Many parents assume UV danger only comes with hot, sunny days. But, according to Dr. Maria Buethe, Division Chief of Dermatology at Rady Children’s Health Orange County, UV exposure is far less predictable than temperature alone would suggest. In this article, she addresses some of the common misconceptions surrounding UV risks and provides tips for keeping kids safe from the sun’s rays.

Temperature Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story

“Unfortunately, the temperature itself is not a proxy for UV exposure,” Dr. Buethe explains. UV rays pass through clouds, meaning even a mild, overcast day can carry real sun exposure risk. Altitude matters, too. A cool day in the mountains can actually be a prime scenario for UV exposure. “Clouds do not eliminate UV exposure,” she cautions. “We should really be trying to attempt sun protection and sunscreen across different temperatures every single day.”

Hidden Sources of UV Exposure

Several everyday environments expose kids to significant UV rays without parents realizing it. School recess often falls between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., which is peak UV time. Water parks and pools present another risk. UV light penetrates water up to about a meter deep, meaning swimming does not protect a child from the sun. Sunscreen can also wash off quickly in water, leaving skin unprotected sooner than parents might expect. High-altitude activities like skiing carry elevated UV exposure as well.

Why Early Life Matters Most

The first six months of life are a particularly delicate window. An infant’s skin barrier is still immature, and no sunscreen is currently approved for babies under six months old. The CDC recommends avoiding direct sun exposure entirely for infants this young. Even beyond six months, a toddler’s skin continues developing its natural defenses against UV damage, making extra caution worthwhile well into early childhood.

Practical Strategies for All-Day Protection

For kids spending long days at camp, sports, or the beach, sunscreen alone often is not enough. It should be reapplied every two hours, a schedule that is not always realistic – especially without adult supervision. Dr. Buethe recommends pairing sunscreen with sun-protective clothing, including everyday wear and rash guards designed for the pool, which provide more consistent protection throughout the day.

Spray vs. Lotion Sunscreen

Sunscreens generally fall into two categories: chemical, which needs to be applied at least 15 minutes before sun exposure and absorbs into the skin, and mineral, which sits on top of the skin and reflects UV rays. Spray sunscreen offers convenience, particularly for hard-to-reach areas like the mid-back. “That is definitely better than not applying sunscreen at all,” Dr. Buethe notes, though she cautions that spray application may not always provide as much coverage as it seems.

Don’t Forget Indoor Exposure

UV exposure is not limited to the outdoors. UVA rays – the type most associated with long-term skin damage and premature aging – can pass through glass, including windows and car side windows. While some newer car window models offer protection against UVB rays, UVA remains difficult to block entirely. Practicing sun protection throughout the day, indoors and outdoors alike, remains the safest approach.

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