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Sun exposure has many harmful consequences, including skin cancer, sunburns, wrinkles and photoaging. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun directly damages DNA. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that sun protection begin in infancy. Importantly, the large majority of one's lifetime sun exposure usually occurs before adulthood.

 

To teach kids about the harmful effects of sun exposure, I compare the cancer-causing potential of ultraviolet light to that of smoking. Teens may be especially difficult to convince to practice sun protection because of peer pressure and the desire for a tan. However, there is no such thing as a "healthy tan."

 

 

 

Sun protection involves more than just using sunscreen. When possible, midday sun (between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) should be avoided because it is especially intense and damaging. It is also important to seek shade and monitor the duration of sun exposure. Clothing matters — wearing wide-brimmed hats and tightly woven, light-colored clothing provides additional protection. Other clothing tips include rash guard shirts and long swim trunks for swimming, and long-sleeved T-shirts in the fall. Sun protection should be practiced year-round. The more fair the person, the more important the need for sun protection. Provide an example for your kids by practicing sun protection yourself.

 

 

 

As with adults, children should use sunscreens with a broad spectrum (including UVA and UVB) and a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Most people simply do not apply enough sunscreen, in the range of ¼-½ of how much is supposed to be applied. For kids, an appropriate amount for a full body application is about a half ounce. Teenagers or adults should use a full ounce, or about one handful. Historically, sunscreen has not been used in infants under 6 months because they can be easily kept out of the sun.

 

For best results, sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before exposure, and every 2 hours or after perspiration or swimming. For babies, focus on shade, hats, and clothing, and consider zinc oxide-based sunscreens. For children, sunscreen sticks can be helpful on the face. Teens may prefer mineral-based
sunscreen powders and sprays. Finally, while fake tan products do not provide sun protection, they may help teens resist temptations to tan.

 

 

 

The best strategy is to vigilantly avoid sunburn in the first place. Severe sunburns have been closely linked to later development of melanoma. Remember that water, sand, and snow reflect the sun's damaging rays, increasing sunburn risk. It may take a day to see the full extent of damage from a sunburn. For symptoms, cold compresses, milk baths, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen may help. I recommend avoiding "-caine" products, including benzocaine, because of possible contact allergy. If fever, chills, or headaches develop, seek medical attention.

 

 

 

While vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight, any sun exposure contributes to those unwanted consequences mentioned above, including an increased risk for almost all types of skin cancer. Vitamin D can safely be obtained from diet and supplements instead of sun exposure.