More time outside means more time to protect your skin. Dermatologist Dr. Weaver shares simple tips to help families stay sun-safe this season. Whether it is a day on the trails, time at the park with the kids, or relaxing by the river, sunscreen should be part of the routine. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still cause skin damage.
Q: Who should wear sunscreen? A: Everyone. Kids, teens, adults, and grandparents all benefit from daily protection. Making it part of the routine helps make it easy. Keep sunscreen by the door, in your car or in your backpack for easy access.
Q: What should I look for when buying sunscreen? A: Look for these must-haves:
- SPF 30 or higher (SPF 30 lip balm is also helpful for older kids and adults).
- Broad-spectrum protection, meaning it protects against both UV-A (aging) and UV-B (burning) rays.
Chad Weaver, MD, Dermatology
Q: What sunscreen works best for kids and adults? A: The best sunscreen is the one that gets used!
Lotions are great for full coverage, especially for younger kids. Best for dry skin and face coverage.
Sticks work well for faces, especially around eyes and quick touch-ups.
Gels are ideal for oily skin and for hair-covered areas.
Sprays are convenient for busy families but should be applied carefully and rubbed in for even coverage. Don’t spray near the face—spray into your hands first, then apply.
Dermatology provider Erin Hanson, CNP, also recommends powder sunscreen for hair parts and quick touch-ups because it is easy to carry in a bag or purse.
Q: When should we apply it? A: Apply about 30 minutes before heading outside so it has time to absorb. Reapply every 2 hours, and more often if swimming or sweating. Don’t forget ears, noses, necks, and the tops of feet. Adults should use about an ounce (a shot glass full).
Q: Why is sunburn such a big deal for kids? A: Sunburn is skin damage, and it adds up over time. Just a few serious sunburns in childhood can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. Protection early on makes a difference long term.
Q: Is sunscreen the only way to protect my skin? A: Sunscreen is an important part of sun safety, but it is not the only tool. The best protection comes from using multiple strategies together, especially during long outdoor days.
Q: Should we wear sun-protective clothing? A: Yes. Sun-protective clothing is an easy way to add another layer of protection. Lightweight long-sleeve shirts, hats with wide brims, sunglasses and clothing labeled UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) can help block harmful UV rays. This is especially helpful for kids who are active outside or for longer periods in the sun.
Q: Does seeking shade really help? A: Absolutely. Shade is one of the simplest ways to reduce sun exposure. Sitting under trees, umbrellas, or covered areas can significantly limit UV exposure, especially when the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. When possible, combine shade with sunscreen and protective clothing for the best coverage.
Q: Can we get sun damage even in the car or indoors? A: Yes, to some extent. Windows block most UV-B rays (burning), but UV-A rays (aging) can still reach skin. That is why sunscreen can still matter during car rides or time near windows.
Q: What if I wear makeup or use face creams? A: Sunscreen should still be part of your routine. Apply it before your makeup for best protection. Some skincare products, like retinols, vitamin C and certain antibiotics, can make your skin extra sensitive to sun—so protection is key.
Q: Why is it important to avoid getting sunburned? A: A sunburn isn’t just painful—the sun has damaged your skin. Over time, that damage builds up:
- Increases your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.
- Just one blistering sunburn in childhood or five sunburns total can double your risk of melanoma.
- Repeated sunburns also raise the chance of basal and squamous cell cancers.
Q: I haven’t used sunscreen consistently and haven’t had issues, why start now? A: Because sun damage is cumulative. It adds up over the years. The good news? It’s never too late to start protecting your skin. Sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer and keeps your skin looking healthier longer.
If something on your child’s skin, or your own, looks new or changing, it is okay to have it checked. To schedule an appointment with the Winona Health Dermatology department, call 507.457.7674. We will help you get in quickly, often the same day.
To learn more about Dermatology care, visit winonahealth.org/derm.