Say “No” to Sunburns!

Preventing sunburn - and minimizing tanning - helps to reduce the risk of skin cancer in later life. Caring for your skin in this way also minimizes the signs of aging!

All children older than 6 months of age can wear sunscreen (and it should also be considered in babies 4-6 months if they will be exposed to the sun for a significant period of time).

Those with sensitive skin may do better with mineral-based sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide based sunscreens) than with chemical sunscreens. Sunscreen should be rated SPF 30 or higher and ideally be water resistant for active kids. 

Regardless of SPF rating, sunscreen should be reapplied every 1-2 hrs, especially if activities include a lot of swimming - or sweating! In addition to sunscreen, it is also helpful to remember the ‘lower tech’ ways of reducing the risk of sunburns: avoiding sun exposure between 10 am-2 pm, protective clothing (hats, rashguards), and “portable” shade (tents/umbrellas) if possible. 

Don’t forget the protective lip balm and sunglasses! Lips and eyes get a lot of sun exposure too.

Ideally, you’ll be able to use a mix of strategies that fit your child and family, and allow everyone to get out and enjoy the outdoors without painful (or risky) sunburns along the way!