Contributed by: Lisa Gelles, MD, Director of Pediatric Dermatology
Whether you’re planning a trip to the beach or enjoying the beautiful views at the Cleveland Metroparks, it’s important to remember that proper sun protection will keep your family healthy for summers to come.
Despite what you may have heard, there’s no such thing as a “healthy suntan,” and skin damage from overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can have serious long-term effects on your health.
Lisa Gelles, MD, Director of Pediatric Dermatology, says the key to protecting your family’s health today and in the future starts with sunscreen.
Protecting Their Skin Now Means a Healthier Future
Though symptoms of sunburn – red skin, soreness, irritation and blistering – may not be present until hours after exposure, sun damage to your skin can occur as quickly as 15 minutes if you’re not properly protected.
Although skin cancer is rare in children, too much sunburn at a young age can greatly increase the chance of it occurring decades later. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average person’s highest rate of exposure to UV rays occurs before the age of 18. That means applying sunscreen early and often could prevent serious and potentially deadly health consequences later in your child’s life.
Which Sunscreen Should I Use?
Dr. Gelles recommends any sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher. When applied correctly, sunscreen with a SPF 30 rating will filter out 97% of the sun’s harmful rays. While a higher SPF will filter out additional UV rays, SPF 60 sunscreen is not twice as protective as a SPF 30 sunscreen.
But what about sunscreens labeled specifically for kids? “That’s just marketing,” says Dr. Gelles. Any kind of sunscreen can be used by kids and adults so long as they’re rated SPF 30 or higher and haven’t expired.
Chemical vs. Physical Sunscreens
Most sunscreens commonly found in stores today fall into two categories: Physical and chemical. Dr. Gelles recommends using a physical sunscreen because they prevent sun damage immediately upon application, whereas chemical sunscreens need to be applied at least 20 minutes before going outside to be effective.
To determine which is which, check the labels. Physical sunscreens will usually have zinc oxide or titanium dioxide listed on the front or back of the bottle.
What About Spray Sunscreens?
Though aerosol or spray on sunscreens may seem like a convenient option, uneven spraying could lead to too thin of a layer of protection for your skin. “Parents may also accidently get sunscreen in their child’s eyes if they’re not careful of where they spray,” says Dr. Gelles.
That said, Dr. Gelles believes any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen at all. So whether you choose a physical or chemical sunscreen, lotion or aerosol, be sure it has a rating of SPF 30 or higher and always follow the directions for proper application.
How Else Can You Keep Your Family Safe?
To limit the chances of sunburn, Dr. Gelles recommends avoiding outside activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. That can be difficult for many summer activities, so if you must be out during that time, remember to take advantage of shaded areas, use sunscreen often and consider giving your skin more protection by wearing light, long-sleeved clothing and hats.
And remember: UV rays can travel through clouds. So even when the sun isn’t shining brightly, your skin is still at risk for sunburn.
So, before you grab the cooler, pack the snacks and head out for another sun-soaked adventure, don’t forget one of the most important items in your bag – sunscreen! It’s the easiest way to keep your family smiling, safe and sunburn-free all summer long. Afterall, memories of playing, swimming and hiking outside should last a lifetime, not the sun damage.
To learn more about MetroHealth Dermatology, visit metrohealth.org/dermatology.
