also cause cataracts later in life. The best way to protect our eyes is to wear sunglasses. If you wear them yourself and you let your kids pick out their own, it can easily become a family habit – just check for the sticker that promises 100% UV protection.
Finally, hydration is important for our bodies to function at their best. In the hot, summer months, water is also critical to the body’s cooling system. How much water children need each day depends on their age, the weather, and their activity level. (As a general rule, toddlers need 2-4 cups, 4-8 years 5-6 cups, 9-13 years 7-8 cups, and 14 and up 8-10 cups.) So, be sure to offer them a water bottle at regular intervals – such as when you are reapplying sunscreen.
How to treat a sunburn
If the worst does happen, start by giving your child pain medicine like Children’s Motrin or Tylenol to ease the pain and heat. Then encourage a cool – not cold – bath, or gently apply cool, wet cloth to the affected area to cool it and lessen the pain. Next, dry it off and gently apply pure aloe vera gel. For the next several days, continue to apply aloe vera until the redness decreases, then switch to moisturizing cream to rehydrate the skin and treat itching. If the sunburn appears more severe and blisters develop, call your pediatrician just to be safe. Otherwise keep your child out of the sun until it is completely healed. Any further sun exposure will only make the burn worse and increase discomfort.
At the same time, it is important to keep in mind the positive effects of safe and healthy sun exposure.
When our skin is exposed to the sun, our bodies produce vitamin D, which helps absorb calcium for stronger, healthier bones. Sunlight also helps boost a chemical in our brain called serotonin, which can give us more energy and keep us calm, positive and focused.
So, try to be a good role model by always using sunscreen, wearing a hat and sunglasses, and limiting your time in the sun, especially midday. You’ll not only reduce your own risk of sun damage but teach your kids good sun sense, too. Here is to safe and enjoyable fun in the sun this summer!
