One-quarter of our lifetime sun exposure happens during childhood and adolescence, so instilling good and healthy sun protection practices in children is critical.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause visible and invisible damage to the skin. A “sunburn” is a visible type of damage that appears just a few hours after sun exposure. Freckles and other dark spots on the skin are other visible signs of sun damage. Sunlight can also cause invisible damage to skin cells. This damage adds up year after year, and over time, the built-up damage appears as wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancers.
So, how can you protect your family from sun exposure? Some simple rules in protecting your child’s skin include:
- Avoid the strongest sun exposure. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. During these times, it is best to limit one’s activity outdoors and consider indoor activities. If you are outside during this time, seek shade under trees, umbrellas, or tents. Babies less than 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight and should find shade in a stroller canopy or under a tree.
- Wear sun-protective clothing, hats, and glasses. Covering the skin is even more effective than sunscreen. Choose sun protective clothing whose fabric can block the UV light, as well as hats and sunglasses. A hat with a wide brim is best to protect the face, scalp, ears, and neck. Sunglasses with UV protection are also important to help protect the eyes and eyelids from the harmful effects of UV light. Look for properly fitting youth-sized sunglasses for your child.
- Apply sunscreen to exposed skin. Sunscreen should be used in combination with sun avoidance and protective clothing.
- Make sure everyone in your family knows how to protect their skin and eyes. Remember to set a good example by practicing sun safety yourself.
How to choose the right sunscreen for your child
Sunscreen can help protect the skin from sunburn and help prevent some skin cancers, but only if used correctly. Choose a sunscreen that says “broad-spectrum” on the label. This means that it will screen out both UVB and UVA rays. Check the active ingredients of your sunscreen. Sunscreens are divided into two categories: mineral sunscreens that sit on top of the skin and reflect sunlight, and chemical sunscreens that are absorbed into the skin and absorb light. Mineral sunscreens are also called “physical blockers.” Mineral sunscreens work immediately after their application, and are generally recommended as safest for children and recommended for those with sensitive skin. They can sometimes be harder to rub or blend into the skin and can leave a white film on the skin surface. There are tinted and “clear” mineral sunscreen options that can help with this to more closely match different skin tones. Active ingredients in mineral sunscreens are often zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
The other category of sunscreens is chemical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and take about 15 to 30 minutes to activate and take effect. These sunscreens tend to be easier to rub in and do not tend to leave a white film on the skin. Examples of active ingredients of chemical sunscreens are oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and octinoxate. Some chemical sunscreen ingredients have been found to be absorbed into the body through the skin. It is unknown if this has an impact on health. One chemical sunscreen, oxybenzone, has been associated with concerns of having mild effects on hormone properties. If you are worried about the absorption of sunscreens’ ingredients into the body, it is best to use mineral sunscreens with active ingredients of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that have not been shown to absorb into the body.
Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 or higher. SPF measures the ability of sunscreen to protect from sunburn. The higher the SPF, the stronger the protection. Even with a higher SPF, sunscreen should still be reapplied every 2 hours. If you are swimming or sweating, choose a sunscreen that is water resistant. Choose a sunscreen that your child will wear. Sunscreens should not burn, irritate, or sting. Some sunscreens come in fun colors, and you can involve your child in this process.
In general, the use of sunscreen lotions and creams is preferred over sunscreen sprays. Sprays often don’t cover the skin as well as lotion sunscreens, and there is concern that babies and children can inhale the product. If you have no other products available, make sure to use your spray sunscreen safely. Spray the sunscreen on your hands before rubbing it in, and never spray directly onto the face. Some spray sunscreens may contain flammable ingredients like alcohol. Be sure you will not be around an open flame when using.
How to apply sunscreen correctly and safely
Make sure to use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed areas, especially the face, nose, ears, feet, hands, and even the backs of the knees. Rub it in well. Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors, as it needs time to absorb into the skin and start working. Be consistent with your use of sunscreen, and use it anytime you or your child spends time outdoors. You can get sunburn even on cloudy days, because up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can get through the clouds. UV rays can bounce back from water, sand, snow, and concrete, making sun protection more important with these exposures. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied, and there is no sunscreen that is completely waterproof. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours — sooner if you are swimming, sweating, or drying off with a towel.
What to do if your child gets a sunburn despite sunscreen
Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen. Adults should apply about one ounce per application (a shot glass size). Studies show that people typically use only about 25% of this amount. Sunscreen also does not get reapplied as it should — every 2 hours, and sooner if swimming or sweating.
If your child gets a sunburn, there are some ways you can help them feel better. Make sure your child drinks a lot of water to stay hydrated. Cool baths or showers can help, and you can also use a cool, damp cloth on the sunburned skin. You can apply aloe vera or oatmeal products to soothe the skin. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medicine like ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling. If the sunburn is very bad and your child has a fever, blisters, a lot of pain, or signs of infection, you should see a doctor for more help.
