Why your back-to-school list should include sunscreen

It’s that time of year again. After a lazy holiday, families are rushing to get ready for the first day of a new school year.

Books, pens and pencils, backpacks, and everything else are making it onto the list, but there is one item that is often overlooked, which should be at the top of the list – sunscreen.

“While it may not be a traditional classroom essential, the inclusion of sunscreen in back-to-school supplies is a smart and health-conscious decision with numerous benefits for students of all ages. Living in a country such as ours where the sun’s rays can be relentless during summer, protecting our children’s skin should always be a priority,” explains Mario Correia, brand manager for Everysun.

Skin health is something that children should learn from an early age, and the earlier this healthy habit is instilled in them, the less it will seem like a chore. Everysun’s range of family suitable sunscreens with a 50SPF are available in all sizes and can be used all year round. The Everysun Kids is also available in a 50ml tube perfect for keeping in a school bag.

When it comes to planning your school supplies, Correia provides the following seven reasons why sunscreen should be at the top of the list:

1. Sunscreen helps to protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Exposure to UV rays can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Children, in particular, have sensitive skin that is more susceptible to damage from the sun.
2. Including sunscreen in back-to-school supplies can serve as a reminder to students and parents about the importance of sun safety. It encourages the habit of applying sunscreen regularly, teaching children about the significance of protecting their skin from a young age.
3. Students often engage in outdoor activities during school, whether it’s recess, physical education classes, or field trips. Sunscreen is essential to protect their skin during these extended periods of outdoor exposure.
4. Sunburn not only damages the skin but can also cause discomfort, pain, and distraction, which can negatively impact a student’s ability to focus and participate in class activities.
5. Teaching children the importance of protecting their skin from the sun contributes to overall health and well-being, promoting a healthy habit that can last a lifetime.
6. Sunscreen is not only necessary during the summer months but should be used year-round. UV rays can still be harmful even on cloudy days. Applying sunscreen should become part of their daily routine, no matter the weather.
7. Regular use of sunscreen is a crucial preventive measure against skin cancer. By making sunscreen readily available to your child there is a better chance of instilling a sense of responsibility for their health and well-being from a young age.

The inclusion of sunscreen in back-to-school supplies is a small investment with substantial returns. It goes beyond protecting the skin from immediate harm; it cultivates a culture of sun safety, minimises discomfort, and plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of skin cancer.

“As we gear up for the new school year, let’s prioritise the health and well-being of our students by ensuring that sunscreen is a staple in their back-to-school supplies,” Correia concludes.