Dr. Pat’s Winter Sun Tips

Beware of the sun even in winter months; tender skin can burn before you know it! Even at this time of year, exposure of more than 20 minutes risks damage to your little ones’ sensitive skin.

Here are a few tips for winter sun safety…

• Your child needs sunscreen outside in all weather. Even on overcast days, 80% of the sun’s damaging rays filter through the haze.

• Plan ahead. Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. Sunscreen won’t work well unless it has had time to be absorbed. Better yet, use sunscreen on your child’s face and exposed skin each morning; now you can be smart and spontaneous when your toddler wants to play outside. A school age child needs sunscreen every morning year round.

• Sunscreen is absorbed better by dry skin, so don’t wash your child’s face right before applying. When sunscreen is absorbed better, it protects better.

• Bring your sunscreen along on winter vacations. You might not think of packing sunscreen when it is 35 degrees outside, but snow increases exposure. Reflected rays from the sun increase by 80% in snow. The risk of burn goes up even more at high altitude. (And don’t forget the sun goggles in snow country.)

These are a few important features in a sunscreen…

• Sun Protection Factor. There is just a small increase in protection beyond SPF 30, but there is a lot more sensitivity. I see more contact dermatitis with gels of SPF 45 to 50 and higher, so I tell parents to avoid them and choose a water-resistant lotion with SPF 15 to 30 for young children.

• Broad spectrum. The two types of harmful rays in sunlight are UVA and UVB. They are both dangerous, but UVB is the major cause of sunburn and skin cancer. A broad spectrum sunscreen protects against both types of harmful rays.

• Hypoallergenic. When using sunscreen on a young infant, always test on a small area to watch for redness or irritation. You and your older child will benefit from the same mild formula you use on your infant.

Question: Who makes a hypoallergenic, broad spectrum lotion with an SPF 30 that is safe enough for babies? Answer: Noodle and Boo, of course. Play-Day is the perfect sunscreen for sensitive skin of all ages. Don’t leave home without it!

Want to know more? The American Academy of Dermatology is a great resource; read Facts About Sunscreens or take a sun-smart survey called RAYS: Your Grade!