Skin Cancer Awareness Month Protects What Matters Most

Summer is approaching and there is no better time to discuss with your family and loved ones plans for holiday travel, as well as what it takes to make the season both sae and fun.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and Coppertone® has launched its Protect What Matters Most campaign in partnership with leading dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Hale and 4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization.

Cancer rates are unfortunately rising in America, so this new educational advocacy program wonderfully aims to inspire kids and families to adopt healthy sun-safe behaviors in an exciting, actionable way – with kids leading the charge.

Board certified dermatologist and Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center, Dr. Elizabeth Hale understands the challenges of everyday skin protection and is joining the mission.  She is also a mom who cares about her children’s skin with the same sincerity as the rest of the population.

During a recent interview Dr. Hale gave great advice for this summer:

What is the biggest advice you can give parents to toddlers? The skin is so delicate, but kids this age are so active. How much to apply? At what age do you start?

I always hear my patients say, “I wish I wore more sunscreen as a child,” so the best advice I can give to all parents is to instill good sun safety habits at an early age.  Sunscreen application needs to be part of a families’ daily routine, which is why I have partnered with Coppertone and 4-H for the Protect What Matters Most initiative to empower kids about the importance of protecting their skin every day and making it a priority.  

 This new program aims to inspire kids and families to adopt healthy sun protective habits at a young age. As a mother of three, I know how impressionable kids can be. And my kids learn from me because they see me when I put sunscreen on every day, even when it’s raining or snowing.  So with that in mind, parents of toddlers need to set a good example and apply sunscreen daily – rain or shine.  Toddlers have very delicate skin that is not tolerant to the sun.  At 6 months parents can begin applying sunscreen to their babies and they should always use sun protection, like hats, clothing and sunglasses.  It all goes towards enforcing good sun safety habits at an early age.

Growing up on the Mexican border my mother put sunscreen on us daily, so I grew up knowing how important it is. I think there is a big misconception that kids playing in the shade under trees will protect them. Can you speak on that and why all types of weather still apply to rules about sun protection.

It is fantastic to hear that your mother put sunscreen on you daily!  That is exactly what I want to inspire other parents to do with this Coppertone campaign. In my house, we keep sunscreen stocked everywhere – in the mudroom, my kids’ bathroom and in their backpacks – it’s a great visual reminder to make sunscreen use an everyday habit.

 It’s a common misconception amongst parents and families that you only need sunscreen when it’s sunny out or when you’re going to the beach – that is absolutely not true. Applying sunscreen has to be a daily habit – rain or shine – in order to protect against all skin cancers.  Playing in the shade is DEFINITELY better than being directly in the Sun. But UV A rays still penetrate through trees and broad spectrum SPF30 or higher is necessary regardless!  You can find out more at 4-H.org/Sunsmarts. I love the sun safety checklist for parents– including how often to apply and re-apply (at least every 2 hours).

Personal tests have proven the Coppertone® brands latest products to be not only beneficial, but smooth to the touch. Sensitive skin will not suffer and rather feel moisturized and refreshed by the variety of products offered. It is a perfect solution for adults and kids of all ages.

For more information and educational materials on sun safety kids and families can visit 4-H.org/SunSmarts.