Facts you may not know about protecting your children from the sun

Little darlings, it’s been a long coronavirus winter
Little darlings, it feels like years since the sun ‘s been here

Little darlings, I feel that the ice is finally melting
Little darlings, it seems like years since the sun ‘s been here

Little darlings, the smiles are returning to children’s faces
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun, and I say, it’s all right…

The Beatles (with editing)

Yes, here comes the sun, and, yes, it is all right – children need to go outdoors to end our winter of discontent – as long as you protect your little darlings from that fireball up in the sky.

1. June is the month when sun protection is often overlooked. The weather tends to be cool, but the sun is directly overhead and shines the most hours. Don’t let cool weather lull you into complacency. Temperature has nothing to do with the sun’s intensity. Also, in June, protective tans from the previous summer have vanished, possibly leaving children more vulnerable to burning. Not that tanning is a panacea. Every tan is skin damage and it is cumulative over a lifetime.

2. The basic concept for using sunscreens is often misunderstood. Sunscreens are not intended to prolong the amount of time that children (and adults) can safely remain in the sun – though in practice this is what often occurs. Sunscreens are meant to protect skin when sun exposure is important, for playground activities, for example, with the place and time of day chosen to minimize exposure.

3. Most experts recommend physical sunscreens for children. These contain zinc or titanium as the active ingredient. They coat the skin, prevent tanning and can be applied just prior to sun exposure. Chemical sunscreens are recommended less often. They contain various chemicals as active ingredients, may permit some tanning, are effective by being absorbed into the skin, and must be applied 20 minutes before exposure. Some of the chemicals may enter the blood stream. This is presently under study as being a possible health issue.

Most parents apply far too little sunscreen and apply it too infrequently. Check labels for how much (often in tablespoons) is needed to cover children of different sizes. Generally, sunscreens with SPFs of 30 are adequate. Using white colored sunscreens helps prevent skipping areas that need covering. The degree and duration of protection is reduced by wind, water, towel drying, and excessive perspiration, for example. Sunscreens should protect against both UVA and UVB radiation.

4. Consider using sun-protective clothing. Such garments cover most of the body, including much of the head, the ears and the back of the neck. This greatly reduces the need for sunscreens. The clothing is lightweight and allows air to circulate, keeping the wearer relatively cool. A rating system, ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), describes the clothing’s effectiveness. The higher the UPF, the greater the protection. Fabrics rated below UPF 15 are not considered protective. UPFs of more than 50 add little additional protection.

5. Infants less than one year of age should be kept out of the sun – with one exception. Infants’ skin is thin and contains little melanin, the substance in the skin that protects from the sun. However, if sun exposure is unavoidable, using sunscreens is safer than risking sunburns. Use the same protective measures as used for older children.

6. No need to purposefully expose children to the sun to maintain healthy bones. True, the sun activates Vitamin D, which is necessary for the body to absorb calcium from food. Calcium is essential to grow healthy bones. However, the time in the sun necessary to absorb Vitamin D is minimal – even when sun-protective clothing is worn. Many foods are fortified with vitamin D.

7. Waterproof sunscreens have yet to be invented. All eventually wash off, usually sooner than later. In the US, products can no longer be labeled “waterproof” or “sweatproof;” they can be called “water-resistant.” Labels are required to state whether the sunscreen remains effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes when swimming or sweating profusely.

8. Familiarize yourself with the UV Index. In the US, daily readings of sun intensity are available for virtually every zip code. Forecasts include predictions for the next few days and the degree of protection required to minimize skin damage. See https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/calculating-uv-index-0

9. African-American children need protection too. Children with much melanin in their skin are not immune from sun damage though the incidence is very low. Nevertheless, parents must be vigilant. The darker the skin, the more difficult it is to spot skin abnormalities.

10. Miscellaneous. Don’t confuse SPFs with UPFs… Never leave sunscreens in a parked car in hot weather. Excessive heat rapidly reduces potency… Most sunscreens have expiration dates of three years… The brims of sun-protective hats should be at least three inches (7.5 centimeters) wide and extend around the head… Many medications, including some over-the-counter ones, increase the effects of sun damage. Check with your healthcare providers or on the web.

Was this article informative? Sign up to receive similar articles twice a month. Each article covers a single subject to keep kid(s) healthy and safe for travel and outdoor activities. Widely read by healthcare professionals and sophisticated parents around the world.