The Long Term Effects of Sunburn - How to Prevent Skin Damage From the Sun

Yay! Its midwinter vacation season again. Trying to escape, the winter chill, visiting friends or family in the south, or planning a getaway with the kids in a sunny spot? The greatest gift you can give your babe is to educate yourself about healthy sun protection. The more research is done about UV exposure, the more dangerous we are learning it is. Many think they are "covered" when it comes to sun safety. We slather our babies with sunscreen, and they come home from a 'fun in the sun' day, with a great looking tan, no blistery red burns. However research has proven, that the actual sun exposure significantly increases the risk of skin cancer.



Sunburn is a visible type of damage, which appears almost immediately after sun exposure. In many people, this type of damage also causes tanning. Freckles, which occur in people with fair skin, are usually due to sun exposure. Freckles are usually a clear sign that sun damage has occurred and the need to protect is stronger in that individual person.



Ultraviolet light rays also cause invisible damage to skin cells. Some of the injury is repaired, but some of the cell damage adds up year after year. After 20 to 30 years or more, the built-up damage appears as wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer. Although window glass blocks UVB light, UVA rays are able to penetrate through glass.



Research has also shown that young developing skin is especially vulnerable to UV rays, and the number of children diagnosed with melanoma has been increasing almost 3 percent yearly. Children's eyes are more sensitive to UV rays. Early sun exposure can cause maccular degeneration and cataracts later in life. Another frightening fact is that just one blistering childhood sunburn can double a child's risk of developing skin cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Lastly, about 90 % of non-melanoma skin cancer cases are sun-related. That means 90% of them could be prevented simply with proper sun protection!



This does not mean that we and our children cannot enjoy a day at the beach. There are many things you can do to keep safe. Make sure you are using the highest possible SPF sunscreen which blocks UVA and UVB rays. Another important factor is to limit the time your kids spend in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4p.m. While his cute fat rolls are irresistible, be a responsible parent and make sure baby wears protective UV clothing, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses, when possible. Keep babies under six months old out of direct sunlight. The risk of sun stroke is higher with the little ones, as they have a hard time maintaining healthy body temperatures.



Keep the hoods down on those strollers to keep your infants shaded. Not all strollers have good sun protection. When shopping for your next stroller, this is an important feature to keep in mind. The jogging strollers which are specifically used for those long running expeditions on the sunny boardwalk, should have significant sun hoods to shade off baby. Of course while your baby is protected, please make sure Mommy is geared up for the sun too! Of course when you are at Disney, or other amusement parks, you will take your umbrella stroller, for a lighter load, while walking around. The sun can be beating down all day, be careful, and protected. There are some real chic lightweight traveling strollers like with UV protective hoods too. Another important reminder, just because its a cloudy or hazy day, you are still at risk for UV exposure. UV rays do penetrate the clouds. So keep the protection going, sunny or cloudy!

Way-to-go-Baby.com - A Mothers guide to baby strollers, which is one of those imperative baby gear products that are inevitable for every parent or caregiver. It is one of the many big decisions you will make as your child grows from infancy and on. We have Reviews of the Best Double, Triple, Sit and Stand, Umbrella and Jogger Strollers and Accessories.

Author: Kamran Minhas