Let the Summer Sun Be Our Friend, Not Our Enemy!
Practical advice for families on healthy sun exposure, sunscreen use and staying hydrated to protect children through the summer.
Summer is one of the most wonderful times of year, when our children spend more time outdoors, stay active and enjoy the sunshine. But making the most of the sun in a mindful way is essential to protecting our children's skin, both today and in the future.
Sunburn in childhood can negatively affect skin health later in life and increase the risk of skin cancer. Protecting children from the sun using the right methods is therefore an important investment in a lifetime of health.
Enjoy the Sun, but Guard Against Its Harmful Effects
Sunlight is essential to life, and controlled exposure supports the body's natural production of vitamin D. However, care should be taken to avoid prolonged direct sun exposure for children between 10:00 and 16:00, when the sun's rays are most intense and harmful. Short outdoor activities in the early morning or early evening help children benefit from the sun more safely.
Sunscreen Alone Is Not Enough
For children older than six months who will be outdoors for extended periods, a water-resistant sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and UVA/UVB protection can be applied about 20–30 minutes before going outside. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, after swimming, and after heavy sweating or towel-drying. Particular care should be taken to protect areas more exposed to the sun, such as the cheeks, nose, ears, shoulders and the back of the neck.
Shade and Suitable Clothing Are the Most Effective Protection
Sunscreen alone is not the most effective way to protect against the sun. A wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses, and light-coloured, tightly woven clothing all make an important contribution to sun protection. It should be remembered that tree shade, umbrellas and canopies do not fully block the sun's rays — UV rays reflected off sand, sea and other light-coloured surfaces can still affect children even in the shade.
Special Care for Babies Under Six Months
The skin of babies under six months is highly sensitive to sunlight. It is recommended they avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible, be kept in the shade, and be protected with appropriate clothing. In this age group, a pediatrician should be consulted before routine use of sunscreen products.
Don't Neglect Water Intake in Summer
Children playing may not always notice they are thirsty, and fluid loss can develop quickly, especially in hot weather. Children should therefore be encouraged to drink water regularly throughout the day, with fluid intake increased the longer they spend outdoors.
Making mindful use of the sun does not mean avoiding it — it means protecting against it at the right time and in the right way. As the Cyprus Turkish Pediatric Association, we invite families to be mindful in protecting their children from the sun, and we wish all our children a healthy, safe summer full of happy memories.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Dr. Sezin Akansoy Debeş, MD.
