Sunscreens for children and babies
The tender skin of children and babies is particularly vulnerable to the ravages of the sun. Just one bad sunburn in the childhood years greatly increases the risk of developing skin cancer as an adult.
London Drugs carries a number of quality UVA/UVB sunscreens for children and babies, including Coppertone® Water Babies® with an SPF of 60 and Coppertone® Kids waterproof sunscreen, SPF 60, in a squeeze or convenient continuous spray format.
It is important to make sure that, in addition to wearing sunscreen, your little one also wears a sun hat and light clothing that covers the shoulders (a T-shirt is ideal). Babies should not have sunscreen applied until they are over six months old. This includes sunscreens for babies. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that children also wear sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB protection on bright and/or sunny days. These should preferably be a wraparound style.
Teens and the sun
Close to 80 percent of a lifetime’s exposure to the sun takes place before a person reaches the age of 18. While concerned parents can make sure their child is well protected, as soon as children reach their teens, they are usually on their own. Unfortunately, this independence corresponds with the desire to look good, and this often means sporting a tan.
The best way to ensure your teenaged child continues to use sunscreen is to make it a habit from early childhood. As your child ages, teach her how to apply sunscreen herself and make her accountable for doing so. Also be sure to teach about the dangers of the sun (magazine articles are great to clip and keep).
Sunscreens and sports
Sport sunscreens have been specially formulated to stay on the skin when you perspire. They are usually substantial enough not to run into your eyes, and waterproof. Sport sunscreens should be reapplied frequently if you remain in the sunshine. If you plan on being active in the sun this summer, be sure to use an appropriate sunscreen, such as Coppertone Sport® SPF 30 lotion or continuous spray, with SPF of 60. Both broad spectrum products are waterproof and oil-free and do not leave a greasy residue that could affect your grip.
Reading the UV Index
The UV index is an international standard measurement of how strong the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is at a particular place on a particular day. Its purpose is to help people effectively protect themselves from UV light You can find the UV Index on the weather page of most daily newspapers. Here’s how to read the UV rating.
0 to 2 (low) Minimal protection is required for normal activity. Wear sunglasses on bright days. If you're outside for more than one hour, cover up and use sunscreen.
3 to 5 (moderate) Cover up. Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen if you're outside for more than 30 minutes. Seek shade at midday when the sun is strongest.
6 to 7 (high) Protection is required. Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Reduce your exposure to the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
8 to 10 (very high) Take full precautions and avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Fair-skinned people can burn in less than 5 minutes. Wear clothing with tightly-woven fabric as UV rays can pass through the spaces of loosely knit clothes.
11+ (extreme) Take full precautions and avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Fairskinned people can burn in less than 5 minutes. A UV Rating this high is extremely rare in Canada - but fairly common in tropical areas.
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