a ketteringhealth.org 11 Protect your young ones Children under six months old should avoid sun exposure. If it’s unavoidable, babies should not wear sunscreen. Instead, dress them in hats and rash guards (swim shirts) for protection, and consider using protective clothing throughout their childhood. “For my children, I really like the rash guards,” says Rebecca Tuttle, MD. “I don’t know if you have ever tried to put sunscreen on a two-year-old, but it is really like trying to apply sunscreen to a water weenie.” Dr. Tuttle also recommends nosting sunscreen. “If you put it on and it burns their eyes, you’re going to find it hard to get it on them again,” she says. When children are older, any type of sunscreen is effective if used correctly. Dr. Tuttle recommends using sticks for the face to avoid sunscreen running into your child’s eyes, and cream for the body to know your child is getting full coverage. Cover all exposed skin, including often-missed areas such as ears, tops of feet, and back of the neck. Teaching your children to wear sunscreen at an early age will benefit them the rest of their lives. “It is important to build healthy habits,” Dr. Tuttle says. “My kids know if they go outside, they’re going to wear sunscreen. It’s a habit. Children learn what they live.” 20 minutes before sun exposure. So apply sunscreen before leaving the house, not when you arrive at the park or beach. Many sunscreen options are available, so try different types to find what you need, such as formulas that leave no residue or are free of chemicals your body might react to. Sunscreens are also available specifically for children, who are at high risk for sunburns that could increase their skin-cancer risk later in life. Finally, make sure everyone in your group is wearing sunscreen, regardless of skin tone. Despite popular misconceptions, people of color are still susceptible to sunburn and are at higher risk for different types of melanoma. this summer
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