Sun Protection For Children

Sun Protection Fact: Sun protection for children is not only important, it is essential.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is estimated that because children spend a lot of time outdoors, they receive an average of three times as much sun exposure.

Children need to wear effective broad spectrum sunscreen...

The American Academy of Dermatology also says regular use of sunscreen before the age of 18 is very significant to lowering the chance of skin cancer;

It is estimated that by the time we reach about 18 years of age we will have received 80% of our lifetime's sun exposure. Research is showing us that if we wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 regularly prior to the age of 18, the risk of "certain skin cancers" will be reduced by 78%.

"Ah, This Is The Life..."

Other Measures Of Sun Protection For Children

• hats
• sunglasses with UV light filtering protection
• long sleeved shirts

are ALL important defense against sunburn, accumulation of sun damage and other sun over exposure risks.

Dermatologists recommend that children should wear a minimum *SPF 15, sunglasses, wide brimmed hats, long-sleeved T-shirts and avoid the mid day sun.

*Higher SPF if that child is fair, with light colored eyes and freckles OR spends a lot of time outdoors.

My kids and myself, taking a break
from some intense mid day sun.

A Beach Shade is an excellent light weight, portable way to get your little ones out of prolonged intense sun exposure on outings to the park, the beach, camping etc. (there are also larger "family sized" versions).

I was amazed at what a difference it has made for to our family, to have a little "haven" to take breaks from the sun in.  It is really handy when shade is hard to find, likeat  a beach or sports field.

Special emphasis on sun protection for children to include sunglasses...

Eyes need protection from ultraviolet light just as the skin does. Even more vulnerable than adult eyes, are children's eyes. Children up to fourteen years of age, are three times as vulnerable to UV ray damage. Proper sun protection for kids needs to include sunglasses with UV light filtering lenses.

Real Kids Shades and Julbo brands offer excellent quality, sun safe, designed for kids, sunglasses.  Click here to shop and compare kids sunglasses options.

Brought to you by Julbo Bowl Sunglasses Kids at Beso.com

Choosing Sunscreen/ Sunblock for Children:

Sunscreen is the top measure of sun protection for children. When choosing a product, make sure that it is broad spectrum with a good SPF level and that it is age appropriate (*babies require special formulations in addition to protective clothing).

These ingredients are proven to cover the full UVA/ UVB spectrum (not just part of a ray spectrum):

Chemical Blocks (absorb UVR):
• AVOBENZONE (Parsol 1789)
• MEXORYL SX
• TINOSORB

Physical Blocks (reflect UVR):
• TITANIUM DIOXIDE
• ZINC OXIDE

Suggestions Of Sun Protection For Children:

Sun protection for babies 6 months and older:

Banana Boat Baby Sunblock, Tear Free SPF 50 provides broad-spectrum UVA/ UVB protection, is water proof, hypoallergenic, gentle and easy to use.

Banana Boat® Baby Tear-Free sunblock contains Titanium Dioxide, recommended for baby's sensitive skin for broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

• Waterproof
• Hypoallergenic
• Fragrance-freef
• PABA-free
• Pediatrician tested
• As mild as water to baby's eyes and skin. No tearing, no stinging

Sun protection for specifically for kids:

Banana Boat Tear Free Sunblock SPF 30 at Beso.com

Banana Boat Kids Tear Free Sunblock Lotion, SPF 30 "Banana Boat® Kids sunblock provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection in a gentle, hypo-allergenic, and fragrance-free lotion." It contains titanium dioxide and is waterproof too.

Kids Tear Free UVA & UVB Sunblock Lotion

• Protects For Hours
• As Mild As Water
  Banana Boat® Kids Tear-Free sunblock provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection in a gentle, hypo-allergenic, and fragrance-free lotion that is as mild as water your child's eyes and skin.
• The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends this product as a safe and effective UV sunscreen.
• Made in Canada
• Active Ingredients: Homosalate (9%), Octinoxate (7.5%), Octisalate (5%), Titanium Dioxide (1.2%)

A lip balm, or sun stick for on the go and unexpected exposure, is a great sun protection for children idea, too.  Badger Basket SPF30 Face Stick is a great formulation that is natural, unscented, and uses a good sunscreen agent zinc oxide.  If this is hard to get a hold of, try Banana Boat's Sunblock Stick with another great formulation using what they call avotriplex (combined ingredients to creat a broad spectrum, sound, stable sunscreen formulation).

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