Sunscreen Does Not Burn Brightly in the Minds or Skin of Early Adolescents

During early childhood and continuing into elementary school, parents are quite good at ensuring their children have adequate sun protection and use sunscreen as needed. But what happens when early adolescence arrives with its growing independence? Is sun protection viewed as a priority in the early teens? Dusza et al. (doi: 10.1542/peds.2011-0104) find out this is not the case as they prospectively surveyed more than 350 fifth graders in the early fall of 2004 and surveyed them again three years later to see whether they were sunburned during the preceding summer and if sunscreen was used. The sunscreen statistics that are reported are not shining ones by any means but lend a ray of hope that we might do a better job reminding teens of the importance of taking ownership of their own skin care — and that means use of sunscreen whenever needed during outdoor sun exposure. Even if those of us in the northern hemisphere are experiencing winter right now, reading about our role in promoting sun protection is sure to warm you up.