Sun Safety & Sunscreen

Learning how to protect your skin and eyes from the sun's harmful rays so you can play outside safely every day.

Reading is good — doing is better. Practice Sun Safety & Sunscreen as an interactive lesson.

Definition

Sun safety means doing things to keep your skin from getting hurt by the sun. The sun sends out invisible rays called UV rays that can burn your skin, even on cloudy days. Sunscreen is a lotion or spray you put on your skin that blocks or absorbs those rays before they can cause a sunburn.

Remember the rule

Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide! Slip on a shirt, Slop on sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade, Slide on sunglasses.

Key words

UV Rays: Invisible beams of energy from the sun that can burn and damage your skin. UV stands for ultraviolet.
Sunscreen: A lotion, spray, or stick you put on your skin to block UV rays and help prevent sunburn.
SPF: Sun Protection Factor — a number on sunscreen that tells you how well it protects your skin. The higher the number, the more protection.
Sunburn: Red, sore, or peeling skin caused by too much time in the sun without protection.
Shade: A cool, darker area blocked from direct sunlight, like under a tree or umbrella.
Reapply: To put sunscreen on again after swimming, sweating, or after a couple of hours in the sun.
UV Index: A daily number (1–11+) that tells how strong the sun's UV rays are that day. Higher numbers mean more danger.
Protective Clothing: Clothes that cover your skin to block UV rays, like long-sleeved shirts, hats with wide brims, and sunglasses.

Worked examples

Maya is going to the beach for 3 hours. What SPF sunscreen should she use and when should she put it on?

→ Maya should use SPF 30 or higher. She should put it on at least 15 minutes BEFORE going outside, then reapply every 2 hours or right after she gets out of the water. · Sunscreen needs a little time to soak in and start working before you head into the sun.

It is a cloudy day and Jake thinks he does not need sunscreen. Is he right?

→ No! UV rays pass right through clouds. Jake still needs to wear sunscreen even on cloudy or cool days. · Up to 80% of UV rays can reach your skin through clouds.

Sofia put on sunscreen in the morning before school. She goes to recess at 11 AM and then again at 1 PM. Does she need to reapply?

→ Yes! Sunscreen wears off after about 2 hours. Sofia should reapply before going back outside each time if possible, or right after her first long recess. · Most kids forget this step — reapplying is just as important as putting it on the first time.

A sunscreen bottle says SPF 15 and another says SPF 50. Which one gives more protection?

→ SPF 50 gives more protection. Doctors suggest kids use at least SPF 30. SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UV rays, while SPF 15 only blocks about 93%. · For kids playing outside, SPF 30 or higher is the safe choice.

Leo is playing soccer at noon in July. What two things besides sunscreen can he do to stay sun-safe?

→ Leo can wear a hat with a brim to shade his face and neck, and he can take water breaks in a shaded area to get out of the direct sun during the hottest part of the day (10 AM–4 PM).

Ava gets a sunburn on her shoulders. What should she do to feel better and what should she do differently next time?

→ To feel better: move into the shade or indoors, apply cool water or aloe vera gel to the sore skin, drink water, and tell a grown-up. Next time: apply SPF 30+ sunscreen 15 minutes before going out and wear a shirt that covers her shoulders. · Sunburns can still hurt the next day — it is important to protect burned skin even more carefully until it heals.

Common mistakes

Skipping sunscreen on cloudy or cold days because the sun does not look strong — UV rays are always there.
Not using enough sunscreen — you need about a palmful (one ounce) to cover your whole body.
Forgetting spots like ears, the back of the neck, the tops of feet, and lips.
Only putting sunscreen on once and never reapplying — it must go back on every 2 hours or after swimming.
Thinking a dark tan means your skin is safe — a tan is actually a sign your skin has already been damaged by UV rays.

FAQs

Does sunscreen expire?

Yes! Check the date on the bottle. Expired sunscreen does not work as well, so throw it out and get a new one each summer.

Can I get sunburned in the water or pool?

Yes! Water reflects UV rays and makes them even stronger. Always reapply waterproof sunscreen right after you get out of the water.

Why do my eyes need protection from the sun?

UV rays can hurt your eyes just like they hurt your skin. Wearing sunglasses that block UV rays keeps your eyes healthy.

What time of day is the sun most dangerous?

The sun is strongest between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon. Try to play in the shade during those hours when you can.

Is one coat of sunscreen in the morning enough for a whole day outside?

No. Sunscreen wears off after about 2 hours, and even sooner if you sweat or swim. You need to put more on throughout the day.

What if sunscreen stings my eyes or irritates my skin?

Tell a grown-up. There are special sunscreens made for sensitive skin or for kids' faces. Look for ones that say 'mineral' or 'zinc oxide' on the label — they are usually gentler.

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