I wear a daily moisturizer with SPF. Do my kids need sun protection every day, too? Even in the winter?

A:

Congratulations for being diligent about your skin health. And, yes, children need daily sun protection too. Like you, they’re exposed to harmful UV rays every time they’re outdoors -- on the playground, walking to school and even through car windows -- regardless of the season. In fact, much of the sun damage that shows up later in life as premature aging and precancerous lesions is the result of sun exposure incurred before age 18.

When buying a suntan lotion, go for one that’s labeled specifically for kids and has a seal from the American Academy of Pediatrics. These formulas have high SPFs, absorb easily and are gentle on kids’ skin. Apply the lotion wherever skin is exposed. In cooler temperatures, this means their face, ears, neck and back of the hands. In spring and summer, also coat their arms and legs, plus chest and feet depending on what their clothing covers.

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