Sun Hat & Sun Lotion to Prevent Skin Cancer

Sunshine

The sun is positive as when you say that a person has a sunny disposition but the sun can be harmful if precautions are not taken when we expose our skin to the suns rays by wearing a sun hat and by using sun lotion on exposed skin areas. This is especially important where a young baby is concerned as they will not be able to move out of the sun so it is vital that a baby sun hat is worn by the child and that the parent or guardian keeps a watchful eye on the baby throughout the sunny period. Some unfortunate parents have fallen asleep in the sun only to awaken and find that the baby has lost its sun hat and has severe third degree burns. Sun protection is so important for everyone but especially for babies whose skin is very soft and delicate and burns easily in the sun.

Sun hats and protection for all

To go without a sun hat in good weather is just inviting trouble especially if you are follicularly challenged and have the top of your head exposed. If in the absence of a hat you use a suitable protective sun tan lotion then you will be better off but a sun hat not only shades and protects the top of your scalp but can protect your ears nose, neck, face and shoulders as well especially if it a wide brimmed sun hat.

Sun Dangers

Sunburn can happen in minutes, depending upon the heat and time of the day and sun lotions should be applied before going outside. You can’t back track and apply lotions afterwards when the sun has already burnt you. Reapplication of sun tan lotion every couple of hours is needed in extreme conditions but several applications are needed throughout the day. And wear a sun hat!

Sun burn precautions: kids to teens

A significant percentage of our sun exposure will occur before we are 18 years of age. We must protect our children from the sun’s harmful effects and minimize the risk of skin cancer occurring in their later life. Sun damage adds up so the sooner the better to take appropriate action to protect your family. Kid’s sun hats, swimwear and sunglasses should be normal and natural accessories for your children to take with them on family vacations to sunnier climes. A maximum UV protective sun lotion must be used during the preteen years and the children must be encouraged to wear their sun hat. Some clothing has a built in protection against the sun and will have UPF symbol or rating. UPF is for Ultraviolet Protection Factor.

Concerns: Sun lotion product effectiveness
Do your uttermost to make sure that any sun cream (or spray) protection product you use is properly rated and shows details of its UV blocking properties. Some of the cheaper sun screening products will wash off in water so this property should be checked before you purchase. Other factors to consider are the environment and how environmentally friendly the sun lotion is and its effectiveness from a chemical perspective.

Fashionable Sun hat

If you like to walk regularly in the sun garden (if you are fortunate enough to own a sun garden) then you need to be prepared with your sun hat and protective creams at the ready. The best way to be fashionable and to protect your face at the same time is to wear a good quality wide brim sun hat. Men and women's styles are catered for and matching kid’s sun hats also wide brimmed, are available in a variety of materials and colors.

Sun hat alternative: Sun parasol

A sun parasol has the advantage of shading and protecting a large area such as a patio but be careful if you leave the shade of the parasol for even a few minutes without a sun hat as all it takes is a few moments in intense heat to burn your skin. Some of the newer parasols feature an off set umbrella design which still shades the necessary areas but has its base removed away from view (cantilever style). Cantilever umbrellas are sometimes used in connection with sun loungers but are careful not to fall asleep for long periods on a lounger as the moving sun might angle its rays sufficiently around the parasol to cause sun burn.

There are many well known manufacturers of sun parasols and most of them are available for online transactions and shipping. In sunny weather my advice is to wear a sun hat at all times and get used to the feel of a sun hat on your head and thus avoid skin cancer which is preventable by taking these careful measures.