“Despite numerous efforts to encourage people to wear sunscreen, a new study shows only 1 in 4 children regularly uses sunscreen,” WebMD (1/24, Warner) reports. “The results showed that half of the children reported routinely wearing sunscreen in 2004, but only 25% did so in 2007.” The article adds, “Researchers say the results show that the time between ages 11 and 14 is a critical time in developing attitudes about tanning and wearing sunscreen, especially among girls.”

ABC News (1/24, Carollo) points out, “Most of the study participants said they liked the appearance of a tan, and the number of children who said they spent time in the sun to get a tan increased over the three-year period.” Lead author Stephen Dusza, said, “At the same time, there was a signficant reduction in reported sunscreen use.” Notably, “Dusza and dermatologists not involved in the research said the findings highlight the importance of finding effective ways to educate children of this impressionable age group about sun safety and the potential dangers of excessive exposure to ultraviolet light.”

“Half of a group of fifth-graders did not ‘often or always’ use sunscreen when outdoors for prolonged periods of time. Follow-up interviews three years later showed that regular use of sunscreen had declined to 25%,” MedPage Today (1/24, Bankhead) adds. “For both surveys, a majority of the study participants reported at least one sunburn within the previous year.”

HealthDay (1/24, Mundell) quotes the study authors, who wrote, “The years of ‘periadolescence’ covered by the study (ages 11 to 14) appear to be ‘a crucial period’ when young people often either ‘increase or decrease their use of sun protection, obtain sunburns, or change their tan-promoting attitudes.’” They also noted, “Adolescence and teenage years are tremendously difficult because it is a period of flexing independence, coupled with feelings of invincibility.” Also covering the story are the UK’s Daily Mail (1/24, Dumas) andMedscape (1/24, Laidman).

The sun protection factor (SPF) number rating system for UV protection will still be used, but the highest rating allowed will now be 50+. Sunscreens with an SPF of 70 or more are history. Only products with an SPF of 15 or higher will be able to claim protection from sunburn, skin cancer, and aging. Note, however, that, dermatologists prefer an SPF of at least 30.

Sunscreen products can now only claim to be water-resistant. They can no longer be labeled as waterproof or sweat-proof. Even with water-resistant sunscreens, check to be sure that the application works for 40 or 80 minutes. Because these labeling rules are new, products with the older labels are still available.

Extreme weather and smoking may also increase the skin damage associated with ultraviolent (UV) radiation, the study suggests.

Michelle Garay, MS, of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies in Skillman, N.J., and colleagues presented the findings at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

For the full position statement, please click here.

Protect Your Children

TIME FOR FUN IN THE SUN: To ensure that you and your kids enjoy the outdoors during the spring, summer and all seasons, make sure you follow the steps on the attached infographic to protect children from the harmful effects of the sun. Always remember to practice sun safety by keeping in the shade and out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Also remember that while sunscreen plays a role in sun protection, it is never recommended for children under six months.

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Size

4 Adult 4 Youth 2 Adult, 2 Youth

The Pros and Cons of UV Exposure

When we talk about being sun smart – many are quick to list all of the good things that the sun can do for us.  Here is a great illustration outlining the pros and cons of UV exposure.

Pros include Vitamin D, and stimulation of Endorphins.

Cons include premature aging, wrinkles, Skin Cancer (Including Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma), Cataracts, and immune suppression.

• Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, whenever possible.

• Seek shade when appropriate. Remember that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow appears to be shorter than you are, seek shade.

• Protect children from sun exposure. Be sure to play in the shade, use protective clothing, and apply sunscreen.

• Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand because they reflect and intensify the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chances of sunburn.

• Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don’t seek the sun.

• Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.

• Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.

• Use sunscreen – especially one that is thought to be safe by the environmental working group.  There are many recommended sunscreens to choose from.