Sun sense: protect the entire family

Young or old. Wrinkled or smooth. Freckled or plain. No matter what condition their skin is in, all members of your family need sun protection.

Let’s face it: The sun doesn’t discriminate. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause sunburns, lead to future wrinkles and raise the risk for skin cancer, no matter a person’s age.

So have a sun safety plan for the whole family. Start with these three steps from the American Academy of Dermatology and other experts.

“Water and sand reflect the sun, increasing the intensity of sun exposure and chances of sunburn,” said Alicia Ogram, M.D., Kootenai Clinic Dermatology. “Using a beach umbrella, UPF rated sun protection clothing, or dark, tightly woven fabrics will help protect your skin. Also, do not be fooled by cloudy days! Clouds allow 70-80 percent ultraviolet (UV) penetration.”

Shun the sun. Try to stay out of it during the most intense hours of sunlight, about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you do go outside, cover up with long sleeves and pants and a wide-brimmed hat. Aim to stay in the shade, and encourage the kids to play in the shade as well.

Keep eyes under wraps. UV light can damage eyes and increase the chance of cataracts developing later in life. The corneas can also get a sort of sunburn—a temporary but painful condition. Make sure everyone in the family has a pair of sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV light. That includes even the youngest members of the family, whose sunglasses should be the real deal—not toy sunglasses.

Use plenty of sunscreen. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Also be sure it has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Apply it to exposed skin about 15 minutes before you head outside, and reapply it every two hours. Check with your child’s doctor before putting sunscreen on a baby under 6 months old.

“Sunscreens are available as creams, sprays, sticks, and powders,” Dr. Ogram said. “If you use a spray, spray a double layer to protect against missed spots. Make sure to spray in a well-ventilated area as inhalation can be damaging to the lungs. Sticks are a great option for kids and for preventing sunscreen from running in to your eyes. Ultimately, the best sunscreen is the one that you will wear.”

To learn more about summer skin care, or to meet with a dermatologist, visit KH.org/dermatology or call (208) 625-4260.