Sun Safety for Families in 2025: How Building Essential Lifelong Habits Prevents Skin Cancer

Sun safety for families is critical nowadays! The idea of skin cancer affecting our children may feel remote, but the truth is, early exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can have serious consequences later in life. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Canada, and British Columbia has the highest rates in the country. One in five BC residents will be diagnosed with skin cancer during their lifetime.

With the risks rising, especially under intensifying UV radiation from climate change, sun safety for families and skin cancer prevention, especially young children, is more important than ever. But the good news is that skin cancer is also one of the most preventable cancers, and small daily actions can make a big difference.

Start Sun Safety For Families with Young Children

Most sun damage occurs in childhood and adolescence. Children’s skin is more vulnerable to UV exposure, and just one blistering sunburn in childhood can double the risk of developing melanoma—the deadliest form of skin cancer.

During family activities in the sunshine, ensuring everyone is protected must become second nature. Fortunately, sun safety for families can be simple—and even fun.

“As both a dermatologist and a parent, I know how important it is to protect young skin from the sun.
Babies and toddlers have thinner, more delicate skin, which makes them more vulnerable to sunburn and
long-term UV damage. That’s why I recommend a layered approach to sun protection: applying broad-
spectrum sunscreen on top of a hydrating bathtime routine, dressing children in UPF-rated clothing and
wide-brimmed hats, using sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.” Dr. Juthika Thakur

5 Simple Sun Safety Tips Every Family Should Follow

1. Avoid Peak Hours: Stay out of direct sunlight between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the UV index is typically highest.
2. Find Shade: Use trees, umbrellas, or tents to limit direct exposure.
3. Dress Smart: Cover skin with long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-protective fabrics.
4. Wear Sunglasses: Choose UV 400–rated sunglasses to protect delicate eye tissue. Here are more tips about the type of sunglasses to choose.
5. Apply Sunscreen Properly: Use SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen, and don’t forget to reapply!

A Doctor’s Sun Safety Routine for Your Family

“At home, I start with the Aveeno Baby Daily Wash & Shampoo and Aveeno Baby Daily Lotion on my toddler followed by the Aveeno Baby Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50 (the stick version is perfect for easy kid-friendly application) before preschool.  I especially appreciate that the formula is gentle enough for daily use and includes colloidal oatmeal, an ingredient known to soothe irritation, relieve itch, and support the skin’s protective barrier. It’s something I trust for my own child and recommend often in my practice.” Dr. Juthika Thakur

When Sun Safety Didn’t Happen – Sun Burn Aftercare

Unfortunately, there are times when the sun safety routine is forgotten. My children just went camping and camp home with extremely painful sunburns. Here are some tips from Mayo Clinic to help your child deal with the repercussions.

First Aid Care For Sunburns

• Take a pain reliever. Use a nonprescription pain reliever as soon as possible after getting too much sun. Examples are ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Or try a gel pain reliever that you rub on the skin.
• Cool the skin. Apply to the affected skin a clean towel dampened with cool tap water. Or take a cool bath. Add about 2 ounces (60 grams) of baking soda to the tub. Cool the skin for about 10 minutes several times a day.
• Apply a moisturizer, lotion or gel. An aloe vera lotion or gel or calamine lotion can be soothing. Try cooling the product in the refrigerator before applying. Avoid products with alcohol.
• Drink extra water for a day. This helps prevent dehydration.
• Leave blisters alone. An intact blister can help the skin heal. If a blister does break, trim off the dead skin with a clean, small scissors. Gently clean the area with mild soap and water. Then apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover it with a nonstick bandage.
• Protect yourself from the sun. While your skin heals from the sunburn, stay out of the sun or use other sun-protection measures.
• Apply a soothing medicated cream. For mild to moderate sunburn, apply nonprescription 1% hydrocortisone cream to the affected area three times a day for three days. Try cooling the product in the refrigerator before applying.
• Treat sunburned eyes. Apply a clean, dampened towel with cool tap water.

Sun Safety for Families Products

To help you protect your family consider using these amazing products. Aveeno® suncare products have you covered with broad-spectrum SPF. Help keep your skin protected so you can have fun in the sun.