Don't just apply sunscreen anymore: Dermatologists' advice on 5 common sun protection misconceptions for children

☀️As the temperature rises, the beaches, parks, and pools are welcoming the laughter of children again. But did you know? Summer is also the peak season for children's skin sunburn.

Many parents have realized the importance of sun protection, but often fall into some "seemingly correct" misunderstandings, resulting in inadequate protection. This article will combine the "drug doctor and pediatric expert advice" to analyze 5 common sun protection misconceptions for children and provide scientific and effective sun protection methods.

🚫 Myth 1: No need for sun protection on cloudy days or in the shade

Fact: Ultraviolet rays (especially UVA) have extremely strong penetrating power and can penetrate clouds and damage the skin even on cloudy days.

> According to the "American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)" research, up to 80% of ultraviolet rays can still penetrate clouds and reach the ground on cloudy days[^1].

✅ Recommendation: Unless the activity is completely indoors, children should take sun protection measures when they are outdoors, including wearing high UPF sun-protective clothing and applying an appropriate amount of sunscreen.

🚫 Myth 2: Applying sunscreen alone is enough

Fact: Sunscreen must be applied thickly and evenly, and reapplied every two hours. But in reality, children's frequent activities, sweating, and playing in the water may cause sunscreen to become ineffective.

> The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) clearly states that sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, and immediately after swimming or sweating[^2].

✅ Recommendation: Experts unanimously recommend a combination protection strategy of "sun-protective clothing + sunscreen".
UPF50+ sun-protective fabrics like Upandfast can block more than 98% of ultraviolet rays, are not afraid of washing or friction, and are a more stable protection method.

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🚫 Myth 3: Wearing a hat or holding an umbrella can completely block the sun

Fact: Ordinary hats and parasols can only block direct sunlight, but cannot block ultraviolet rays reflected from the ground, water, etc.

> Even in the shade, ultraviolet rays will still be reflected from the ground to the human body, especially the baby's face, shoulders and neck and other exposed areas.

✅ Recommendation: Choose a **one-piece sun protection swimsuit + wide-brimmed hat + long-sleeved design to effectively cover the whole body.

Upandfast's many one-piece swimsuits are equipped with sun protection hats with the same pattern, which can cover the face, neck and shoulders, suitable for long-term outdoor play.

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🚫 Myth 4: Babies are not afraid of the sun, they will only get tanned

Fact: Tanning is not "healthy", but a manifestation of skin cells being damaged by ultraviolet rays.

> According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, as long as a child or adolescent has a severe sunburn, the risk of melanoma in adulthood will more than double [^3].

✅ Recommendation: Babies have delicate skin, and the risks brought by sun exposure cannot be ignored. Don't wait until sunburn occurs before using sunscreen. Use physical protection early to reduce the risk.


🚫 Myth 5: Babies will get hot if they wear too much. It's better to wear them cooler.

Fact: Babies' body temperature regulation ability is immature. Wearing too little may cause heat rash and sunburn due to direct exposure to the sun.

In addition, the UPF value of ordinary cotton clothing is very low, only about 5, and the protection is almost zero.

> The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) points out that the UPF value of white cotton T-shirts is about 5, while special sunscreen clothing can reach UPF50, which can block 98% of ultraviolet rays[^4].

✅ Recommendation: The light and thin sunscreen fabric used by Upandfast is both breathable and highly sun-resistant. Even long-sleeved styles will not be stuffy and uncomfortable, making it very suitable for babies to wear in summer.

👨⚕️ Professional summary: The key to children's sun protection is a "combination punch"

Don't rely on just one bottle of sunscreen! Truly scientific and effective children's sun protection should include:

✔️ UPF50+ sun-protective clothing (preferred)
✔️ Sun hats and sun-protective sunglasses to help shield
✔️ Children's sunscreen (for exposed parts)
✔️ Avoid strong light periods (10 am to 2 pm)
✔️ Keep dry and avoid prolonged exposure

🩱 Upandfast's sun protection equipment: professional care for children's summer skin

We are committed to creating professional and comfortable children's sun protection swimsuits. Product features include:

✅ UPF50+ sun protection rating tested by authorities
✅ Soft, skin-friendly, quick-drying and breathable environmentally friendly fabrics
✅ Design details for infants and young children (one-piece snaps, half-back zippers)
✅ Covering more age groups and pattern options to meet the needs of different growth stages

🛍️ Check out this season's new products, so that your baby can rest assured to protect from the sun from the beginning of "wearing" → \[https://www.upandfast.com/collections/new-available]

📚 References and authoritative sources

[^1]: American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). *Sun protection on cloudy days*. [https://www.aad.org](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/cloudy-days)

[^2]: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). *Sun Safety for Children*. [https://www.healthychildren.org](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Sun-Safety.aspx)

[^3]: Skin Cancer Foundation. *Sun Safety Tips for Children*. [https://www.skincancer.org](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/sun-safety-tips-for-children/)

[^4]: AAD. *Clothing as sun protection*. [https://www.aad.org](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen)