Teaching kids healthy habits is one of our most important jobs as parents. Those healthy habits should include protecting skin from sun damage. According to Dr. Gregory Walker of U.S. Dermatology Partners Waco, “Helping kids develop good health habits early is important, though it can take consistency and repetition to make them routine. Sun protection is a critical part of that foundation, as UV exposure in childhood and adolescence contributes to cumulative skin damage and increases the lifetime risk of skin cancer. Prioritizing daily sun safety helps set children up for long-term skin health.” In this blog, Dr. Walker offers recommendations for teaching kids and teens sun safety tips.
Why Sun Protection Matters for Kids and Teens
Building daily sunscreen habits at a young age is essential. Children’s skin is much more vulnerable to UV damage. Additionally, sun exposure is cumulative, so the more sun damage kids experience, the greater their risk for skin health concerns down the road. Early sun damage can have lasting consequences. Sun protection for kids and teens matters because:
- One sunburn can have lasting damage – just one severe sunburn (that causes blisters) increases risk of developing skin cancer, and five or more sunburns more than doubles that risk. While the warm, red, peeling skin may heal, the underlying DNA damage can lead to mutations that increase risk for skin cancer.
- Sun damage is cumulative – even without severe sunburns. Repeated or unprotected exposure to UV rays builds over time, and even brief periods in the sun can contribute to long-term skin damage. This cumulative exposure can lead to premature skin aging, hyperpigmentation, and a weakened skin barrier.
- Both UVA and UVB rays damage skin – UVA rays penetrate deep into skin’s layers and lead to premature signs of skin aging like wrinkles and dark spots. UVB rays are responsible for surface level and short-term damage like sunburns. While they damage skin differently, they both contribute to skin cancer risk.
Why Parents Leading by Example Matters
When it comes to getting kids to develop healthy sun protection habits, Dr. Walker says, “Lead by example. Children often adopt the habits they see at home, so when parents apply sunscreen daily, kids are more likely to make sun protection part of their routine as they grow. In addition to sunscreen, parents should wear hats, sunglasses, and UPF clothing during extended time outdoors and encourage their children to do the same.” Demonstrating sunscreen and sun protection steps is an important part of normalizing sun protection. An easy way to get kids to develop a sun protection habit is to attach sunblock use to an existing habit. For example, kids can apply sunscreen after brushing their teeth. Using a sunblock stick also makes daily application quick and easy. In addition to showing kids a good example and trying to make sunscreen application habits simple, parents also need to use positive language related to sunscreen. Try saying fun and encouraging things like:
- “Let’s put on our sunscreen before we head out for the day.”
- “Applying sunblock before we play outside keeps skin happy.”
- “Don’t forget to put on your protective sun armor before we play outside.”
How to Protect Children’s Skin Daily
For parents trying to understand how to protect children’s skin from sun damage, a few daily habits can make a big difference, including:
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily – choose a sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Apply to all exposed areas – take care to evenly apply sunscreen to all parts of the skin that are exposed to sunlight, including the face, ears, neck, exposed scalp, hands, arms, legs, and feet.
- Apply daily in all weather – even if it’s cold or cloudy outside, UV rays can penetrate through clouds and cause damage. Apply sunscreen daily to build good habits and keep skin safe.
- Reapply routinely – one sunscreen application won’t last all day. It should be reapplied at least every two hours while outdoors and after swimming or sweating.
- Wear protective gear – long sleeves, pants, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and gloves can be used to keep skin safe. You can even invest in UPF-rated clothing that’s designed with fabric that protects from sun damage.
- Take sun breaks – most kids love playing outside when it’s warm and sunny, but it’s important to seek shade or go inside periodically to give skin a rest from the sun’s damaging rays.
Sunscreen for Kids: What to Look For
When it’s time to choose a sunscreen for kids and their sensitive skin, not all sunblock is created equal. Some things parents should look for when choosing their child’s sunscreen include:
- Gentle formulas – choose sunscreens formulated without common irritants, such as fragrances, dyes, and parabens. Look for products marketed as hypoallergenic or for sensitive skin.
- Mineral vs chemical formulas – mineral sunblock (also called physical) is usually formulated with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients sit on the top of skin and reflect UV rays. For babies, young children, and those with sensitive skin, these sunscreens are the best option. Chemical sunscreens absorb into skin and convert UV rays to heat. They are lighter weight and easier to rub in, so kids may prefer the way they feel. For older kids and teens, chemical sunscreens can be a good option.
- Application – choose sunscreen with an application method that kids will be able to use themselves or with supervision and support from parents. Sticks are great for quick facial sunblock application. Sprays are good options for high energy kids as they are faster to apply. Lotions are best for full body coverage like what would be needed at the pool. At the end of the day, finding a sunscreen application your child doesn’t mind will promote a positive experience.
- Water resistance – for kids who will be in the water or sweating, water-resistant sunscreen is a must. Reapplication is still essential when using water-resistant sunscreen, but they may not have to reapply as often as a traditional sunscreen. Specifically, most water-resistant sunblock is rated for between 40 and 80 minutes of time in the water.
Teaching Teens Sun Safety (What Actually Works)
According to Dr. Walker, “Teens may be better able to apply sunblock effectively, but they may also be less likely to use it consistently without understanding the importance of daily sun protection. Connecting sunscreen use to concerns that matter to teens, such as preventing sunburn and premature skin aging, can help encourage healthy habits.” Some ways to convince teens to use sunscreen daily include:
- Focus on appearance – adolescence is a stage when appearance and self-image naturally become more important. Highlighting visible effects of sun damage, such as premature aging, dark spots, and uneven skin tone, can help encourage daily sunscreen use.
- Tanning isn’t safe – even if teens feel like they need to have tan skin for events like prom, intentional tanning carries significant risks. Tanning beds emit concentrated levels of UVA radiation. This form of UV damage is linked to an increased risk for skin cancer.
- There are safer options – safer alternatives like spray tans or gradual self-tanning lotions allow teens to achieve a similar aesthetic result without UV exposure. Plus, the high-quality products available today are much more natural looking.
- Keep it simple and consistent – sunscreen should be a non-negotiable step in daily teen skincare routines. For those with minimal skincare habits, a simple routine—gentle cleanser, moisturizer, targeted acne treatments when needed, and sunscreen—is often most effective.
- Model healthy habits – teens are more likely to adopt sun-safe behaviors when they see them practiced consistently at home. Wearing sunscreen daily, along with sunglasses and protective clothing during extended sun exposure, helps reinforce these habits.
Common Mistakes Parents and Kids Make
Dr. Walker says, “Even the most vigilant parents may be making simple mistakes that cause UV protection for kids to be less effective. Identifying and correcting these habits can help prevent sunburn and reduce long-term UV damage.” Some common sun protection mistakes parents make include:
- Not applying sunscreen daily – sunscreen is often reserved for beach or pool days, but everyday exposure from outdoor activities, commuting, and time near windows still contributes to cumulative UV damage.
- Not reapplying regularly – one application will only protect skin for a few hours at a time, especially during outdoor activities. It’s important to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.
- Relying on SPF in other products – makeup, lip balm, moisturizer, and other skincare products that contain SPF can provide supplemental protection, but they should not replace a dedicated sunscreen.
- Missing key areas during application – the ears, back of the neck, hands, tops of feet, hair line, and lips are often overlooked areas when applying sunscreen. Consistent, full-coverage application is essential.
When to See a Dermatologist
Prevention and skin protection for children are important aspects of sun safety, but sometimes, you need to visit a professional. You should schedule a dermatology visit if you or your child experience:
- Frequent sunburns – even one severe sunburn increases risk for long-term and more severe skin damage. A dermatologist can make recommendations for better sun protection and treat sunburns.
- New moles – if new moles develop or existing moles or freckles change size, shape, or color, they should be evaluated by a dermatologist right away.
- Questions or concerns about sun care – dermatologists offer personalized treatment options based on your child’s skin type and skin cancer risk factors.
- Family history of skin cancer – having one or more close relatives who have been diagnosed with skin cancer increases risk. Kids should be monitored closely and evaluated by a dermatologist if any concerning or changing skin lesions are noted.
Make Sun Safety a Lifelong Habit
When it comes to prioritizing sun safety for kids and teens, Dr. Walker says, “Sun protection is not a one-time effort—it is a lifelong habit. Consistent daily sun safety, starting in childhood, is one of the most effective ways to reduce cumulative UV damage over time. Parents play an important role in helping children build and maintain these habits through routine sunscreen use and other protective measures.”
Schedule Annual Skin Checks with a Trusted Dermatologist
Annual skin examinations with your dermatologist are essential to diminishing risk for skin cancer and other skin health concerns. Whether you’re concerned about a new issue with skin health or you’re ready for your annual exam, scheduling a visit with U.S. Dermatology Partners is easy by filling out a simple online request form. Once we receive your request, a local team member will reach out to finalize the details of your upcoming visit.
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