Dec 2017

Facing the heat of summer

It is the festive season and many people will be spending a lot of time outdoors, exposed to the sun. Spending too much time in the sun without protection can be bad for your skin and can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems, as well as increase the risk of skin cancer.

Here is how you can protect yourself:

  • Parents must take extra care of their children’s skin by applying sunscreen and insisting that they wear a hat. Parents and guardians should also consider choosing a baby sunscreen, which contains a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15.
  • Contact a health professional to help you choose the right sunscreen for your child.
  • When spending time in the park for a picnic or a day at the beach parents must keep children in the shade as much as possible.
  • Parents should consider dressing children in loose fitting clothes and fabrics that have an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating.
  • Parents should make use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or above and it should be applied 15 to 20 minutes before going outside.

All skin types should:

  • Avoid direct sunlight between 10am & 3pm. Stay in the shade or under an umbrella as much as possible.
  • Wear protective clothing; wide brimmed hats & UV protective clothes/swimsuits
  • Wear sunglasses with UV protection rating UV400
  • Always apply sunscreen regurlary (SPF of 20 – 50) according to skin type
  • Avoid sunbeds & sunlamps
  • Spot the spot – check your skin carefully every month (follow A, B, C, D, E Rules)
Health
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