Beyond the Beach: Everyday Sun Protection for Kids

Think about your usual morning routine: brushing teeth, washing your face, maybe a shower, then moisturizer, combing your hair and getting dressed. Looks like you’re all set, right? But there’s one important step we often miss—sunscreen!

If you can see daylight, that means the sun’s rays are getting through, even if it’s winter or overcast. Sunlight reflects off water, cement, sand and snow. This is why we have to protect our skin. Use these tips to help incorporate sunscreen into your child's everyday routine year round! 

Why Sunscreen Matters

Sunlight has invisible UV (ultraviolet) rays—UVA and UVB are the two main rays that can damage our skin. They can change the DNA in skin cells and increase the risk of skin cancer. Anyone can be affected, but kids with light skin and light eyes have a higher risk. Avoiding repeated sunburns when children are young lowers their chances of skin cancer (like melanoma) in the future. UV rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so that’s the most crucial time to stay protected.

Protecting Your Family’s Skin

Use these tips to help protect your family's skin from UV rays. Remind your children the importance of wearing sunscreen and whenever there is light outside, we are exposed!

1. Choose the Right Clothing
   • Pick long sleeves, long pants/skirts, sunglasses and a hat with a 3-inch brim if you will be outdoors often
   • Babies under 6 months should not use sunscreen, so keep them in the shade and dress them in protective outfits
2. Use the Right Sunscreen
   • Look for "broad-spectrum" on the label and an SPF of at least 15-30
   • The FDA says sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are safe and effective
   • Pediatricians recommend avoiding oxybenzone in sunscreen
3. Where to Apply
   • Anywhere the sun hits: your face (don't forget your nose!), neck, hands, feet and any skin that will be exposed
4. Reapply Often
   • Sunscreen wears off in about 2 hours, or even sooner if you have been swimming, sweating or toweling off
   • Remember to reapply every 2 hours to keep your skin protected! 

Bottom line: Sunscreen isn’t just for sunny days at the beach—it’s an everyday way to help keep your family’s skin healthy for years to come.

This blog has contributions from Dr. Puneet Sran, who graduated from the Valley Children's Pediatric Residency Program in 2025.

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Hailey Nelson, MD, FAAP, IBCLC

Complex Care Pediatrician, Valley Children's Healthcare

Hailey Nelson, MD, FAAP, IBCLC is a complex care pediatrician at Valley Children’s Healthcare in Madera, California. A vocal advocate for children’s wellness, Dr. Nelson regularly appears in local, regional and national media. As an official spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, she is a frequent contributor to the AAP’s HealthyChildren.org website and has been featured as a subject matter expert by publications including The New York Times, Insider and USA Today. Dr. Nelson is a Safe Kids ambassador and frequently hosts Lunch and Learn sessions on Facebook Live for parents covering safety and injury prevention topics.