Importance of UV protection

Published on in SMART THINKING
View more social media networks Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Google+ Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share by email
Importance of UV protection: woman applying suncream

Importance of UV protection

As the weather changes, it is important for SBMs to ensure that they stay safe in the sun as well as making it their priority to keep students and staff safe too. It is easy to forget how damaging the sun can be, particularly for children as their skin is more sensitive. To help you understand the dangers and know how to keep safe in the sun, we have created a small guide on the importance of UV protection.

 

Why is sunscreen important?

Sunscreen is vital for everyone including yourself as it protects your skin in many different ways. The most important aspect sunscreen has is that it reduces the risk of skin cancer. Around one in five people can develop skin cancer, so to minimise this apply a minimum of SPF 30 sunscreen multiple times a day in the spring and summer months. It is even important to apply sunscreen to the key areas of your body (such as face and hands) during autumn and winter even if it's not sunny.

Another key aspect of protection sunscreen helps with is sunburn. It is simple to get sunburnt from spending long amounts of time outdoors with no UV protection and even tanning beds. If you consistently get sunburnt it can lead to multiple skin damages and issues.

Sunscreen is also great for reducing inflammation and preventing skin discolouration and aging. If not used you can experience premature aging signs such as discolouration, wrinkles and a leathery appearance. As well as sunspots and painful redness and inflammation that are uncomfortable to deal with.

 

Sunscreen tips

When purchasing sunscreen, it is important to have an SPF of at least 30 and a 4-star UVA protection. Before using, make sure that it’s not past its expiry date either.

Applying suncream has to be done correctly to be effective. As a guide, adults need around six to eight teaspoons of sunscreen if doing your whole body. If you apply it too thin, then the amount of protection decreases. When out in the sun for a long period of time where you could burn, apply sunscreen twice. Generally, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out and if it's for a long time, just before going outside as well.

Apply to exposed skin including face, neck and ears. Ensure to top your sunscreen up every two hours as the sun can dry it off your skin or sweating can rub it off.

 

Safety tips in the sun

Being safe in the sun prevents you from damaging your skin. Share these safety tips with your staff to ensure they follow best practices as a good example for students.

  • Make sure to spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest (between 11am-3pm)
  • Never burn
  • Cover up with suitable clothing and wear sunglasses
  • Use factor 30 at least but if you feel as if you’re burning use stronger SPF

To show staff and students the importance of sunscreen, display skin safety boards around the school. This shows rules for applying sunscreen and a dial for showing the UV levels that day so everyone knows when it's crucial to be protected. Plus, it has an extra dispenser that children can use with a mirror next to it to help them see what they are doing. 

 

Protecting children from the sun

Children’s skin is much more sensitive than adults and constant sun exposure without UV protection could lead to skin cancer later on in life. During spring and summer (March-October) children should be covered up with suitable clothing to minimise the amount of skin exposed to the sun. Children should spend time in the shade especially during the hottest parts of the day (11am-3pm).

If children need to spend time outdoors during the school day, then sunscreen should be provided. Ensure to stock up on at least SPF 30 and hand to your staff to have multiple bottles in their classroom. Advise your staff to make sure that areas not protected by clothing on students such as face, ears and backs of hands are covered with sunscreen. Have sunscreen dispensers around the school and classrooms to remind children to protect themselves and easily access UV protection.

 

How to soothe sunburn

If you get sunburn or a student does, then it's important to treat it and soothe it as soon as possible. Sponge sore skin with cool water to soothe the sunburnt area. After this, make sure to use an after-sun gel or cream like aloe vera.

If sunburn is sore, painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol can help ease this pain as it reduces the inflammation caused by sunburn. It is always best to stay out of the sun until the redness has gone.

If you feel unwell or the skin blisters or swells, seek medical help as soon as possible to combat bad sunburn.

 

Use this guide on the importance of UV protection to keep yourself and your school safe in the sun. Ensure you have the right resources available during the warmer months so that everyone can enjoy the weather without negative consequences. Train staff in sun safety so they know how to protect children and assist with sunburn when needed so they can regularly help students with their UV protection.