Summer in Knoxville often means temperatures in the upper 80s or higher and plenty of sunny days. Since Knoxville typically gets just a few inches of rain per month in summer, many families head outside for swimming, picnics, and other outdoor activities. When you spend time outdoors with your kids this season, it’s important to ensure that all of you are protected from the sun’s rays. Whether planning a day at Zoo Knoxville or cooling off in Meads Quarry, the following skin care tips can keep you and your children safe in the sun this summer.
This post is brought to you by our partners at Meridiem DermSpa.
Know the Risks
You might think sunburns are the main problem to worry about when you and your kids are out in the sun. However, there’s another danger to be aware of. Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can raise your risk of skin cancer, one of the most common cancers in the U.S. How common is this type of cancer? The Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) states that one in five people in the U.S. will develop this disease by the time they’re 70. Since skin is our largest organ, it’s essential to keep it safe.
Say No to Sunburns
Sunburns are among the risk factors that can increase your risk of skin cancer. According to SCF, your risk of skin cancer doubles when you have five or more sunburns. Even one bad sunburn in childhood more than doubles the risk of developing skin cancer later on. Keep in mind that skin damage begins with your first sunburn and builds up over the years. In fact, skin damage can continue happening even when you don’t see any visible signs of a sunburn. While this might seem alarming, there are many simple yet effective ways to protect yourself and your kids from the sun’s harmful rays.
Sun Safety Tips
You and your kids can stay safe while enjoying the outdoors this season when you practice the following sun safety tips:
- Apply a minimum of SPF 30 sunscreen to exposed skin, including your face
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or after you’ve been swimming or sweating
- Stay in the shade to avoid being exposed to direct sunlight
- Monitor UV levels and avoid being out long on days with high UV levels. The highest UV index is typically between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
- Go out in the morning or evening instead of the middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest
- Wear sun-protective clothing, such as swimsuits or tops and shorts with SPF
- Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your head, face, and eyes from the sun
- Remember that you still get sun through your windows at home and in the car
- Don’t forget that sand and water reflect UV rays, so you can still burn in the shade from indirect sun. Many people also burn on cloudy and overcast days.
Set a Good Example
Teaching your kids about sun safety starts with your own actions. You can set an excellent example for your kids by applying sunscreen on yourself before heading outside, putting on a hat and sunglasses, and seeking shade while you’re outdoors. Seeing you following sun safety tips can encourage your kids to do so. You can also talk to your kids about why it’s so important to protect your skin from the sun.
Make Sun Safety Fun for Kids
Giving your kids fun ways to learn about sun safety now can help them develop lifelong skincare habits that protect them from UV rays. Try the following ideas to make sun safety exciting:
- Let your kids pick out their own hat and sunglasses to wear outside
- Teach kids that shorter outdoor shadows mean they should find shade
- Sing a silly song with your kids while putting sunscreen on them
- Have your kids help you check UV levels and the time of day before heading outside
- Apply color changing stickers that indicate when it is time to reapply sunscreen
We’re Here to Help
Looking for services or products to reverse any signs of sun damage you’ve developed? Our Meridiem DermSpa locations offer a variety of services, such as customized facials, HydraFacials, laser treatments, chemical peels, injectables, and more. These services are designed to diminish fine lines, wrinkles, melasma, and dark spots from sun damage.
If you need professional dermatology care or to schedule your annual skin check, Knoxville Dermatology Group and Dermatology Associates of Knoxville are conveniently located next door to our Meridiem locations and offer general dermatology services for both children and adults.
It’s not too late to reverse the signs of sun damage and protect your skin going forward. Please contact Meridiem DermSpa to schedule a complimentary consultation at our Knoxville, Farragut, and Sevierville locations with our Glow Squad team of licensed cosmetic dermatology professionals and medical providers. First-time patients receive 10% off their first service and products with code KNOXMOM10.
We look forward to helping you glow the right way this summer.
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