My 9-year-old son loves being active, especially during the summer. He swims, plays baseball, soccer, anything, really, that gets him moving. He spends a lot of time in the sun, so I try to get him to wear sunscreen. However, he hates it and will do anything to avoid wearing it. I wonder if it is really necessary. He tans easily, and rarely burns, so maybe he does not have to wear sunscreen if he will only be playing outside for a few hours?
The idea that skin needs to burn in order to be damaged by the sun is a major misconception. Any change in skin color, including a tan, from the sun is a response to harmful ultraviolet radiation. This radiation can not only prematurely age the skin, it can also lead to skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the country. People often think that it takes decades of excessive sun exposure to develop skin cancer, but in fact, much of the damage that can lead to skin cancer occurs before age 20. The steps you take — or don’t — right now can have a long-term impact on your son’s health. Even if your son squirms at the idea of putting on sunscreen, it is crucial that he take precautions while playing outside, especially during these sunniest months of the year.
It may be helpful to try a different kind of sunscreen than you have used before. Maybe he finds the smell or texture uncomfortable. Luckily, there are plenty of options for kids. He may prefer one with a sweet smell, or one that can be applied as a spray. Try different varieties to see which one he is most able to tolerate. Also, always choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher, as this will provide the most protection for the longest period of time.
Thirty minutes before your son goes outside, apply the sunscreen to exposed skin. This half hour allows the sunscreen to soak in and set. If he is going to be playing sports or swimming, which can wear off even a waterproof sunscreen, be sure to reapply every two hours.
Sunscreen is not the only step that should be taken to prevent damage from the sun. If he is going to play outside during the summer, it is important that he try to avoid the direct sun between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm. This is when the sun is strongest and can cause the most damage.
Of course, this does not mean he should be cooped up inside all day. Rather, if he is outside when it is sunniest, encourage him to play in a shady area. Protective clothing is another key component of proper sun protection: he should wear a hat with a wide brim, long-sleeve shirts, and long pants.
That said, there is no reason why your son should not enjoy this summer to the fullest. It is wonderful that he is so active, and this should not be discouraged. If he learns good sun protection practices now, he can continue to enjoy the outdoors for decades to come.
