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The real facts about Suntan Lotion and Protecting Our Children and Ourselves |
We all love a suntan. We feel more healthy. Glamorous even. But the price of a suntan can come at an alarming cost if we aren’t careful. Every year in the UK, 2300 die from skin cancer.
With so many suntan lotions on the market it’s little wonder that many of us are a little confused as to how we best protect our children’s delicate skin, and our own. |
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| FACT: UK children and teenagers have the fastest growing rates of skin cancer in Europe! |
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In the UK the cases of melanoma skin cancer are four times higher than what they were back in the 1970s.
With children spending between 50% and 80% of their time before they are 18 in the sunshine, it’s vital we are protecting their delicate skin. And this means when we are at home as well as abroad.
Despite what many people think and say, the sun in the UK is just as harmful as that overseas! |
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A simple guide to sun safety |
| Well, this guide will hopefully make things a little simpler to understand. Explaining what to look out for, how to apply, when to apply and what the SPF actually means and stands for. As well as important information about UVA and UVB protection. |
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What does SPF mean and how does it stop us burning? |
| Suntan lotions are measured with an SPF. This stands for Sun Protection Factor. This means how long the wearer can be protected by the lotion before the onset of burning. Everyone is different. How long it takes a darker, olive skinned person to burn will likely to be longer than a fair haired person. |
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| FACT: SPF 30 does NOT offer 30 hours of sun protection. |
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| So, for example, if you and your little ones show signs of burning after 10 minutes, by wearing an
SPF 30 it will delay the onset of burning for around 300 minutes. |
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UVA and UVB Protection |
It is hugely important we protect ourselves and our little ones from the dangerous UVA and UVB rays of the sun. Both of which cause skin cancer, such as melanoma. UVA also causes skin aging and wrinkles. Whilst UVB causes sun burn, as well as cataracts and damage to our immune systems.
A suntan lotion’s protection of these ultraviolet rays are measured in stars, from 0 to 5. You’ll notice that most suntan lotions will offer, for instance an SPF 30 with 4 star rating. The higher the star rating the better the UVA and UVB protection. |
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| FACT: Simply by using a higher factor lotion, with a lower UVA and UVB star rating will not give you the extra UVA and UVB protection! |
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Application and Reapplying |
Always apply your suntan lotion at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. Protection from the sun is not instant. The lotion needs to be fully absorbed into the skin. Ideally apply it as soon as you get up and washed.
Nearly everyone does not apply enough lotion. Make sure every part of you and your child is covered. Coloured lotions are a good way to see if this has been done.
Whether you are all showing signs of redness and burning or not reapply frequently. At least every two hours. |
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| FACT : Cheaper lotions offer the same protection as their expensive counterparts |
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Another myth for us to quash is that the cost of a lotion doesn’t determine it's effectiveness. Like-for-like, an expensive suntan lotion offers the same amount of protection as a cheaper version. So, for example, a cheap bottle of SPF 30 with 4 stars for UVA will offer the exact same protection as an expensive brand with the same SPF and UVA rating.
They have to be the same as all suntan lotions have to meet the same World Standard. It is simply down to personal preference, for example the feel and smell, and of course big brands that are more influential. |
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The importance of the sun’s Vitamin D |
| Getting vitamin D is vital for healthy bones. There is now concern by medical experts that as parents, some of us are covering up our children too much. By using a sun block we aren’t allowing important nutrients into our children’s bodies. The advice now is that children should wear an SPF 30 or 40 with a UVA and UVB protection, with parents being extra vigilant about reapplication. This way the child is protected but the goodness of the sun is getting through safely. |
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Fast Facts: |
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When buying suntan lotion buy nothing lower than an SPF 30 |
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Lotions must have protection from both UVA and UVA with a minimum of 4 stars. |
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For children’s sensitive skin buy a lotion that is hypoallergenic and fragrance free. |
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Apply your suntan lotion at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. Lotion does not offer immediate protection. |
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Reapply every two hours at the very least, whether you all feel and look like you are burning or not. |
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Even if you are wearing water proof lotion, be sure to reapply once you are out of the water. |
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Stay out of the harsh sun between 11am and 3pm. |
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A child should always wear a brimmed hat – this covers the delicate back of the neck and ears. |
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Of course sun safety isn’t just about protecting our children. Many of us spend so much time thinking about our children being covered up we forget about ourselves. Often going out without wearing any suntan lotion at all.
Make sun protection is part of your routine - apply your own and your children’s suntan lotion before you all get dressed. After a short while applying your lotion will be as normal as putting on your undies!
Sun protection isn’t just for children. It’s for the whole family! |
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