Sunburn, Skin Cancer, and Keeping Safe in the Sun

We’ve all felt the effects of a bad sunburn: the annoying heat, the itchy skin, the pain when moving, and the peeling skin. It isn’t pleasant and sometimes it even happens when wearing sun cream. A nasty sunburn can put a serious dent into your memories of your holiday, but worse than that, a sunburn can be dangerous and potentially lead to skin cancer.

Sunburn is skin reddening caused by overexposure to harmful UV radiation. Most people treat sunburn by covering up and lathering on layers of Aloe Vera and after-sun treatments, but a bad sunburn can cause lasting damage–especially in children. UVA and UVB radiation are dangerous and we’re here to explain why.

What is UVA and UVB?

UVA = ultravoilet, or a long wave. UVB = ultraviolet B, or a short wave. Years ago, scientists thought UVB was the problem, but we’ve learned that UVA is the ray type that causes damage. UV radiation happens when the electromagnetic (light) wave enters the earth through the ozone layer.

UVA rays are usually pretty harmless. We’re almost constantly exposed to them and they are responsible for prematurely ageing skin. Over time, too much exposure to UVA rays causes damage to the skin’s cellular DNA, which can lead to skin cancer. Darker skin has more pigmentation and generally takes a lot more to burn, while lighter skin is more susceptible to damage.

While all that talk about UVA and skin cancer is scary, damage is preventable. Sun damage is one of Sand Dollar’s big motives in designing our luxury children’s swimwear. All our garments provide optimal protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Add in some sun cream and your child will be, as our slogan says, too cool to burn!

How do I prevent sunburn and skin damage?

• 10AM-4PM are the hottest hours of the day, so if you’re going to be outside for a long time, make sure you’re in a shaded area.
• Apply sun cream liberally! 30+ SPF is best. One coating isn’t enough. Applying sun scream every two hours is your best bet. Clouds DO NOT mean you don’t need sun cream. You still do!
• Stay away from tanning and UV tanning booths. While you may look great afterwards, tanning salons are particularly dangerous and damaging to your skin.
• Cover up! Hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, and garments with SPF protection are vital. Sand Dollar is perfect for kids so make sure you get your grown-up equivalent.
• Keep newborns out of the sun. An umbrella on the beach does the job. Sun cream is fine for babies older than six months.

If you take these steps and are safe in the sun, your skin will be fine. Sometimes, sunburns happen so what’s the best cause of treatment?

How do I treat sunburn?

Treating sunburn is a little different for kids and adults, so we’ll give you all the info you need for both.

Treating sunburn in an adult

• Take painkillers. Ibuprofen or aspirin will do the trick.
• Apply an after-sun treatment like Aloe Vera.
• Take a gentle, cooling shower. Avoid soap, products, or any kind of cloth that will cause friction.
• Apply a cold compression on the skin.
• Drink plenty of water. A sunburn can dehydrate you so make sure to keep hydrated.
• Don’t pop your blisters. If they seem severe, cover them with a loosely wrapped gauze bandage.
• Wear loose clothing and stay in the shade.
• If you start to feel sick, dizzy, etc., see a doctor.

Treating sunburn in a child

Young skin heals faster, but it’s also less able to protect itself from damage, so we treat a sunburned little one more seriously–and not just because it can make them grumpy!

• If a baby under a year old is sunburnt, you should bring them to a doctor asap. A burnt baby is considered very serious.
• Keep an eye on your little one. If there is pain, blistering, a fever, or lethargy, call a doctor.
• Give your little one lots of water and juice to keep them hydrated.
• A bath in clear, lukewarm water will soothe the skin.
• Gently apply a moisturising lotion or a calamine lotion. If the skin is too sore, don’t use any lotions.
• Keep your child out of the sun until the sunburn is healed.
• Some Calpol or other gentle medicine before bedtime will help them sleep.

While the science of sunburn and all the talk of skin cancer is scary, simple methods can keep you and family safe in the sun. Use common sense and follow all our preventative steps and you’ll all be fine.

For more info on our range of UPF 50 kids’ swimming garments, check out our boy’s and girl’s categories. Chic and cool, the garments will keep your little one safe while they’re on their adventures in the sun!

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