Safe In The Sun with Children

How will you spend your summer holidays this year? On a beach? In the back garden? At the local park? Whatever you decide to do, a sunscreen is your number one family essential. Here's what you need to know and do to prevent sunburn and ensure the whole family enjoy a happy, healthy summer...

Setting a few simple suncare rules will create good habits for the future whilst teaching your child to understand the need to protect themselves from the sun's harmful rays. Here are seven top tips to help you all stay safe in the sun:-

Aim to avoid the strongest rays of the day - first, avoid long periods in the sun during the hottest part of the day (ie when the sun is highest) so from 11am until 3pm.

Keep them covered up - wet clothing can lose up to half its UV protection so if they venture into their water, always put a clean t-shirt on when they return to dry land.

Watch out for cloudy days - the UV rays travel straight through clouds so, although it seems safe, you should still be vigilant. It can be especially deceptive as without the heat from the sun, we don't even notice the burning.

Wear sunglasses - sunglasses are essential for protecting eyes from the sun's glare. Choosing a wrap-a-round pair that offer maximum comfort for tiny ears, eyes and noses will ensure they wear them for longer.

Cover up - hats are really important as children's hair is so fine it doesn't offer much protection and too much sun can make a child feel irritable, tired, sick and dizzy. Opt for one with a longer piece of fabric that keeps their neck and ears well covered.

When it gets really hot, or when you feel they've been in the sun long enough, cover up in a long sleeved t-shirt. Also try to have a top with a collar which you can turn up to protect the back of the neck.

If the forecast is hot and sunny, apply a generous layer of high protection sunscreen and send them off to school in a hat they can wear outside during playtime. To read more about sun protection go to http://www.pureandgentleskincare.com/documents/Sun_Safety_Fact_Sheet.pdf