6 sun safety tips for keeping your children safe in summer

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of sunshine on your skin – and for children, summer is all about garden games, beach trips, and running free in the warm weather. However, while the summer is full of fun, it also presents risks that are easily underestimated. Children’s skin is incredibly delicate and far more vulnerable to damage than adult skin. Just a few episodes of sunburn in childhood can double the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

So whether you’re staying close to home or heading abroad, being sun-safe isn’t just about avoiding short-term discomfort – it’s about laying the foundation for lifelong skin health. As adults, we might turn to skincare treatments and products to reverse signs of sun exposure, but for children, prevention is the most powerful protection. So, with that in mind, here’s six easy to follow tips that will keep your kids sun-safe this summer!

Stick to the shade between 11am and 3pm

In the UK, the sun’s rays are strongest between 11am and 3pm, from early spring right through to the end of October – believe it or not. That means even on overcast days, the UV index can be high enough to cause damage. When UV rays are at their peak, children can burn very quickly – even if they don’t feel hot. Young skin contains less melanin, the pigment that offers some natural protection from the sun, making it more prone to burning.

Encouraging children to take breaks in the shade during this part of the day is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce their sun exposure. Shade isn’t just a backup plan when the sun feels too intense – it should be a regular part of outdoor play. Whether it’s under a tree, a UV pop-up tent, or a wide parasol, providing a shady spot to rest or snack makes sun safety feel natural and easy for kids.

Cover up with protective clothing

While sun cream is important, clothes are actually the most reliable barrier between your child’s skin and harmful UV rays. Fabrics with a tight weave physically block the sun’s rays, and they don’t rub or wash off like sun cream. Long-sleeved tops and longer shorts or skirts can help keep limbs protected while still being cool and breathable if you choose light, natural materials like cotton or linen. Wide-brimmed hats are particularly helpful for children as they shield the face, ears and neck – three areas that are extremely prone to sunburn and often missed during quick suncream applications.

Sunglasses are also often overlooked in children, but their developing eyes are sensitive to UV too. Wraparound styles with the CE or British Standard mark make sure their eyes are protected from direct and reflected rays, whether they’re playing by the sea or just out in the garden enjoying the weather.

Choose the right sunscreen – and use plenty of it

When it comes to children, not all sun cream is created equal. It’s important to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect against UVB rays (which cause sunburn) and a UVA rating of at least four stars (these rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to long-term damage and ageing). You’ll know a product meets UK standards if it has the UVA symbol inside a circle on the label.

Once you’ve chosen the right product, the next step is making sure it’s applied properly – and that means more than a quick squirt before you leave the house. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going outside, then again just before stepping out, to make sure an even layer has had time to settle and become effective. From there, it needs reapplying at least every 2 hours and immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel drying – even if it’s water-resistant. Don’t forget those easy-to-miss spots like the tops of ears, backs of knees, and feet!

Keep them hydrated

Hot weather brings extra challenges for little bodies. Children are more susceptible to dehydration because they have a higher body water content and often don’t recognise thirst until they’re already low on fluids. When they’re busy running around and playing, it’s easy to forget to pause and drink water, so having regular “sip stops” throughout the day helps keep them cool, comfortable and protected. Hydration is about more than just temperature – it also affects the skin. Well-hydrated skin is more resilient and better at maintaining its natural barrier against sun damage.

Try to offer water regularly and in fun ways – refillable bottles with favourite characters, straws, or sliced fruit can help turn it into a habit rather than a chore. If your child’s lips look dry or they seem sluggish, they may already be slightly dehydrated, so keep an eye on their fluid intake and offer cool snacks like fruit or ice lollies when possible.

Extra care for babies and toddlers

Babies under 6 months should be kept completely out of direct sunlight. Their skin is not only thin and vulnerable – it also lacks the melanin needed to protect itself. That means they’re at very high risk of burning, overheating, and even sunstroke. For this age group, prevention is everything. Use the pram’s canopy or attach a breathable sunshade, and try to time walks for earlier or later in the day. Once your baby is older than 6 months, you can start using small amounts of sun cream on exposed skin, but protective clothing and shade should still be your first port of call. Keep outdoor time gentle and avoid the hottest part of the day – and remember that while the sea breeze or paddling pool might feel refreshing, babies can still burn very quickly in or around water.

Don’t rely on the weather to guide you

One of the biggest misconceptions is that sun protection is only needed when it’s hot and sunny – but UV rays don’t follow the forecast. Up to 80% of UV radiation can pass through clouds, meaning your child can get sunburned on a grey and breezy day without even noticing. This is particularly true in places like the UK, where people may not realise how strong the spring and early summer sun can be. That’s why sun protection should be part of your everyday routine during the warmer months, whether you’re off to the park, walking to school, or just spending time in the garden. Making it a consistent habit keeps your child safe and helps them learn sun-safe habits they’ll carry with them into adulthood.

Sun safety isn’t about restricting your child’s time outdoors – it’s about giving them the freedom to enjoy the sunshine without the risks. If you’re spending time outdoors with your family, your skin is being exposed to the same harmful UV rays. Sun damage is one of the biggest contributors to premature ageing, pigmentation, fine lines and uneven skin tone. And while children need gentle protection, adult skin can benefit from a more targeted approach.

At AP Skincare, we offer expert-led skincare treatments and personalised skincare plans designed to help you maintain healthy, radiant skin. Using medical-grade ingredients, our treatments are tailored to your concerns and goals, whether you want to prevent signs of ageing or strengthen your skin barrier.

We also stock the professional-grade ZO Skin Health range by Dr. Zein Obagi. These advanced skincare products are clinically formulated to address concerns such as pigmentation, texture, ageing, and breakouts, supporting long-term skin health. You can explore the full ZO Skin Health collection online or get in touch with our Blackburn clinic for personalised advice from our friendly team on 01254 297000 to speak with a friendly member of our team!