Children’s health: How to protect children’s skin from the sun

As temperatures rise and children spend more time outdoors, it’s important that families remember to pack their sunscreen alongside their water bottles and snacks when they head outside for summer fun.

Whether children are headed to the beach, the playground or summer camp, protecting their skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can help prevent both short-term injuries and long-term health problems.

“Sun damage starts much earlier than many people realize,” said Dr. Annette Wagner, pediatric dermatologist at Lurie Children's. “The habits children develop today can affect their skin health for the rest of their lives.”

Despite widespread awareness about sunscreen, many families still struggle to use it consistently. A recent Lurie Children’s survey of Illinois parents found that fewer than half always apply sunscreen before their children go outside during the summer, and only about one in five regularly remember to reapply it every two hours.

Experts say that's concerning because sun exposure adds up over time. Every sunburn and every period of unprotected exposure can damage skin cells. Over the years, that damage may increase the risk of premature aging and skin cancer.

Children are especially important to protect because they have many years of sun exposure ahead of them.

“Starting good sun protection habits in childhood is one of the best investments parents can make in their child's long-term health,” Wagner said.

Sun protection looks a little different depending on a child's age.

For infants younger than 6 months, sunscreen is generally not the first line of defense. Instead, parents should keep babies out of direct sunlight whenever possible and use shade, lightweight clothing and wide-brimmed hats to protect their sensitive skin.

For older babies, children and teens, sunscreen becomes an important part of daily protection. Experts recommend choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and applying it generously before outdoor activities.

“The best sunscreen is the one that gets used correctly and consistently,” Wagner said. “A cream sunscreen in a bottle is often the easiest way to make sure you're applying enough to fully cover the skin.”

Many parents may not realize how much sunscreen is actually needed. Experts recommend using about one ounce to cover the entire body of an older child or adult.

Just as important as applying sunscreen is reapplying it. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours when outdoors, and sooner after swimming or heavy sweating. Even products labeled “water resistant” wear off over time.

Families can make reapplication easier by setting reminders on their phones or tying sunscreen breaks to other activities, such as snack time or water breaks.

Sunscreen is only one part of sun safety. Protective clothing can provide an extra layer of defense and often lasts longer than sunscreen alone.

Wide-brimmed hats help shield the face, ears and neck. Sunglasses protect children's eyes from UV exposure. Lightweight long-sleeve shirts and swim shirts with built-in sun protection can be especially helpful during long days outdoors.

Another common misconception is that children with darker skin tones do not need sunscreen. While darker skin contains more natural pigment that offers some protection against the sun, experts say everyone can experience sun damage.

“People with darker skin may be less likely to burn, but they can still experience sun damage,” Wagner said. “Sun protection is important for every child, regardless of skin tone.”

Parents sometimes worry that using sunscreen will prevent their children from getting enough vitamin D. However, Wagner says families do not need to rely on sun exposure to meet their vitamin D needs.

“Most children can get the vitamin D they need through a healthy diet and fortified foods,” she said.

One sign of sun damage that parents often overlook is freckling. While freckles are common and often viewed as harmless, they can indicate that the skin has already been exposed to enough UV radiation to cause injury.

The good news is that preventing sun damage doesn't require avoiding outdoor activities. Children should still enjoy parks, sports, swimming and summer adventures. The key is making sun protection part of the routine.

Experts recommend applying sunscreen before leaving the house, seeking shade during the strongest sunlight hours in the middle of the day, and keeping sunscreen readily available in backpacks, sports bags and beach totes.

“Kids should be able to enjoy being outside,” Wagner said. “With a few simple habits, families can greatly reduce the risk of sun damage and help keep children's skin healthy for years to come.”

As summer continues, dermatologists hope parents will remember that sun safety is not just about preventing a sunburn this summer, but protecting children’s health for years to come.

• Children's health is a continuing series. This column was provided by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.