June is here, and our sunny days are longer (thank goodness!). That, coupled with summer vacation from school, often means more outdoor time for kids. This is great, but we also have to be sure to protect them from the sun. Too much sun exposure can lead to sunburn, skin damage, acceleration of wrinkles and signs of aging, eye damage called “cataracts,” and skin cancer. 

Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer—more than 90% of cases of skin cancer are due to sun exposure. And, unfortunately, skin cancer is common. 1 in 5 American adults will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Trying to avoid sunburns in children is a great way to help them have a lifetime of healthy skin. And as a parent, there are many lines of defense that you can offer your children for this protection.

To start the discussion, let’s take a look at how sunburn happens. The sun emits Ultraviolet (UV) light. UVA wavelengths penetrate into deep layers of your skin and can lead to skin damage and skin cancer. UVB wavelengths penetrate more superficially, and lead to sunburn. The UV rays damage the skin, and your immune system responds to the insult with inflammation. Sunburn usually manifests 3-6 hours after sun exposure as painful, red or pink skin. Sunburn peaks at 12-24 hours, and generally subsides by 72 hours.

It is important to realize that every skin type can get sunburn and should be protected from the sun. Some people have increased melanin in their skin and are able to absorb more of the sun’s UV rays. Those with less melanin are more prone to get sunburn. Often people think that if their child tans or they have darker skin, it means that they do not need to be as concerned about sun exposure. However, a tan is actually a sign of skin damage, and does not protect a child from the negative effects of the sun. So, everyone should be concerned about sunburn, no matter their skin type.

So, what can you do as a parent to protect your child’s skin from the sun and sunburn? 

First, you can cover up! Sun hats and protective clothing are essential lines of defense against the sun, especially in young children where the application (and reapplication) of sunscreen can be more difficult. I always put a sun hat on my kids, and really love the Sunday Afternoons hat (but any brand works!). I like that it has a large floppy brim that provides full coverage for their face and neck, and is adjustable as they grow. And, it has a strap, which I find essential! The strap is breakaway, so I never have to worry about it getting stuck around their necks. As they have gotten older and their tastes have changed, we will wear ball caps (and put sunscreen on our ears!) or more structured wide-brimmed hats (I like Outdoor Research Hats because they come in multiple sizes, are adjustable, and have the essential neck strap for windy days!). 

Protective clothing is especially helpful when your sunny days involve water. The water (and sand) can reflect the sun’s UV rays and slightly increase your exposure. And, the water can also rinse off your sunscreen faster. So, throwing on a swim shirt or rash guard will absorb or block UV rays and decrease your sun exposure. Look for one with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of 50+ for the best protection. Coolibar is a great brand for kids, as is Lands’s End.

Secondly, you can try to avoid or limit your time in the the strongest sunlight of the day. This is generally from 10 am to 4 pm. So, during this time of day, try to seek shelter in the shade more often. And, remember that even on cloudy days, the sun’s rays penetrate the clouds and can lead to sunburn. 

Thirdly, sunglasses can also help protect eyes from sun damage and prevent cataracts. Look for sunglasses with at least 99% UV protection.These can be a fun accessory for your child to pick out, and they are more likely to wear them if they think they are cool!

Finally, you should apply sunscreen! There are sooo many options for sunscreen, and finding the right fit for your child will partly be trial and error. However, you will want to look for a few key things:

1. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30. I prefer 50, though.

2. Broad spectrum coverage that protects your skin from both UVA and UVB sun wavelengths.

3. Water Resistance: important if your child will be swimming

You will find that there are mineral-based sunscreens and chemical-based sunscreens. I generally recommend mineral-based sunscreens for children because their skin is more sensitive. So, look for something that has titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. I also try to avoid anything with PABA (which can cause irritation) and oxybenzone, because it can disrupt hormones in the body.

Sunscreen also comes in may different forms, but I prefer cream. Certain brands can be harder to rub in, but I think it is easier to know that your child is fully covered with a cream versus a spray. And, you don’t have to worry about them breathing in the fumes! A stick can be easy for reapplication for cheeks, but I have found it harder to get good coverage with them.

Here are my favorite brands:

1. ThinkBaby or ThinkSport: Seems to be gentle on skin, easier than others to spread (but still often leaves a white sheen), and easy to find. Water resistant up to 80 minutes. Plus, it is reef safe!

2. Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50: Great for sensitive skin and rubs in a bit easier, in my experience. Water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Fragrance-free and reef-safe

3. CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Body Lotion: Great for sensitive skin. Fragrance-free. Reef safe. Not water resistant, so don’t use if swimming.

If your child wears makeup, they should apply sunscreen before putting on the makeup. Both Cetaphil and CeraVe have a mineral-based facial sunscreens, which are excellent choices. Elta MD also offers a mineral-based tinted line for the face that goes on super easily without any white sheen, but it is expensive!

It is important that you apply enough sunscreen (the recommendation for an adult is one full ounce for your whole body), and that you reapply often (every 2 hours). If your child swims, apply every 2 hours or after the swim session is over (whichever is comes first).

If you read the fine print, sunscreens will all say that they should not be applied to children under 6 months of age. This is because it is recommended to keep babies under 6 months out of the sun (they don’t sweat effectively, so can have a hard time staying cool, and have more sensitive skin). However, sometimes is it impossible to keep them out of the sun. So, I would dress them in sun protective clothing, hang out in the shade as much as possible. and use any of the above recommended mineral-based sunscreens on their legs, arms, or other exposed parts. Just plan to give them a bath when you come in from the sun. 

Finally, despite doing your best, your child will likely get sunburn at some point. I know it is has happened to me, despite my best intentions. Don’t beat yourself up! All we can do is try our best. If they do get sunburn, it is best to apply a cool compress or take a cool bath and apply aloe vera cream or gel. If they are in a lot of pain, you can apply a thin layer of 1% hydrocortisone cream twice a day, or give them some ibuprofen or tylenol as directed. 

I hope you have a sun-filled and safe summer!!