Summer Sun Safety: 10 Tips Every Parent Should Know
No matter the shade of your skin, sun exposure is a risk for skin cancer. Most skin cancers are caused by too much ultraviolet (UV) light from years of sun exposure. Prevention of skin cancer starts in childhood. As a pediatrician, I remind families that sun safety isn’t just for pool days or vacations; just like brushing your teeth, it’s part of everyday healthy habits.
The good news is that protecting your child’s skin from the sun doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here are 10 ways your family can stay safe in the sun – both during summertime and year-round!
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Choose “broad spectrum” sunscreens
Pick a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that covers both UVB and UVA light (labeled as “broad spectrum” on the bottle).
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Check expiration dates on sunscreen bottles
Each spring I go through our family’s collection of sunscreen to see what has expired. Toss those old sunscreens as they may give false hopes for protection
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Reapply sunscreen frequently
Put on a new coat at least every 2 hours during the middle of the day when UV rays are the highest (usually between 10am and 4pm in the summertime).
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Use your phone for guidance
Smartphone weather apps can warn about sunburn risk. A UV index of 3 or higher means being prepared to protect your kids from the sun and reapplying regularly. If the UV index is 8 or more, try to stay out of direct sunlight (or reapply every 30-60 minutes).
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Let sunscreen soak in before jumping in the pool
It’s frustrating – kids must dry off, reapply, then let it soak in before splashing again. Rubbing in a spray sunscreen can help it soak in and ensure even application. 15-30 minutes of soak-in time helps the sunscreen do its job!
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Cover up
It’s much easier to have kids wear clothing that blocks the sun than try to get them to reapply sunscreen repeatedly. Long-sleeved rash guards are our family’s go-to for swim days.
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Wear sunglasses
Protecting your child’s eyes from the sun can help prevent the risk of cataracts as they get older. If your toddler tears off those cute shades you bought them like mine did, a wide brimmed hat can help reduce the eyes’ exposure to UV rays.
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Don’t let clouds fool you
Overcast weather and cool breezes can be deceiving – sun rays are still strong even if it’s not feeling hot.
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Keep babies under 6 months out of the sun
If you can’t, then go ahead and use a sunscreen lotion or stick to apply to exposed areas, but most babies can avoid being in direct sunlight.
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Know that a tan doesn’t protect you from a sunburn
Sun exposure is sun exposure. Tanning beds have UV radiation like the sun, increasing your risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. Have your teen choose sunless tanners or bronzers if they won’t just “love the skin they are in”. Their older selves will thank you!
Families commonly ask what sunscreen is “best” for their kids. In general, mineral sunscreens (those containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients) are a great choice. They provide a physical barrier against both UVA and UVB rays and don’t contain chemicals considered to be harmful.
However, anyone who has tried to apply sunscreen to a young child knows how hard it can be to get them covered with it. After years of trying to get my kids to tolerate the white sheen of mineral sunscreens, I’ve become more flexible in my approach to choosing the “right” sunscreen. At home and in my practice, I share the words of a dermatologist colleague, Dr. Jessica Corwin:
“What’s the ‘best’ sunscreen? The one your family will actually use regularly and generously!”
Resources for Parents
American Academy of Pediatrics
Sun Safety: Information for Parents About Sunburn and Sunscreen
My Doctor Online
Sun Protection and Sunburn
American Academy of Dermatology
Featured Author
Dr. Lindsay Frost's biography reads: I joined the pediatrics team at Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento in 2018 to help kids thrive. During my medical training, I pursued a Masters degree in public health and health promotion. I enjoy being able to foster long-term relationships with patients and their families, providing care in both health and illness as children grow. Some of my most relevant experiences as a pediatrician have come from my two children, who have “trained” me first-hand on the challenges of parenthood.
Read more at https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/providers/lindsayfrost Disclaimer: If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder. This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.