Each year 1,500 Australians die from skin cancer. Exposure to the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays from a young age increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
Discover the best ways to protect your kids from sun damage, and help decrease the risk of the world’s most easily preventable cancer.
Slip on a shirt
If your kids are like most normal kids, they’ll be rolling around in sand and jumping in and out of the water, and standing still for constant reapplications of sunscreen is pure torture. A rash vest or swim shirt in combination with the use of sunscreen can give added protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Made from sun protection fabric with UV tech 50+ fabric, which filters out up to 97.5 per cent of harmful rays, rash vests provide better protection than a normal cotton t-shirt. They are available in a range of designs and colours kids will love.
Slop on sunscreen
Use a reliable sunscreen designed especially for children. Sunscreens can get messy, particularly when you have impatient kids who won’t stand still while you apply it evenly. Opt for a roll-on applicator which is simple and easy for both mum and kids to use. A non-greasy, fragrance-free sunscreen is good for delicate young skin.
Slap on a hat
Not all hats are created equal. Ensuring your kids wear a broad-brimmed hat decreases the amount of harmful UV rays reaching the eyes by approximately 50 per cent. You need to select one with a wide brim, approximately 7.5 centimetres wide, to provide good coverage to your child’s ears, face and the back of their neck. Make sure the hat is a comfortable fit and firm around the brim to prevent it blowing off in a slight breeze.
Wrap on sunnies
Sunglasses are no longer just a fashion statement, they are a necessity for eye protection when outdoors. Many schools are now including sunglasses as part of the school uniform. A good pair of sunnies should protect from UVA and UVB rays.
Pop up a beach tent
Whether on the beach or playing in the backyard, an easy to assemble pop-up beach tent with UV fabric can provide extra protection during the heat of the day. They’re ideal as a wind breaker, give privacy while changing out of swimmers and are a great way of protecting newborns from bright sunlight.
Stay indoors
During the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. during daylight savings), crank up the air conditioning and stay indoors. These are the hours where UVB rays are at their most intense, even if it’s cloudy and overcast.
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