Tips on UV Ray Safety and Sunscreen Use for Kids from Intermountain Health

Temperatures are on the rise as summer gets underway. As people participate in more outdoor activities, they need protection against strong UV rays from the sun.

Multiple studies support the relationship between sun exposure and an increased risk of developing the most common types of skin cancers – squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. These studies could found a strong relationship that people with the lightest skin tones are more likely to burn than tan.

“Skin cancer is due to a cumulative effect of skin exposure to UV rays or sunlight over time. Protecting your skin now is just as important as applying sunscreen when you’re 70 years old,” said Bryce Desmond, MD, a dermatologist for Intermountain Health.

As families begin to make their way outdoors, and spend more time in the sun, parents may wonder the best way to protect their children from strong UV rays.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that all kids above the age of 6 months – regardless of their skin tone and type – wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

They also recommend that parents keep babies younger than 6 months old out of the sun. They also recommend that when going outside, parents dress their baby in lightweight clothes that cover their arms and legs (rashguards)— and don’t forget a hat with a brim.

If the sun can’t be avoided, it’s recommended that parents use a small amount of sunscreen on baby’s exposed skin, such as the hands and face.

Little ones should not be wearing any type of topical sunscreen product until they are at least 6 months old. When they are older, parents should apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to going outside, then reapply every two hours or after sweating or swimming.

Here are some sunscreen application tips from Dr. Desmond for toddlers and babies of age:

• Put a small amount of sunscreen on a make-up brush with bristles or use a new make-up blending sponge for the face. Have an extra to give to your little one to distract them while you’re applying it.
• Apply sunscreen while your baby or toddler is still strapped into the car seat to prevent excessive squirming.
• Have fun with the sunscreen. Use your finger and draw shapes with the sunscreen before blending it in.
• Apply while singing a song to help create a distraction of what’s taking place.
• For parents of toddlers, let them help you apply it on yourself first.

“For sensitive skin, parents should choose mineral sunscreen with the active ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Mineral sunscreen blocks UV radiation while chemical sunscreen absorbs UV radiation before it can be absorbed by the skin,” said Dr. Desmond.

Parents may also be good role models in sunscreen wearing. Consistently wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater and limiting your sun exposure will reduce the risk of skin damage and teach kids good sun sense.

Infants have sensitive skin and are more vulnerable to serious burns. Clothing can additionally be a great way to protect them and children from the harmful effects of UV, but not all fabrics have been created equally. Companies now have testing standards for sun protection of UV protective clothing and is displayed as UPF.  Ensure to reapply sunscreen every two hours.

For questions on specific skin type care, consult with your pediatrician or pediatric dermatologist.

Bryce Desmond, is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine specializing in dermatology with Intermountain Medical Group, seeing patients at Intermountain Alta View Clinic Dermatology in Sandy, Utah.

About Intermountain Health

Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a nonprofit system of 34 hospitals, 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For more information or updates, see https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.