What is the best way to protect my child from the sun?
Even one severe sunburn during childhood or teenage years can increase the risk of skin cancer later. Children get 80% of their lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18, so it is important to protect them. Protecting the skin during the first 18 years of life can reduce the risk of some types of skin cancer by up to 78%. • During the summer, do not let children go outdoors without sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of 15 or higher — even on cloudy days. • Reapply the sunscreen often, particularly if they go in water. • Minimize the time children spend in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. • Keep babies, 6 months or younger, out of the sun whenever possible. Back to the top.
