With the arrival of summer, families across Ohio are spending more time outdoors, enjoying activities like swimming, hiking, and backyard barbecues. While sunshine can lift spirits and encourage physical activity, it also comes with increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can damage the skin and eyes and increase the risk of skin cancer. That’s why sun safety is a critical component of family wellness during the summer months.
Why Sun Protection Matters
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) warns that even a few serious sunburns can increase a child’s risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and much of the damage from UV rays happens in childhood. Protecting your family from sunburn now can prevent serious health consequences later.
Expanded Sun Safety Tips for Families
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Use Sunscreen Consistently: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating. Don’t forget easy-to-miss spots like ears, neck, tops of feet, and the back of the knees.
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Dress for Protection: Opt for sun-protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts and pants made from tightly woven fabric. Wide-brimmed hats offer better protection than baseball caps by shielding the ears, neck, and face. UV-blocking sunglasses protect the eyes and the delicate skin around them.
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Avoid Peak Sun Hours: Try to limit time outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the most intense. If you’re outside during these hours, seek shade under trees, umbrellas, or pop-up tents.
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Use Shade Creatively: In addition to natural shade, create shaded play areas in the backyard using tarps or sunshades. Encourage kids to play under these areas, especially during peak UV hours.
Special Considerations for Children
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Infants under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight. Dress them in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and hats with brims. Use minimal sunscreen only on small areas of exposed skin if necessary.
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Kid-Friendly Sunscreens: Choose mineral-based sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) for children with sensitive skin. These are less likely to cause irritation and are effective immediately upon application.
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Teach Healthy Habits: Encourage children to take sun safety seriously by modeling good behavior yourself. Make applying sunscreen and wearing a hat part of your family’s outdoor routine.
Long-Term Benefits of Sun Protection
Establishing sun-safe habits early teaches children the importance of skin health and reduces their risk of sunburn, premature aging, and long-term damage. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), using sunscreen regularly can reduce the risk of melanoma—the deadliest form of skin cancer—by up to 50%.
For more information on sun safety and personalized skin protection advice, families should consult their healthcare providers.
Citation:
American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Sunscreen FAQs. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Skin Cancer Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm
Disclaimer: Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.