Deciding to take better care of your skin is a great place to start improving your health: after all, it is the body’s largest organ. Even though skin cancer is the world’s most common cancer — one in five Americans will develop the disease — it is also highly preventable.
Sun Safety
A Few Additional Statistics:
Of the 7 most common cancers in the U.S., Melanoma is the only one whose incidence is increasing.
On average, a person’s risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than 5 sunburns.
5 or more sunburns in youth increases lifetime melanoma risk by 80%.
Boys are more likely to develop skin cancer on face and trunk; girls on lower legs and hips.
The highest rates of melanoma are in some of the cloudiest states; the top 5 states are Delaware, Vermont, New Hampshire, Wyoming and Oregon.
It is important to take sun safety seriously with your children at an early age and teach them proper precautions. When you are enjoying the outdoors, the following tips and precautions should become part of your regular routine with your children:
Sunscreen, every day, cloudy days too as 80% of sun’s UV rays can pass through clouds.
Apply SPF of at least 30, 15-20 minutes before sun exposure.
Reapply every 2 hours, or more often with swimming or excessive sweating.
The most intense sun occurs 10am-3pm; try to schedule outdoor activities outside of that time frame.
Protect all areas of the body; ears, lips, scalp, hands and feet are often ignored.
Wear protective clothing such as hats with brim, sunglasses and long sleeves.
Lastly, if there are any skin conditions you notice on your children that are of concern, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with a dermatologist. It is also important to be familiar with your children’s skin, check for any irregular shaped moles, or moles that may itch or bleed. Mole mapping at your dermatologist is a very good idea if you do notice any irregular moles, and/ or if your family has a history of skin cancer.
Take care of you and your children’s skin. Remember to make sun protection a daily habit while you and your family enjoy all that summer and outdoor activities have to offer!
Skincare Habits To Teach Your Children Everyone knows it’s easier to prevent the effects of aging than it is to undo years of skin damage. So we invest in the best face creams, and indulge in regular facials in order to keep our skin looking as glowy and youthful as possible, even as the years march on!
But the truth is, good skincare is not just about looking good, it is about staying healthy as well. By protecting our skin from the sun, we can drastically reduce our risk of skin cancer, and by making daily skincare a priority we will be more in tune with the tiny changes in our appearance which may point towards a bigger issue such as anaemia, nutritional deficiency or a problem mole.
Learning good skincare habits is as important as learning good dental care or good personal hygiene, and it should start early. With the right information, and the right products, you can give your daughter (and son!) the gift of great skin for life.
RULE #1 – Don’t start too early
There is no point in trying to teach a toddler a skincare regime – they will be much too interested in squirting moisturiser all over your bathroom. Wait until your child starts showing a sense of responsibility. This can vary from person to person, but most children will start asserting their independence by around 7 years old. They will want to go to the bathroom by themselves, brush their teeth by themselves and choose their own outfits. This is a good time to encourage them to start washing their own face and moisturising before bed.
RULE #2 – Set a good example
You are the number one role model in your child’s life. Whether or not you realise it, they will be seeking to emulate you in a hundred different ways every day. This goes for skincare too. Share your morning and evening routine with your daughter or son – they will have great fun copying you, experimenting with your products and asking you questions, and it can be a sweet bonding experience for you both.
RULE #3 – Keep it natural
Young skin is very sensitive, so stay away from any abrasive products (such as exfoliators) or chemical ingredients (such as parabens) which have the potential to damage the skin. Look for organic products which include natural ingredients such as aloe vera. Remember, this is about encouraging good habits, not making changes to their skin so there is nothing wrong with choosing extremely mild products such as organic soap and coconut oil.
RULE #4 – Make it simple
You want your child to be able to keep up their new skincare regime with ease, so don’t over complicate things - try to keep it under one minute if possible. The most simple skincare regime will include a quick facial wash (using a bar of soap or a foaming cleanser), a quick pat dry, then a swipe of moisturiser all over.
RULE #5 – Change it up as they get older
Teaching your child good skincare habits is a great basis for the tricky teenage years. No teenager will emerge from this hormonal period without at least one brush with acne, eczema, oily skin or blackheads. As your child enters puberty, their skincare needs will change enormously. Introduce a three-step skincare system into their evening routine (cleanse, tone and moisturize) and choose products which contain soothing tea tree oil and witch hazel.
As their skin begins to change, treat your son or daughter to their first professional facial so that they can learn about their skin from an expert and tailor their skincare regime accordingly.
