By Dr. Maria Gnarra Buethe

Contributing Columnist

Ah, the Southern California sun. Kids here practically live outdoors—at the park, pool, or beach. Yet, while we’re busy tossing them swim goggles and life jackets, something crucial slips our minds: sun protection.

The big deal about sunburn

You’d think with all this sun we’d be pros at handling it, right? But here’s the kicker: skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. The American Academy of Dermatology tells us that just one blistering sunburn as a kid can nearly double the lifetime risk of melanoma. Yikes.

Sunscreen: your trusty sidekick

Let’s chat sunscreen. Is it safe for the kiddos? You bet. When used as directed, it’s both safe and effective. If you’ve got babies under six months, go for shade and clothing. For the older crowd, pick a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide work wonders, especially for sensitive skin.

Apply, reapply, repeat

Sunscreen has its own rhythm. Slather it on generously 15 to 30 minutes before the sun makes its debut. Don’t skip those sneaky spots—the ears, scalp, back of the neck, and feet. Keep reapplying every two hours, or more often if your little one is splashing around.

Dress them right

Sure, sunscreen is key, but sun-protective clothing? That’s your first defense. Look for swim shirts with UPF 50+. Pair them with wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses blocking 100% UV rays. Pro tip: if light peeks through the fabric, UV rays do too.

Schedule smarts: dodge peak UV hours

Timing is everything. Those UV rays are fierce between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you’re out during those hours, find cover under a shady tree or umbrella—and don’t forget the stroller canopy.

Set the example

Kids mimic what they see. Make sun safety a family affair. Apply sunscreen together, sport those hats, and chat about the “why” behind skin protection. These habits are like little investments paying off big in the long run.

It’s a challenge, sure, but believe me, as a pediatric dermatologist and mom of three, I get it. Every sun hat, shirt, and dab of sunscreen is a step toward a healthier future.

For more insights on keeping those precious skins safe, check out Children’s Hospital of Orange County Dermatology for tips and resources.

Dr. Maria Gnarra Buethe—the name’s a mouthful, I know—is your friendly neighborhood double-board-certified dermatologist. She’s the big cheese over at the new dermatology division at Children’s Hospital of Orange County and heads pediatric dermatology at UC Irvine.

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