Summer Skin Tips

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF), just one bad sunburn during childhood can more than double a the chances of developing melanoma (the most serious type of skin cancer) later in life. For babies under 6-months-old, the SCF recommends avoiding the sun as much as possible. Using covered strollers and dressing babies in lightweight clothing that covers their arms and legs may also help protect babies from the sun’s harmful rays. Don’t forget hats to protect their noses and ears too! The SCF also recommends that children under 1 use a tear-free sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher. Do not spray sunscreen directly on a baby’s face and make sure to reapply every couple of hours. For toddlers, try water-resistant sunscreen and lightweight cotton clothing. It’s important to also to encourage toddlers to play in the shade rather than in direct sun during the time when the sun’s rays are most intense — from 10AM to 4PM.