I see it every time I go to the pool or beach.
A frantic mom desperately trying to apply sunscreen as quickly as possible to wiggling kids who are eager to get wet and not at all interested in their skin.She slops, slaps and sprays sunscreen in world record time and sends her children off to splash and swim, thinking they are protected from the sun’s rays.
Got news for ya mama: You might as well be throwing your protection, time and money down the pool drain.
The American Academy of Dermatology says it takes about 15 minutes for sunscreen to absorb into the skin. Waiting until your child is already in the sun leaves him or her unprotected.
Also, if you are trying to apply sunscreen to squirmy kids standing by the water, you’re probably going to miss some of the most delicate areas that need protection, like the ears, back of the neck and tops of the feet.
Finally, you need to make sure you are applying enough to cover all exposed skin. For most people, that works out to about a shot glass worth of sunscreen.
After 80 minutes, pull the kids out of the water, dry them off, reapply and make them wait 15 minutes. Good time for a snack break!
Sun damage to skin is real and can take years to appear. My dad was a truck driver for most of his adult life. His arm by the window was exposed to sun day after day. He has had numerous skin cancers removed from that arm, and has to see a dermatologist every six months. He never wore sunscreen. My husband grew up on a lake. As a kid, he went swimming every day in the summer. Today, he has had numerous skin cancers removed from his face and shoulders, and has to see a dermatologist every six months. He never wore sunscreen.
So, please, please, please. Take the time to apply sunscreen to your children’s delicate skin before heading outside. Put plenty of lotion on, cover all exposed areas, then hop in the car. The drive to the pool or beach will most likely be enough time for sunscreen to absorb and keep your little one from the pain of a sunburn and possibly more. Be sure and reapply.
BONUS: In addition to sunscreen, aim for physical protection from the sun in the form of a swimming shirt, hats and sunglasses. Try and get your kids to go along with two out of three. Yes, they will gripe. Tune that noise out and cover them up! Once they get to splashing, they will most likely forget about the stuff they are wearing.
MOMS ONLY: I see moms applying sunscreen to themselves in the same slap-dash way they apply it to their kids. You must take the time to protect yourself too before going outside. Also, that sweet tattoo of yours will last so much longer when you apply sunscreen.
Protect your kids’ skin and your skin the right way. Have fun this summer! Peace!
