We all know how important it is to protect your child’s skin from the sun. Whether you’re on holiday or here at home, they’re skin is very sensitive and needs to be protected on any of those sunny days. So here is a list of things you need to protect your child from the sun.
 
Clothing
At the beach or in the garden, pop on sun protective clothing, Choose clothing that:
• Covers as much skin as possible eg. long sleeves and high necks/collars.
• Is made from close weave materials such as cotton, polyester/cotton and linen.
• If used for swimming, is made from materials such as lycra, which stays sun protective when wet.
 
Use SPF 30+ sunscreen at a minimum
Make sure your sunscreen is broad spectrum and water-resistant. Sunscreen should not be used to increase the amount of time you spend in the sun and should always be used with other forms of protection. Apply sunscreen liberally to clean, dry skin before going outside and reapply every two hours. Although you should use a minimum of factor 30 on your kids, factor 50 should really be used, especially when your child is very young or if they have fair skin.
 
Wear a hat
A broad rimmed, legionnaire or floppy style hat provides good protection for the face, nose, neck and ears. Caps and visors do not provide adequate protection. Choose a hat made with closely woven fabric – if you can see through it, UV radiation will get through. Hats may not protect your child from reflected UV radiation, so also have them wear sunglasses and sunscreen to increase their level of protection.
 
Shade your family
Make use of trees or bring your own UV beach shade. Staying in the shade is an effective way to reduce sun exposure. Whatever you use for shade, make sure it casts a dark shadow and use other protection (such as clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen).
 
Sunny sunglasses
Sunglasses and a broad brimmed hat worn together can reduce UV radiation exposure to the eyes by up to 98 per cent. Choose close-fitting wrap-around sunglasses that meet Government Standards. Sunglasses are as important for children as they are for adults. Remember to take extra care between 10am and 3pm when UV radiation is most intense.
 
 

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