Tanning And Sun Safety: Here's Everything You Should Talk To Your Child About

If your little one has just learned about ‘tanning’ or that sun-kissed glow—whether from the movies or web series with characters flaunting their bronze complexion. So before they turn into a ‘Sun worshiper,’ it’s time to speak to them about sun safety and the dos and don'ts.

When it comes to the reality check, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, just a single blistering sunburn is enough to double up the chances for developing melanoma at the later stages. While a tan may be your way to feel confident, it’s actually a skin’s cry for help. Or more specifically—a sign of DNA change that can have potentially harmful consequences.

This particular fact is enough to make many parents wrap their kids before sending them outside. But is this really needed? No, with some safety precautions, you don’t need to worry anymore about your kids getting impacted by the harmful UV rays.

Read this article to explore some of the best tips on tanning and sun safety you should teach your little ones about.

The big myth is that Tan reciprocates health. The question is—is it really so? For kids, that bronzed look may appear nice, but it is certainly the skin screaming for help. In fact, even the World Health Organization states no tan is a safe tan. The fact is—whether tanning is due to sun or tanning bed, you are exposed to higher chances of getting skin cancer.

Let’s get straight to the figures.

Teaching your little ones about sun protection is as simple as making them learn ABC. Here’s what these alphabets mean in 'sun protection’ language.

The sun’s strongest rays fall between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. So, if you’re scheduling some outdoor plans, the better way is to avoid these peak hours and schedule it for later in the day. And if it’s really that urgent, don’t forget to get your hands on some rigorous sun protection for both you and your kids.

Sunscreens are not just about SPF anymore. So, if your child is just heading out to play, make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Moreover, make sure it’s at least SPF 30, and you can go for higher alternatives, SPF 50 or 60, based on the specific environment and needs. Lastly, reapplying it every 2-3 hours is a must.

While your little one may not fully adjust to the idea of covering himself up, it is really needed. From a wide hat to sunglasses, long-sleeved shirts, and rash guards, there are endless choices available when it comes to sun protective apparel.

Kids always learn better by examples. In short, they follow more what you do than what you say. It’s time for you not to hesitate while slathering on the sunscreen and flaunting your wide-brimmed hat with the cool shades while hanging out.

If your child is still craving that bronze look, try looking for alternatives such as self-tanning lotions and sprays that can give them the bronzed glow without exposing them to the harmful UV rays.

Sun safety and tanning are essential conversations, and letting your children know about making smart choices is an indispensable thing. The sun will surely be there. So its time to inform your kids about the right habits and sun safety practices to beat the harmful UV rays.