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While the sun is undoubtedly essential for life, it also carries some dangers, particularly for people with fairer skin. According to the Irish Cancer Society, people get most of their sun exposure before the age of 18. This is worrying for a number of reasons, not least because it can have far reaching consequences.
Skin cancers – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma– are the most common cancers among young people in Ireland, aged between 15 and 44. As Lead Consultant Plastic Surgeon for the Acute Plastics Trauma Service and skin cancer specialist at the Blackrock Clinic in Dublin, I have seen that a severe incident of sunburn during childhood or adolescence can increase the risk of melanoma and may result in skin cancer later on in life, so it is very important to not only protect your children from the sun but also to teach them smart sun care habits.
It’s not just a case of protecting your children while on holidays either. Perhaps more than adults, children are out and about in the daytime all year round. It is of course very important for children to get lots of exercise and play outside with their friends, and sun exposure is the best natural source of vitamin D and is important for general health. However, it’s essential children are educated on protecting skin from the sun so that they, and you, can safely get involved in all of the outdoor activities your family enjoys.
Ensure your child always wears sunscreen
Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before they go out in the sun. Make sure to apply a sufficient amount and to make sure it goes on evenly. Reapply often in hot weather, about every two hours, and always after they’ve been swimming or you’ve noticed them sweating a lot.
Sunscreen may not be sufficient to protect delicate skin, particularly in the summer or in warmer climates. Children should also wear sunglasses, wraparound ones ideally, to help protect eyes, a wide brimmed hat to protect the head, neck and ears, and a long-sleeved top to cover arms.
Making a child aware of suncare and being safe in the sun is a helpful way to ensure they will stay protected when out of your care; at school, crèche, etc. If they are used to good sun protection steps at home, such as long sleeved tops on sunny days, sun creams and hats, they will be inclined to take these steps themselves or reminded an adult to do so. Of course, parents should also talk to their child’s teacher or carer regarding this too.
Babies’ skin is very sensitive so, rather than using sunscreen (which can be chemical-heavy), you should keep them out of the sun for the first six months. Seek out shady areas and make sure they are covered with long sleeved clothing and a wide brimmed hat.
Children learn from example and if your child sees you applying sunscreen daily, avoiding the sun at peak hours (11am – 3pm) and seeking shade, it will stay with them. Introduce them to the Irish Cancer Society’s SunSmart Code and put them on a healthy skincare path. They might just thank you for it in the future.
If you are concerned about your skin or that of a loved one, arrange a consultation with me at my clinic, and download our free guide to sun protection:
Download Mr Chan's Guide to Proper Sunscreen Use
While the sun is undoubtedly essential for life, it also carries some dangers, particularly for people with fairer skin. According to the Irish Cancer Society, people get most of their sun exposure before the age of 18. This is worrying for a number of reasons, not least because it can have far reaching consequences.
Skin cancers – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma– are the most common cancers among young people in Ireland, aged between 15 and 44. As Lead Consultant Plastic Surgeon for the Acute Plastics Trauma Service and skin cancer specialist at the Blackrock Clinic in Dublin, I have seen that a severe incident of sunburn during childhood or adolescence can increase the risk of melanoma and may result in skin cancer later on in life, so it is very important to not only protect your children from the sun but also to teach them smart sun care habits.
It’s not just a case of protecting your children while on holidays either. Perhaps more than adults, children are out and about in the daytime all year round. It is of course very important for children to get lots of exercise and play outside with their friends, and sun exposure is the best natural source of vitamin D and is important for general health. However, it’s essential children are educated on protecting skin from the sun so that they, and you, can safely get involved in all of the outdoor activities your family enjoys.
Ensure your child always wears sunscreen
Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before they go out in the sun. Make sure to apply a sufficient amount and to make sure it goes on evenly. Reapply often in hot weather, about every two hours, and always after they’ve been swimming or you’ve noticed them sweating a lot.
Sunscreen may not be sufficient to protect delicate skin, particularly in the summer or in warmer climates. Children should also wear sunglasses, wraparound ones ideally, to help protect eyes, a wide brimmed hat to protect the head, neck and ears, and a long-sleeved top to cover arms.
Making a child aware of suncare and being safe in the sun is a helpful way to ensure they will stay protected when out of your care; at school, crèche, etc. If they are used to good sun protection steps at home, such as long sleeved tops on sunny days, sun creams and hats, they will be inclined to take these steps themselves or reminded an adult to do so. Of course, parents should also talk to their child’s teacher or carer regarding this too.
Babies’ skin is very sensitive so, rather than using sunscreen (which can be chemical-heavy), you should keep them out of the sun for the first six months. Seek out shady areas and make sure they are covered with long sleeved clothing and a wide brimmed hat.
Children learn from example and if your child sees you applying sunscreen daily, avoiding the sun at peak hours (11am – 3pm) and seeking shade, it will stay with them. Introduce them to the Irish Cancer Society’s SunSmart Code and put them on a healthy skincare path. They might just thank you for it in the future.
If you are concerned about your skin or that of a loved one, arrange a consultation with me at my clinic, and download our free guide to sun protection:
Download Mr Chan's Guide to Proper Sunscreen Use
