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Published on 06/17/98

Children's Early Use of Sunscreen A Key in Preventing Skin Cancers

Getting your kids to use sunscreen can play a key role in preventing skin cancer, said a University of Georgia scientist.

"Children may get as much as 80 percent of their total lifetime sun exposure by the age of 18," said Gail Hanula, an Extension Service nutrition and health specialist with the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences. "It's pretty amazing to think that most of your sun exposure happens while you're still young."

The message for parents, she said, is clear.

"The key is to get children into the habit of using sunscreen early," she said. "If you condition them to using it early, the hope is that they will keep using it as teenagers."

The sun's damage to children's skin can show up years later as skin cancer. "Sun damage includes wrinkling, too," Hanula said. "Badly sun-damaged skin can be tough, leathery and wrinkled."

Reducing exposure to the sun is still important for adults, though.

"That's especially true for farmers and others who work outside," she said.

Whatever your age, Hanula said the American Academy of Dermatology offers some advice for avoiding skin cancer.

  • Use sunscreen. Look for an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15 or higher. And apply it every two hours.

    "Most people don't use as much as needed," Hanula said. "AAD says it takes 1 ounce to adequately cover your whole body."
  • Wear protective clothes. That includes a hat with a brim at least 4 inches wide. If you wear a baseball-type cap, protect the back of your neck with a wet towel or some other fabric.
  • Avoid peak exposure times. Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Hanula said wearing sunglasses is also recommended. "That won't keep you from getting skin cancer," she said. "But it may prevent cataracts later in life."

Dan Rahn is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Experts/Sources:
Gail M Hanula
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