Summer Safety: Dr. Marty Baker Explains the Importance of Sun Protection for Kids
Sun exposure during childhood can carry consequences that extend far beyond a single afternoon outdoors. Sun damage accumulated before age 18 is a major factor in an individual’s overall risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Board-certified pediatrician, Dr. Marty Baker with CaroMont Pediatric Partners in Gastonia explains why early sun protection is one of the most powerful ways parents can safeguard their child's long-term health.
Why Children Are at Greater Risk
“Children's skin is structurally different from adults' skin,” explains Dr. Baker. “Infants and young children are naturally more vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation because the skin’s outer layer is significantly thinner. Additionally, their bodies have not yet developed full levels of melanin, the pigment that provides a first line of defense against sun damage. When combined with the fact that children spend considerably more time outdoors than adults, these vulnerabilities mean that ultraviolet (UV) exposure accumulates quickly during some of the most critical years of a child’s development.”
Studies have shown that having five or more blistering sunburns from the ages of 15 to 20 increases the lifetime risk of melanoma by 80 percent. Even without blisters, repeated sun exposure during childhood causes cumulative DNA damage that can lead to basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma decades later.
Sunscreen: Ingredients and SPF
“Choosing the right sunscreen depends on a child's age. It is recommended that infants under six months avoid sunscreen entirely, while children six months and older should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB radiation. Parents should rely on protective clothing, shade and timing outdoor activities when UV levels are lower, typically before 10:00 a.m. and after 4:00 p.m.,” states Dr. Baker. “If sun exposure is unavoidable, a small amount of mineral-based sunscreen can be applied to the face and the back of the hands. Those areas are most susceptible to possible burns.”
Why mineral sunscreen? Dr. Baker recommends that this option containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is often the best choice for kids. “Unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb into the skin, these sit on the surface to create a physical barrier,” explains Dr. Baker. “This makes it less likely to cause irritation and allows them to start working the moment they are applied. When checking the label, choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30, which filters out about 97 percent of UVB rays.”
Application is Important
Did you know most people don’t use nearly enough sunscreen? When you’re working to keep your kids protected, it is important to provide adequate coverage to exposed skin, as proper sunscreen application matters just as much as which SPF product you pick.
Dr. Baker recommends sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before heading outside and reapplied every two hours or immediately after swimming or intense physical activity. On average, a child needs roughly one ounce of sunscreen to cover all exposed areas.
“Regardless of the SPF number on the bottle, it is important to remember that no sunscreen will last all day,” warns Dr. Baker. “You still need to reapply regularly to keep your child protected.”
Another great tip? Dr. Baker doesn’t want parents to be fooled by cloudy days; sunscreen is still a necessity. Even if it is overcast, up to 80 percent of UV rays can still reach your skin. You might not feel the heat of the sun, but it’s still possible to get an unexpected burn.
More Than Just Sunscreen
Don't rely on sunscreen alone to keep your child safe. A layered approach is the best way to protect kids from sun damage, especially since it’s easy to miss an exposed spot or forget to reapply.
“Clothing is one of the most effective tools for sun protection. Clothing made from darker, tightly woven fabric offers greater UV protection than lighter, thinner options. Clothes with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating can provide guaranteed protection,” explains Dr. Baker.
Hats that shade the face, ears and neck are essential, as these areas are among the most common sites for skin cancer in adults. Wraparound sunglasses with UV400 protection shield the eyes and surrounding skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
Dr. Baker states, “Shade is another important factor. You should encourage your child to seek shade during the sun’s peak hours, usually 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. That will help keep them protected when UV rays have the most direct path to their skin.”
School and Sports
Kids spend a large portion of their time outdoors at school or during sports activities, making these the perfect places to practice sun safety. Physical education classes, recess, team sports and outdoor field trips all represent periods of concentrated UV exposure, often during peak intensity hours.
Several states have passed "Sunny Days" or similar policies which permit students to apply sunscreen during the school day without a physician's note. Coaches, athletic trainers and teachers are stepping up as advocates for sun safety and reminding young athletes to apply sunscreen before outdoor practices and games. Organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the Skin Cancer Foundation offer educational materials specifically for school and youth sports.
Building Habits That Last
According to Dr. Baker, early childhood is the most effective window for establishing sun-safe habits that will last a lifetime. “Children who grow up in households where sunscreen application is a consistent and expected step before any outdoor activity are significantly more likely to carry those behaviors into adulthood. Just as wearing a seatbelt or brushing teeth becomes second nature through repetition, sun protection practiced early and often becomes an instinct rather than an afterthought.”
Sun protection is not only for the summer months; it is a year-round habit and health priority. There are simple ways to help reduce a child's exposure to UV rays.
Build the habit: Treat sunscreen application the same way you treat buckling a seatbelt or wearing a bike helmet: non-negotiable and an automatic step before going outside. Keep broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen accessible at home, in backpacks and in sports bags. Invest in UPF-rated clothing and hats as practical, everyday tools rather than special occasion items.
Start the conversation: Make sun protection part of the discussion at your child's next checkup. Ask your pediatrician which sun safety measures are most appropriate for your child's age, skin type and lifestyle. Every small step taken today is an investment in a lifetime of healthier skin for your child: https://caromonthealth.org/services/pediatrics/