3 summer essentials to protect your child’s gentle skin
As we move into our wonderful South African summer, we’re reminded of how important it is to keep kids sun-safe, avoid sunburn and lower the risk of later-life skin conditions.
The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) suggests that we keep babies less than six months of age out of the sun entirely.
Seriously, no sun exposure at all.
They go on to suggest keeping children out of direct sun between 10:00 and 15:00 during summer, as this is when the sun’s UV rays are most potent.
In this article, we’re giving you the sacred trilogy of protecting your child’s gentle skin during a harsh South African summer.
Here’s what you’ll need:
A comfortable, wide-brimmed sun hat
Anybody’s first line of defence against facial sunburn is a hat or cap. Your little one is going to need a sun hat that is rimmed all around and fits them snuggly.
Cute sun hats come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s one out there that is PERFECT for your baby’s little noggin'!
Sunscreen, proven safe for baby use
CANSA recommends applying sunscreen to all children over six months old - but choosing the best sunscreen isn’t as simple as you might think.
Pick a kid’s sunscreen that has none of the usual chemicals in it, specifically formulated for use on South African kids of ALL skin tones. We’d suggest giving Techniblock’s Roll-on sunscreen a try. It’s SPF50+, specifically formulated for young children, and doesn’t contain any fragrances or irritants. Perfect for sensitive skin.
A loose, long-sleeved vest
Hats go a long way to protecting your child’s head, face, and shoulders from the sun. But what about the rest of them?
Keep a long-sleeved, loose-fitting top in your beach bag when spending time outside with your child. Consider putting it if you know you’ll be out in the sun for a while or when you see them going a bit pink.
Darker skin tones and sunscreen
The risk of sunspots, wrinkles and skin cancer is a reality for everyone – regardless of skin colour.
Health professionals across the globe recommend that all people, across the beautiful spectrum of skin tones, apply sunscreen of at least SPF30+ when in the sun.
CANSA’s advice on sun protection
- Keep infants in the shade as much as possible.
- Make sure infants wear clothing that covers and protects sensitive skin.
- Make sure infants wear a hat that always provides sufficient shade.
👒 Myang & Techniblock ☀️
We're collaborating with Techniblock sunscreen to keep your littles ones safe this summer!
Get a free Techniblock sunscreen with each purchase of Myang Sun Hats (while stocks last).
Here are 8 reasons why Techniblock SPF50+ Kids Sun Protection Roll-on is a summer must-have:
- Very high immediate UV protection
- No mess, convenient, fast roll-on application
- Moisturising, non-fragranced and hypo-allergenic
- Water-resistant and non-greasy
- Free from Octinoxate and Oxybenzone