Do Teens Need Sunscreen in the Spring?
That’s a question just about every parent ponders this time of year! The answer is a resounding YES! The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin, even on cloudy days. While many people think of sunscreen as a summer essential, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays year-round. This is especially true for teens, whose skin is still developing.
Why Teens Need Sunscreen
Teens are more likely to experience sunburns than adults. This is because their skin is thinner and has less melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color and helps protect it from the sun’s rays. Sunburns can cause pain, redness, and swelling. They can also increase the risk of skin cancer.
How to Protect Your Teen’s Skin
The best way to protect your teen’s skin from the sun is to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days. Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin, including the face, neck, ears, hands, and feet. It should be reapplied every two hours, or more often if your teen is sweating or swimming.
In addition to sunscreen, there are other ways to protect your teen’s skin from the sun. These include:
- Wearing sunglasses that block 99% of UVA and UVB rays.
- Wearing a hat with a wide brim.
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Staying in the shade during the middle of the day, when the sun’s rays are strongest.
By following these tips, you can help protect your teen’s skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Here are some additional tips for teens about sunscreen:
- Choose a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin, 15 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you are sweating or swimming.
- Avoid tanning beds. Tanning beds emit harmful UV rays that can cause skin cancer.
By following these tips, teens can help protect their skin from the sun’s harmful rays and reduce their risk of skin cancer.
