Protect your child from the sun

It is never too early for parents to begin protecting their children from the sun's harmful rays. The most obvious damage is caused by sunburns. However, repeated exposure may lead to premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, sun spots and even skin cancer.

Because most children are outdoors three times more than most adults, up to 80 percent of a person's lifetime exposure to the sun occurs before 18 years of age. It can take 10, 20 or more years for skin damage to appear, so excessive sun exposure during childhood can lead to serious problems in adulthood.

Artificial ultraviolet lights found in tanning beds and booths, which are frequented by teenagers and young adults, are as damaging as the sun.

Follow these tips to protect the skin from the sun's dangerous rays:

• Use a good, reputable sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater.
• Apply sunscreen about 15 to 20 minutes before going outdoors.
• Reapply sunscreen at least every one to two hours. Reapply sunscreen immediately after washing or towel drying. Use waterproof sunscreens for maximum protection.
• Keep infants under 6 months of age out of the sun.
• Wear hats with a visor or adequate brim.
• Avoid long periods of sun exposure. The sun's energy is greatest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Apply a moisturizer after sun exposure to combat the combined drying effects of the sun and wind.
• Even in winter months, protect the skin from the sun.