Colder months often leave parents thinking that the sun’s rays are not as big of a risk to the health of their families. However, studies have shown that ultraviolet (UV) rays are equally as harmful in the winter months, and equally as able to increase the risk of skin cancer in children and adults. Protecting your children’s skin from harsh UV rays should be an important part of your daily routine. Here are some tips for your children’s skincare during the winter that you can implement to protect the health of your family.
How Do UV Rays Damage Children’s Skin?
UVA and UVB rays kill skin cells by damaging DNA. Light from the sun create a reaction between two molecules that are involved in the base makeup of DNA. While the body is able to repair this kind of damage, many cells are still broken down when the damage is extensive. In other words, the longer you are exposed to UVA and UVB rays without proper sun protection and covering, the more damage is caused to your DNA.
UV Rays in Winter vs. Summer
If your children are involved in outdoor winter sports like snowboarding or skiing, they should apply broad spectrum sunscreen every few hours, wear goggles that have UVA and UVB protection, and keep their face covered with a scarf, if possible. It may seem excessive, but the reflection of the sun off of ice and snow can be even more damaging than direct sunlight. It is always better to take preventative measures than have to deal with skin problems later on.
Aside from covering up with clothes, it is important to note that sunscreen is a vital part of this process. UVA rays have a longer wavelength, which means that they can penetrate deeper into the skin and other objects. UVA rays have been tested to penetrate fabrics, glass, clothes, and clouds. In the summer, you can feel the scorching heat, which is a good reminder that you need to apply or reapply sunscreen. In the fall and winter, however, you don’t necessarily feel the sun’s heat, but the sun’s exposure is just as dangerous. People generally assume that the sun isn’t as strong during the winter, and worry less about sunscreen as most of their body is covered. Unfortunately, even if the sun is less strong, the rays can still emanate and lead to a higher risk of cancer.
Children vs. Adult Skin
There are some basic structural differences between adult skin and children’s skin. For example, children have less hair, their skin loses moisture faster, it’s paper thin and extremely sensitive, and absorbs like a sponge. With a weaker defense system, you need to take extra care as a parent to make sure that your child’s skin is protected and moisturized all year long.
How to Protect Children’s Skin from UV Rays in the Winter
Protecting your children’s skin from UV rays in the winter is not a complicated process. All you really need to do is set a routine for how often your child applies sunscreen, and you can make sure that they are covering their skin and face when they go outside. You can help keep the sun off your skin by using protective clothing. Many clothing lines provide high-tech, high-performance fabric that are specifically designed to guard against UVA and UVB rays. Wearing hats is also beneficial as your head is the first place that the sun hits.
Anytime you or your child goes outside, you should be using broad protection SPF lotion, because it creates an invisible barrier between the sun’s rays and your skin. Especially for children, whose skin is more delicate and sensitive, you should be taking extra care to keep their skin young and healthy as long as possible. It is also important to try to find products that are free from harsh chemicals and preservatives. The sunscreen product should be applied to any skin that is left uncovered including the face, neck, ears, and even the back of their hands.
Invest in Your Child’s Skin with Natural Sun Protection Products by DermalYouth
At DermalYouth, we are dedicated to providing around-the-clock skincare products that are uniquely formulated with children in mind and backed by The Skin Cancer Foundation. Our world-class formula caters to children’s sensitive and delicate skin, and come in a range of sun protection from SPF 23 to SPF 60. You can rest assured that you child has full coverage protection all day, even during the winter.
DermalYouth makes children’s skincare easy with our patented Skincare System. Our Daytime and Nighttime formulas come in color-coded bottles with airless pumps, perfectly measured for one application so it takes the guesswork out of it. Apply before or after toothbrushing to know your children are covered, 24/7, 365 days a year! The best part about these products is that they are made from all-natural ingredients, derived from nature. They also include moisturizing ingredients like borage oil and shea butter, which protect the skin and nourishes it from the outside-in.
If you want peace of mind knowing that your child’s beautiful skin is being protected day and night, we encourage you to try our high-quality skincare products. For more information about our product line, or visit dermalyouth.com to shop our product line.
Photo credit : iStock.com/shironosov
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