Family Sun Safety

Every person in your family should practice sun safety.

It is important for children to develop sun-safe habits early in life. When parents or caregivers are outdoors with a child, they should make sure the child is wearing a hat, applying sunscreen before playing outside, and re-applying sunscreen at proper intervals during play. These habits will stay with children into adulthood.

Offer children a great example by starting the habit of applying sunscreen before you leave the house. Remember, Start Early and Never Stop. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Avoid sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm all year ’round.
• Always wear sunscreen with UVB and UVA exposure protective chemicals and with SPF 15 or higher, even on cloudy days.
• Apply at least one ounce—about a shot glass full—of sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun, and reapply frequently — at least every two hours if in continuous sunlight.
• Wear sunglasses treated to absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation, use a lip balm with an SPF of at least 15, and wear tight-weave clothing with long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Children in particular should be protected from the sun because severe sunburns in childhood may greatly increase risk of melanoma in later life.

Additional Resources
ACS: Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
CDC: Protecting Children from the Sun
EPA: Teach Your Children to be SunWise