The answer is yes - Ultraviolet rays can’t differentiate between an adult and a child. Children’s skin especially is still developing and is extra sensitive to the immediate environment. Given their active outdoor regime, protection from the sun is a necessity and not a luxury. Hence it is a good idea to be well covered and soundly protected from the harsh Sun rays, irrespective of one’s age group.
Kids are also naturally susceptible to overexposure to the sun because of various activities like travelling to and fro from the school, playtime in the sun, living inside glass buildings and so on. And each of these activities is vital for our kid’s growth and well-being. It’s important to remember that a basic Kid Sun Care should protect the kid from harmful effects of Ultraviolet rays both indoors and outdoors.
We can add these simple Sun Care rituals to add Sunshine to their life without its side-effects.
1.CHOOSING A SAFE AND NATURAL SUNSCREEN
Keeping your child's skin covered is the first step towards sun protection. We need to add a good hat or cap and ensure that they are well hydrated through the day. It's important to introduce their skin to a mineral-enriched sunscreen that is gentle on it, but blocks the sun effectively. Look for minerals like Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide to identify mineral sunscreens and don't be afraid of the slight white cast these natural Sunscreens may leave at white application. And like all things we use for the first time, a patch test is a good idea with any Sunscreen we choose for our young ones.
2. APPLYING THE SUNSCREEN CORRECTLY
For kids, SPF 21 Sunscreen is great for Indian Urban Lifestyle. But there are some important ‘How to Apply’ instructions we need to follow diligently. Like, most Sunscreens need to be applied minimum 20-30 minutes before stepping out in direct sun. Some are ready to go. But what’s common amongst all sun protection products is the fact that they need to be applied every 2 hours. Yes on kids too, and even in the water.
3. INCULCATING DAILY SUN PROTECTION AS A GOOD HABIT
Sun Protection is as vital as good hygiene or healthy eating habits. We need to educate our kids about making Sun Care a daily self-care ritual. They need to understand how being in the sun is important for the bones yet over exposure is damaging for the human body. Applying Sunscreen regularly ourselves, is the biggest motivating factor for the young ones. After all we all know what great imitators they are.
4. MAKING THEM AWARE ABOUT SIGNIFICANCE OF SUN CARE, INDOORS TOO
We often underestimate the effects of Sun rays when we are travelling or are indoors. The fact is that glass does not block out Ultraviolet rays and the kids need to understand that. Regular use of Sunscreen even when at home is a great way to reiterate the same for the kids.
Kids on an average spend enough time in the Sun for ample production of Vitamin D. For the better part of the day they need Sunscreen so their soft skin does not bear the brunt of harsh and fierce Sun rays. A tan is not a symbol of great and active lifestyle, it is the first sign of skin damage and burn. And the good news is that we can protect our kids with these simple Sun Care rituals. So let them rise and shine, just don’t forget the Sunscreen.