We all love soaking up the sun, but did you know that skin cancer is the number one diagnosed cancer in the United States? Treasure Valley Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center want you to be proactive in protecting you and your family’s skin.
Sunscreen Tips to Protect Yourself from the Summer Sun
Nobody likes a sunburn! Keep in mind that every time you and your family are sunburnt, it means you were exposed to harmful UV rays. Not only can it cause premature aging, but it can contribute to a higher risk of skin cancer. One of the leading causes of skin cancer is UV-rays produced by the sun, so you need to stay protected.
Living in the Treasure Valley’s high desert, the sun can be hard to avoid. Luckily, there are many ways to reduce your risk of developing skin cancers, like melanoma - the most deadly form of skin cancer.
Here are some tips from the Treasure Valley’s expert, Dr. Dustin Portela, at Treasure Valley Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, on protecting yourself and your family from the sun:
1. Apply Sunscreen Before Going Outdoors
Not only is sunscreen easily forgotten when you get to your destination, but it also takes about 15 minutes for your skin to absorb. By applying sunscreen in advance, you won’t be distracted by the excitement of your outdoor adventure and you will be guaranteed protection upon arrival!
2. Don’t Be Stingy
Sunscreen is not meant to be a light lather, get after it and apply heavily! On average, an adult needs about one ounce of sunscreen to fully cover their body. Just to give you an idea of one ounce… it’s about the size of a shot glass!
3. Rub It In
Sunscreen isn’t meant to sit on top of the skin - it is meant to be absorbed into the skin fully. So whether you have lotion or spray, you need to rub the sunscreen in to be fully protected!
4. Keep An Eye On The Time
You need to reapply! Reapply sunscreen about every two hours, after swimming or sweaty activities to keep your skin protected from the harsh rays of the sun!
Sunscreen Tips for Kids & Babies
Now that you know the basics about sunscreen application, we want to share our tips for caring for your little one’s skin!
Applying sunscreen to children isn’t always easy, especially for wiggly toddlers. Because of their young age, children are extremely susceptible to sunburns. Here are some additional tips from the Treasure Valley Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center on protecting your active little ones:
1. Apply Sunscreen EVERYWHERE
Don’t forget about ears, hands, feet, shoulders, behind the neck, and even under the bathing suit. These wiggle worms often shift their swimsuits while playing and some swimsuits protect from the sun, so be generous and apply sunscreen everywhere.
2. Applying to The Face
Eager children can make it difficult to apply sunscreen, especially to the face. To minimize the wiggles, swaddle your child in a towel. This helps reduce the chance of them getting sunscreen in their eyes as well! Try a sunscreen stick to reduce the potential for accidental eye contamination. Extra layers are recommended.
3. How to Deal With the Wiggles
Chasing down an excited child to apply sunscreen is the last thing you want to deal with when you get to your destination. So, to help wrangle your child, apply the sunscreen while they are strapped in their car seat.
4. Wear Extra Coverings
To add an extra layer of protection for your child, there are now many choices in long-sleeve swimsuits and active gear. Recommend a hat of their choice to help cover their cute little faces.