Why Should You Wear Sunscreen? | Body Science for Kids

It’s summer!

It’s time for Squeaks and I to get out ourswimsuits, our shades, and head outside for some fun in the sun!

But I need to make some smart choices beforewe go outside.I need to wear sunscreen, because I don’twant to end up getting a sunburn!Squeaks doesn’t need to worry about sunburns,since he’s a robot.But we humans can get a sunburn when we stayout in the sun too long and don’t protect our skin.

Even though the rays of the sun feel niceand warm, and are important for all kinds  of life on the Earth, some of the rays fromthe sun’s light can harm our skin.Now, our skin /does/ have something in itthat helps to protect it from these harmful rays.But sometimes, like when you’re outsideall day, that’s not enough.If too many of these rays reach your skin,your skin can become damaged, or hurt.When skin gets damaged, the body does itsbest to fix it as soon as possible.It sends more blood to the damaged area, whichcauses the skin there to get pink or red, and feel warm when you touch it.

The damaged area can feel /really/ sore, andsome of the skin can also peel off.These are all signs of sunburn.There are lots of things that can affect whetheryou get a sunburn or not.People with lighter skin sunburn more easily,and spending more time outside can also lead  to more of a sunburn.

But anyone can get a sunburn.Luckily, there are plenty of different thingswe can do to keep from getting one.For example, wearing clothes that cover ourskin and completely block the sun’s light can keep those harmful rays from getting tothe skin on our bodies.And wearing a hat can keep those rays fromcausing a sunburn on our heads.We can also try to spend less time in thesun when its rays are brightest—that’s usually between ten in the morning and fourin the afternoon.

But one of the easiest things we can do isto wear sunscreen.Sunscreen can be a lotion, a cream, or a spray.But no matter what kind of sunscreen you use,it keeps some of the sun’s rays from getting to your skin, and can help stop a sunburn.Most sunscreens work by either soaking upthose harmful rays, kind of like a sponge,or by reflecting them, kind of like a mirror.Most experts say that you should put sunscreenat least ten minutes before you go outside.And you should put on lots of it! It’s a good idea to get some help puttingon sunscreen, especially in places that are kind of hard to reach, like all over yourback.You might also want to get help putting iton other places — especially places you might not think about, like your ears, thebacks of your legs, and the back of your neck!

And once you get your sunscreen on, you shouldmake sure you keep it on! It’s a great idea to take a break everyfew hours and to put on some more sunscreen,especially if you’re running around andgetting sweaty, or you’re swimming at the pool or the beach.So, enjoy your time in sun this summer … but don’t forget to wear your sunscreen!

Sources of article:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwpbuCJr63E