Protecting our skin is so important but never more important than in summer. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main cause of skin cancer.
Each time your skin is damaged by UV changes take place in the structure and function of the skin cells. If UV damage keeps happening the skin cells are less able to repair which increases the risk of skin cancer.
Prevention is always better than curing sunburn, it takes only 15 minutes to get burnt and depending on how badly you are burnt it can take a few days to weeks to heal. There is also no cure for sunburn except time and patience. The long-term effects of sunburn include premature wrinkles and an increased risk of skin cancer. Once the DNA is damaged it is not reversible so prevention is the best cure.
With this said, its important to remember that the sun is a source of vitamin D for your child (adults to) so some sun exposure helps make vitamin D, which is crucial for strong bones and muscles. This can be as little as a few minutes per day, however your child must also be protected when in the sun. For babies under 12 months direct sun exposure should be completely avoided. Children over 12 months should be protected from the sun. Even on cloudy days you can be exposed to UV radiation. Sun protective clothing and swimwear with SPF50+ is the best protection from the sun as well as a wide brim hat that covers their face and neck, caps are not recommended.
This was one of the driving forces for me starting a full coverage modest swimwear brand Modest Mermaid. Having full coverage swimwear is great, however I wanted to go above that level of protection and have SPF50+, this means the skin is protected from 98% of the sun’s harmful rays.
The SPF is a coating that is added on to the swimwear fabric that gives that extra level of protection so you can enjoy a day out in the sun without worrying about your precious skin suffering. When I buy swimwear for my kids and myself I always look for SPF50+.
As mentioned prevention is always the best cure. Aftersun care also has a place if you are not covering up with SPF50+ swimwear. The intense UV exposure leaves your skin red, irritated and dehydrated. Aftersun care minimises the stress on the skin and keeps it cool, calm and well hydrated. Cooling products like aloe vera work well and remember to keep your body hydrated by drinking lots of water.
So, now knowing all of this, can you afford not to protect your skin?
About The Author
I’m Emily Pask, I am the Founder and Creator of Modest Mermaid www.modestmermaid.co offering women Australian designed modest swimwear that flatters the body without clinging.
I’m a mum of two kids living in Melbourne. I used to be a buyer for global fashion brands, but when I had my first baby I found myself searching for more modest swimwear options. I designed our swim dresses for freedom and sun protection.
Many of my beautiful customers choose Modest Mermaid Swimwear for religious reasons. Whatever your reason, know that I designed them to be flattering but not clingy, and join our amazing community of women feeling amazing today.