Children and Sun Damage

It's viatal that we educate our children about damage the sun can do. Since children do not understand the dangers of UltraViolet Radiation they need protection. They need special care as they spend more time outdoors than adults and can burn more quickly as they have very little melanin (skin pigment) to protect them.

Australian research indicates that 80% of lifetime sun exposure occurs before age 18. Babies - even when in the shade - can burn very quickly. Babies should have no exposure to the sun until at least 1 year old.

Alarmingly, as few as 6 childhood sunburns significantly increases the risk of melanoma cancer later in life. Started early and followed consistently sun wise behaviour will become a sound healthy habit - as routine as fastening seatbelts or brushing teeth!