While sunscreen is a widely known method of skin protection and critically important for vulnerable kids, it should not lull parents into a false sense of security. You can guard your kids against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays in other important ways. Go beyond sunscreen and learn four ways to protect skin from UV rays for greater sun protection.
Hats Aren’t Just for Toddlers
A hat with a wide brim offers excellent protection for kids’ faces, ears, and necks—areas that are often exposed to the sun. The wider the brim, the better the shield against UV rays. A hat consisting of tightly woven fabric, such as canvas, provides the most effective barrier.
Help your child move on to other styles that still provide sun protection but feel more grown up when they’ve outgrown their adorable sunbonnets. Baseball hats, safari-style hats with brims and neck covers, or tennis hats can appeal to a fashion-conscious tween or contrarian teenager.
Cool Shades
Sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory; they protect our eyes from UV radiation. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to cataracts and other eye conditions. Ensure your child’s sunglasses block out 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound styles offer the best protection as they shield the sides of the eyes, and kids think they look cool, which provides an incentive for them to remember to put them on.
Consider Tinting Your Car Windows
UV radiation can penetrate car windows, contributing to premature aging and skin cancer. Having a professional car modification shop apply a clear, UV-blocking film has many benefits, among them significantly reducing both driver and passenger exposure to harmful rays while traveling by car. Make sure any modifications adhere to local laws regarding window tinting.
Even With Sunscreen, Avoid the Sun Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The sun’s rays are the most potent between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., making this time window prime for UV damage. Even when wearing sunscreen, try to keep your kids out of the sun during these hours. Set up games in the shade, put your kids in protective clothing with built-in sun protection, and call time-outs to reapply sunscreen every two hours if they insist on playing outside during peak sun hours.
The above four ways to protect skin from UV rays beyond sunscreen also work for adults. While sunscreen plays a pivotal role in protecting skin, incorporating these additional methods can provide a more comprehensive defense against UV rays.
You have some awesome advice here. I always worry about being burnt since we’re in Texas and it’s super hot! My car is tinted, thank goodness.
I have tinted windows on my car. That is awesome that they are protecting me from the sun.
Thank you for all the great tips! I always bring a hat and a UV protected shirt when going to the beach!
These tips are great to try for protection this Summer! Love it!
It’s so important to go beyond just sunscreen. I’ll definitely be getting wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses for the kids. Tinting the car windows is a great idea too, especially during summer road trips.
Summer is amazing but you definitely want to keep safe. I’ve got to get a pair of sunglasses in my purse to have for the just-in-case.
Great tips here and I love a good hat for the sun. My husband wears hats that help protect from the sun while at work plus also sunscreen. I will say I loved having my windows tinted but in NY….. they make you remove it when having your car inspected. We learned that after moving to NY from South Carolina and wasted $300 to $400 on a new tint job.
That avoiding the sun between 10am and 2pm!! I hope I could do that!!!