Skin Cancer Prevention for Kids
- The easiest way to prevent UV rays from hitting your skin is to stay out of the sun as much as possible. If you're relaxing with your friends on the grass, look for a shady spot under a tree. If you're relaxing on the beach, lie down under a beach umbrella. Stay inside as much as possible during the part of the day where the UV rays are most dangerous -- between 10 am and 4 pm. UV rays are present even on cloudy or hazy days.
- Cover up as much of your skin as possible. Wear a light, long-sleeved shirt when you're outside, as well as long pants or skirts. Make sure that your clothing has a tight weave. Get a hat with a wide brim to cover your head and shade your face, ears and neck. Wear sunglasses that have UV protection -- the higher percentage of protection, the better.
- Rub sunscreen into your skin on all uncovered areas before you go into the sun. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, and make sure that it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. If you're going into the water, make sure that it is meant for water, and reapply often according to the directions. For extra fun, use a spray or a colorful sunblock, and help your friends apply it.