While enjoying summer outdoor activities, we sometimes forget about sun protection and fall victim to “accidental burn.” This is especially easy while running after little ones or caring for older children. Protect your family’s skin with these tips from Dr. Patty Agin of the Coppertone Solar Research Center:
1. See a dermatologist once a year for a skin check. No matter what your age! If detected early, melanoma can be treatable (survival rates for patients with early detection are about 99% but decrease depending on how far the melanoma has spread).
2. Apply. Apply. Apply. Because the sun may cause damage immediately, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to yourself and your kids before heading outside, even if you will be under trees! Remember to reapply every 80 minutes – even if the sunscreen is waterproof and sweatproof.
3. Choose high SPF. Coppertone just released its new Continuous Spray Ultra Guard and Sport Spray SPF 70+ spray – a clear, no-rub spray that quickly covers the body at any angle for fast anti-sunburn protection. This spray allows for quick reapplication in under 1 minute without rubbing in and getting hands greasy. Perfect to spritz on kids who don’t like to stand still!
4. Follow the shadow rule. If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun's rays are at their strongest. Cover up with sun protective clothing, such as a hat and sunglasses and head for the shade during mid-day heat whenever possible!
5. Get age specific. Coppertone created specially formulated sunscreens for both babies and kids. Water Babies Lotion is SPF 50 and designed for sensitive young skin. Coppertone Kids Lotion SPF 50 comes in an easy to apply spray formula as well as a rub-in lotion.