Spending time outdoors is a great way to stay active and enjoy sunshine, but it is important to protect yourself and your family from the sun’s harmful rays and insect bites. For tips on staying safe in the heat, see Stay Cool: Summer Heat Tips
Sunscreen and Sun Safety
Protect your skin by:
- Using sunscreen when going outside (see below for details)
- Wearing sun-protective clothing, a hat, and sunglasses
- Staying in the shade when outside
- Limiting time in the sun during peak hours. The sun’s rays are strongest from 10 am to 4 pm.
- Infants under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight whenever possible
How to Choose a Sunscreen
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone use sunscreen that has:
- Broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays)
- SPF 30 or higher
- Water resistance
A sunscreen that offers these 3 essentials can help to reduce the risk of skin cancer, sunburn, and melasma – a common skin condition that causes dark patches or spots, often due to sun exposure.
If possible, avoid sunscreens with the ingredient oxybenzone in children because of concerns that it may affect endocrine and hormone activity. For areas of the body particularly prone to sunburn, such as the nose, cheeks, tops of the ears, and shoulders, choose a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Tips For Applying Sunscreen
- Apply sunscreen at least 15 to 30 minutes before going outside.
- Make sure to use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed areas, including the face, ears, hands, back of knees, and feet. Help is needed for hard-to-reach places like the back.
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and especially after swimming or sweating.
- Check the sunscreen’s expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date is good for no more than 3 years, less if it has been exposed to high temperatures.
- Use sunscreen on cloudy days too, not just sunny days.
Recommendations for Babies
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following when using sunscreen on babies:
- For babies younger than six months: Use sunscreen on small areas of the body, such as the face, if protective clothing and shade are not available.
- For babies older than six months: Apply sunscreen to all areas of the body. Remember to be careful around the eyes. If your baby rubs sunscreen into their eyes, wipe their eyes and hands clean with a damp cloth. If the sunscreen irritates their skin, try a different brand or sunscreen with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. If your baby develops a rash, talk with their doctor.
For more information about sun safety:
What’s New in Sunscreen
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new sunscreen ingredient called bemotrizinol for use in the United States. This ingredient has been used in Europe and Asia for over 25 years.
Why is this good news for you and your family?
This new ingredient, bemotrizinol, is reported to:
- Provide better protection from the sun’s harmful rays because it protects against UVA (causes premature aging) and UVB (causes sunburns) rays
- Break down more slowly in the sun helping it stay effective longer
- Be absorbed into the body less than other commonly used chemical sunscreen ingredients
- Be safe for adults and children six months or older
We hope to see more sunscreen choices for families in the United States soon!
To learn more about bemotrizinol:
Sunscreen and Insect Repellent
If you are outdoors in areas that may have mosquitoes or ticks, protect yourself and your family from insect bites. Mosquitoes and ticks can spread germs through their bites that can cause illness.
Insect Repellent Safety
- Use an EPA-registered insect repellent to help prevent mosquito and tick bites
- Follow all label instructions carefully
- Apply repellent only to exposed skin and clothing
- Avoid applying repellent to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin
- Do not spray directly on the face; spray onto hands first, then apply
- Wash treated skin with soap and water when returning indoors
- Check for ticks after spending time in grassy or wooded areas
Insect Repellent Tips for Babies and Children
- For safety, only adults should apply insect repellant to children
- Avoid repellent on children’s hands, eyes, mouth, or irritated skin
- Apply only to exposed skin and clothing
- Wash treated skin with soap and water after coming indoors
- Check children for ticks after outdoor activities
- Use mosquito netting over strollers, carriers, and play areas
- Do not use insect repellent on infants younger than two months old
- For infants two months and older, use insect repellents according to label directions and pediatric recommendations
When you need to use both sunscreen and insect repellent:
- Always apply sunscreen first and insect repellent after
- Allow sunscreen to dry for a few minutes
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating
- To reapply insect repellent, see instructions on label
For more information about insect repellent:
- HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics): How to Choose an Insect Repellent for Your Child English | Spanish
- CDPH: Insect Repellent Guide for Parents and Caregivers
Learn more about preventing insect bites:
