Introducing a Great Sun Safety Tool for Kids

Many of us have heard about the dangers of over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and its direct link to an increased risk for skin cancer. Yet, how many of us proactively protect ourselves – and our children?

The risk for skin cancer is not hype; rather, it’s a very real threat. More than 1.3-million Americans will be diagnosed with a form of skin cancer this year – including melanoma, the deadliest form. In fact, melanoma kills more women in their 20s and 30s than any other cancer. Melanoma is even being seen in young children.


It's true - skin cancer is the world’s most common cancer, and the fastest growing cancer in the United States.

The good news: Skin cancer is largely preventable if we’re proactive about year-round sun protection.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 80% of one’s lifetime sun damage occurs before age 18. In other words, if a child suffers one “blistering” sunburn before they reach 18, their risk for skin cancer as an adult dramatically increases (by approximately 60%).

These staggering statistics illustrate a growing epidemic that requires proactive prevention. This includes proper, regular application of a quality broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen – year-round (even on cold, cloudy days). Before your child goes outside, be sure to apply a shotglass amount of a quality broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen all over their body (don’t forget the ears, backs of necks, tops of feet, and hands). Do this approximately 20 minutes before they go outdoors. Then, reapply sunscreen every hour. If your child is under the age of six months, consult your dermatologist for advice. (Infants that young shouldn’t be exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time.) Begin the process of daily sunscreen application when your children are young to foster a lifelong habit of proper sun protection. And, as with any important lesson, children learn best from example; therefore, parents should be applying sunscreen every day and reapplying it every two hours.

For more information about how sunscreens work, how to choose a quality sunscreen, and how to maximize sunscreen efficacy, please surf the Blog to view articles discussing this topic.

In the meantime, here’s a great educational tool to help teach your children about the importance of sun safety:

SKIN SENSE, written by social worker/mother Lori Glickman, is the first – and only – children’s book that teaches young children about sun safety/skin cancer prevention. Written in the voice of a four-year-old girl, it’s engaging and easy to understand. Order your copy today at www.UVSKINZ.com.

" [SKIN SENSE is] An accurate and important book, which grabs the attention of its young audience and impels them to want to protect their skin.” - Dr. Katherine Bell, dermalogist, Texas.