The document provides information on protecting children from sun exposure and skin cancer risks. It dispels several myths about sun protection, including that sunscreen blocks all UV rays, tanning beds are safer than sun exposure, and sunscreen isn't needed in winter or on cloudy days. It emphasizes the importance of using broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, reapplying frequently, wearing protective clothing and hats, seeking shade, and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours.

1. Fun in the Sun!
My child doesn’t need
sunscreen in the winter.
Myth. Sunscreen is still
needed in the winter and
on cloudy days. Clouds and haze do not
protect you from the sun’s rays. In fact,
they can make UVB rays stronger.
Tanning best and lamps are safer than
the sun.
Myth. In fact, spending 15 to 20 minutes
in a tanning salon is just as dangerous as
spending a whole day in the sun. Next
time you want a golden tan, skip the
tanning bed and opt for sunless tanner
instead. Sunless tanners offer a healthier,
safer alternative to tanning.
Clothes offer sun protection.
Fact! Clothes offer
protection from the sun,
too. Look for tightly woven
fabrics. The tighter the
weave, the more sun
protection the fabric offers.
In fact, there is special
clothing that protects skin
by absorbing UV rays.
Myth vs. Fact
We set common sun
protection myths straight!
Sun Protection Guide for Parents
Did you know?
Just a few serious sunburns can increase your
child’s risk of skin cancer later in life. Their
skin needs protection from the sun’s harmful
rays whenever they’re outdoors.
Sunscreen blocks all of the sun’s UV rays.
Myth. Sunscreen helps minimize sun damage,
but no sunscreen completely blocks all
wavelengths of UV light. When you or your
child get a sunburn, you increase your risk of
melanoma and other skin cancers whether you
were wearing sunscreen or not. That's why it's
important not to rely on sunscreen alone.
Lip balm should have a sunscreen in it, too.
Fact. Lips are skin too! Lip balm with a
sunscreen in it will provide lips with the
protection they need.
You can be allergic to some sunscreens.
Fact. The most common allergic reactions occur
with sunscreens that contain PABA-based
chemicals. Try a sunscreen without PABA if
you or your child develop skin irritations.
Sunscreens with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide
provide very good broad spectrum UV
protection and rarely cause allergic reactions.
by Christie Rosputni

2. The best way to lower risk of skin
cancer is to protect skin from sun
exposure. There are many ways to
protect your child all year long.
1. Use sunscreen. See our sunscreen
section for tips
on choosing and
applying
sunscreen.
2. Wear
sunglasses.
They protect
your child’s eyes from harmful rays
which can lead to cataracts when as
they get older.
3. Grab a hat. Make sure your child
wears a hat that shades the face,
scalp, ears, and neck. Don’t skip
the sunscreen on these just because
they’re wearing a hat! Children are
active and the hat won’t always
cover those areas.
4. Cover up. Clothing provides great
protection from sun damage. A long
sleeve shirt and pants made with a
tightly weaved fabric are best. Since
that’s not always practical, try to
cover up with a t-shirt and pants and
cover all exposed areas with
sunscreen.
5. Limit exposure. The sun’s rays are
most harmful during the middle of
the day. Encourage your kids to stay
inside or pop a tent, an umbrella, or
a seek cover under a dense tree.
Sunscreen Tips for the
Whole Family
Keep Your Child Safe Shades are cool!
Sunglasses that block UV
rays are recommended
beginning at age 1.
Choosing a Sunscreen
 SPF 30 or higher.
 Broad spectrum. These block UVA &
UVB rays.
 Water resistant. Choose this even if your
activities do not include swimming.
 Read the labels. Less expensive sunscreen
will work the same as more expensive prod-
ucts with the same ingredients.
Applying Sunscreen
 Wear it every day even when you're only
going outdoors for a short period, such as
walking to and from your car.
 Apply 30 minutes before sun exposure
for best results. This allows sunscreen to be
absorbed into your skin.
 Don't forget areas such as the top of your
feet, ears, back of neck, and shoulders.
 Got wet? Reapply! Always reapply after
swimming, towel drying, or sweating.
 Reapply. Follow package instructions for
how often to reapply, usually every 2 hours.
Special Instructions for Children
 Stick to products that use zinc oxide or titanium
dioxide for children, their skin is typically more
sensitive to chemical-based sunscreens.
 Talk to your pediatrician before using sunscreen
on children younger than 6 months.