When you hit the stores to buy your kids' swimwear this season, there are a number of things you should keep in mind. Many parents don't give much thought to what kind of swimwear their children wear, let alone whether it provides any sun protection. However, as we learn more about the risk for skin cancer, parents are realizing the need to be educated about how to keep their children safe from the sun's harmful radiation.
Protective measures must start as soon as possible, preferably when your child is still a baby. Skin cancer rates are skyrocketing around the world, with one out of every 75 people in America being diagnosed with some type of skin cancer. In Australia, the rate is even higher, with one out of every 30 people receiving a skin cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives.
Many parents make the mistake of thinking that skin cancer is only a problem for older people or those who spend a lot of time in tanning beds, but if you don't take sun protective measures while your children are still young, you're drastically increasing their risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Studies show that skin cancer risk is directly related to how many sunburns you receive during childhood.
The best way to protect your children against cancer later in life is by purchasing sun protective swimwear. You'll know if a suit offers any protection against the sun by checking out its UPF, or ultraviolet protection factor. Look for sun protective swimwear with a UPF of 50+, which is the highest possible rating and blocks out at least 98 percent of the sun's harmful UV rays.
UPF swimwear is available for children of all ages, including babies. Remember that more skin coverage is always best when it comes to sun protection. Opting for swimwear and sun protective clothing that cover the shoulders and legs is the only way to reduce your children's risk of developing skin cancer at some point in their life.
Babies are especially prone to suffering sun damage because their skin is much thinner than adult skin, so remember to add a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with EPF 10 to your little one's outdoor sun attire. Also sunscreen is still a necessity, so remember to apply one with at least an SPF of 30 on the parts of the skin that are not covered by sun protective swimwear or clothing.
Gorgeous sun protective swimwear that appeals to the fashion savvy--being sun smart has never looked this good!
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