How to Get Teens to Wear Sunscreen: Nurturing Teens Sunscreen Habits.
How to Get Teens to Wear Sunscreen: Nurturing Teens Sunscreen Habits
US Sun Care Habits vs Abroad
When I taught briefly after I graduated from university in New Zealand the idea of being sun aware was pretty much ingrained in kids through school, parents and the community. Phases such as ‘no hat no play’ were commonly heard on the playground. Kids who had forgotten their hat had to borrow one from lost property or sit in the shade. Unfortunately in the USA this isn't the case so we as parents and caregivers NEED to educate teens on the importance of wearing sunscreen. Consistent messaging and role modeling will hopefully move teens along the road to wearing more sunscreen.
Why Teens Resist Sunscreen: The Social Pressure of a Tan
Tanning became fashionable - the bikini strap tan lines became a status symbol, a peeling nose was met with ‘’it’s fine mum - leave me alone”. As a parent who has suffered from skin cancer all my life - my kids have seen my red face and scars but this still doesn’t stop them tanning and forgetting to apply sunscreen. To be fair most mornings before school they apply sunscreen as it's been a regime for as long as they remember but when they are out and about hanging with their friends, sunscreen is the last thing on their mind.
Why Teens Resist Sunscreen
Social Pressure:
Teens are living in the ‘here and now’. Their appearance and gaining acceptance of peers is very important. A tan is often associated with being youthful, fit and healthy.
Convenience Issues:
Teens find sunscreen application bothersome. Not having a bottle handy when needed - it's just one extra thing for them to think about.
Texture Preferences & Sensory Sensitivity:
They dislike the feel of sunscreen. It’s icky, makes their face shiny and clogs their pores which in term makes them break out.
Lack of Skin Cancer Awareness:
A sense of invincibility “it won't happen to me - I won’t get skin cancer”. Teens may not fully grasp the damage the sun can do to their skin long-term.
Solutions: Getting Teens to Wear Sunscreen
Appeal to their vanity
A study originally published in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology showed that appealing to teens' vanity - ‘have you seen what the sun can do to a grape? It gets shriveled and wrinkled - raisins are not cute," - was a far more effective way of getting teens to wear sunscreen. Another similar study using a face aging app instead of a video seemed to have a similar result.
Leading by example:
I wear sunscreen every day and remind my teens to do as well. Like with everything, it’s easier to start when they are younger and be consistent but life gets busy and teens are more independent so it can be challenging.
Daily Integration:
Include sunscreen in teens' daily routine - a lot of sunscreen out there can be used as a moisturizer thus reducing the steps in the morning. My kids use plain ole Cetaphil cleanser followed by Elta MD Broad Spectrum SPF 50. I stress the importance of this akin to brushing teeth or washing their face.
Having travel size products in any place where a teen is likely to be. Here are a few we use on our travels, in the car and sports bag - they are small enough to fit into a pocket if need be.
https://hellobubble.com/products/solar-mate
https://supergoop.com/products/endless-glow-spf-set?variant=40920114102370
Keeping Up with What is Trending:
Check out what is trending on social media or ask your teen. They are more likely to wear something if they like it or it is popular. Suggest trying different formulations for comfort - options include matte finishes, oil-free formulas, or those for acne-prone skin.
The best sunscreen is the one that they will apply, and reapply, often. My takeaway is that brand isn’t necessarily important nor the type of application (though this short clip is a great way to show how different modes of application can affect sun exposure).
As a parent of two wonderful, challenging, messy teenagers, I have to pick my battles, so frankly I don’t mind as long as there is sunscreen in some form on their exposed skin. As lovely as it is to say - stay in the shade and wear a hat - realistically does that happen for the majority of teens? Absolutely NOT! It’s baby steps in the right direction... Lastly, keep reminding them that DAILY application of sunscreen is a priority. One day your teenager will thank you for your nagging persistence.Sincerely yours Rachel x
What is Broad Spectrum Sunscreen?
Broad-spectrum sunscreen is a pivotal component in the realm of skin protection, designed to shield the skin from both the aging effects of UVA and the burning effects of UVB rays. Beyond preventing sunburn, these sunscreens play a critical role in reducing the risk of skin cancer and maintaining an even complexion.
What is UVA and UVB Radiation?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of energy produced by the sun and certain artificial sources, such as tanning beds. While UV radiation is crucial for the production of vitamin D in our skin, excessive exposure poses significant risks. This article delves into the distinct characteristics and impacts of UVA and UVB radiation on our skin, how to protect oneself, and the role of sunscreens in offering protection.
Understanding Sunscreens: Roll-On vs Stick Sunscreen
In the quest to keep our skin healthy and protected from the sun's harmful rays, the type of sunscreen we use plays a crucial role. Among the myriad of options available, two formats that stand out are roll-on and stick sunscreens. These forms of sun protection are both portable and convenient, making them perfect for on-the-go application. This article explores the key differences between these two sunscreen types to help you make an informed decision.
How to Get Sunscreen Out of Fabric
The warmer season means spending more time outdoors and using more sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. When you're spending time at the beach, the last thing you want to worry about is getting sunscreen stains on your clothes.
How to Get Sunscreen Out of Your Eyes
While summer may be coming to an end, that doesn't mean that sun protection is any less important. While you protect yourself with sunscreen, it’s possible for some to seep into your eyes.
Benefits of Wearing Sunscreen
We're all well aware that the sun is great for our health. It provides us with good-for-you vitamin D, makes us happy and gives us that healthy glow. However, we also know that too much sun can be damaging to our skin and lead to conditions such as skin cancer and premature aging.
Luckily, it's all too easy to protect your skin from these dangers by simply using sunscreen. This post discusses the benefits of wearing sunscreen so you can make an informed decision about protecting yourself and keeping your skin in tip-top condition!
24 Beach Essentials
It's the last hurrah of summertime—and what better way to celebrate than with a day at the beach? Regardless if you are out for an afternoon, or looking to escape for the day, you'll probably need to stock up on some basic necessities to ensure that your outing is a success. That said, we’ve put together a list that we’ve split into 12 beach day essentials and 12 beach bag essentials to prepare you before you head out!
Rachel's Summer Reflection
My family’s last summer hurrah was a trip to Europe that had been planned before COVID-19 (and one we had to take before losing the booking!). After such an awful year of lockdowns, the death of my father in New Zealand, and natural disasters, we decided to take the plunge and head to Paris with the knowledge that at a moment’s notice our plans could change with COVID restrictions.
UVA vs UVB Rays
UVA, UVB and even UVC rays, oh my! What do they all mean? And, should you be concerned about one more than the others when you’re enjoying time outside at the family barbecue? The short answer about one being worse than the other is yes, and we’ll answer any “sunburning” questions you may have as we go. Before you get too worried, though, just make sure not to overdo it when you're outdoors – and follow our helpful tips for protecting your skin with sunscreen!
Why Use Roll On Sunscreen
Applying sunscreen every day can keep our skin looking young and protect us from the damaging rays of the sun. Yet, many of us still choose to venture outside unprotected. We often ignore the advice of dermatologists because sunscreen lotions are messy to apply and often leave our hands feeling sticky and our skin oily.