Spring in the Los Angeles area arrives early and stays warm. By late March, UV levels are already climbing, kids are spending more time outside after school, and sun exposure starts adding up fast. Knowing how to protect your kids' skin from the sun is one of the most important things a parent can do this season, not just to prevent a painful sunburn this weekend, but to reduce the long-term risks that come with repeated childhood UV exposure. The habits your child builds now can protect their skin for life. This guide covers what dermatologists want parents to know heading into spring.
Why Is Spring Sun Exposure a Risk for Children's Skin?
Many parents associate sun safety with summer vacations and beach trips, but spring is when UV exposure tends to catch families off guard. The days are getting longer, outdoor activities are ramping up, and children are outside more often without the same level of protection that parents naturally think about in peak summer.
UV index levels in the greater Los Angeles area can reach moderate to high ratings as early as March, meaning unprotected skin can start accumulating damage even on days that feel mild and overcast. UV rays penetrate cloud cover, and they reflect off pavement, grass, and water, so even a shaded playground is not a fully UV-safe environment.
Children's skin is also more vulnerable to UV damage than adult skin. It is thinner, produces less melanin for protection, and has not yet had time to develop the same level of natural defense. According to dermatologists, just one or two serious sunburns during childhood can meaningfully increase a person's lifetime risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. Sun protection in childhood is not optional, it is one of the highest-impact health habits a family can build.
What Sunscreen Should I Use on My Child?
Choosing a sunscreen for a child can feel overwhelming given how many products are on the market. Dermatologists consistently recommend a few straightforward criteria to narrow it down.
First, look for broad-spectrum protection, meaning the sunscreen blocks both UVA rays (which cause long-term skin aging and contribute to skin cancer) and UVB rays (which cause sunburn). The SPF should be 30 or higher. SPF 30 filters out roughly 97 percent of UVB rays, and SPF 50 offers a modest additional margin that can be helpful for fair-skinned children or long outdoor days.
For children, mineral sunscreens formulated with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the most widely recommended by dermatologists. These ingredients sit on top of the skin rather than absorbing into it, making them less likely to cause irritation. They are particularly well-suited for children with sensitive skin, eczema-prone skin, or any known skin sensitivities. Always choose fragrance-free formulas for younger children.
Water resistance matters too. Choose a sunscreen rated for 40 to 80 minutes of water resistance, and plan to reapply after swimming or heavy sweating regardless of the label.
How and When Should I Apply Sunscreen on My Child?
Choosing the right sunscreen is only half the equation. How and when it gets applied makes an equally large difference in how well it actually works.
Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before your child goes outside. This gives the product time to bind properly to the skin. Use a generous amount, roughly one ounce for full-body coverage, which is about the size of a shot glass. Parents routinely under-apply sunscreen, which significantly reduces the effective SPF.
Do not skip the easy-to-miss spots. Ears, the back of the neck, the tops of the feet, the back of the hands, and the area around the hairline are commonly missed and commonly burned. For younger children who wear bathing suits, apply sunscreen under the straps before they go on, since straps shift during play.
Reapply every two hours during outdoor activity, and immediately after swimming or heavy sweating. Even water-resistant sunscreens lose effectiveness with water exposure, and even the best sunscreen applied once in the morning does not hold up through a full afternoon at the park.
Is Sunscreen Alone Enough to Protect My Child's Skin?
Sunscreen is essential, but it works best as part of a broader sun-protection approach rather than the only line of defense. Dermatologists recommend combining sunscreen with a few additional habits, especially on high-UV spring and summer days.
- Sun-protective clothing: Lightweight long-sleeve shirts and pants with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating block UV rays more reliably than sunscreen alone. Many brands now make UPF-rated swimwear and outdoor apparel that is comfortable in warm weather.
- Hats with a wide brim: A wide-brimmed hat protects the face, ears, and back of the neck, areas that are among the most sun-exposed during outdoor play.
- Sunglasses with UV protection: Children's eyes are also vulnerable to UV damage. Look for sunglasses labeled to block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.
- Shade during peak UV hours: UV intensity is highest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Scheduling outdoor play earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon, and taking shade breaks during midday, reduces cumulative exposure meaningfully.
- Checking the UV index: Most weather apps display a daily UV index. A rating of 3 or higher means full sun protection is needed. A rating of 6 or above calls for extra precaution.
What Should I Do If My Child Gets a Sunburn?
Even with careful prevention, sunburns happen. Knowing how to respond quickly can reduce your child's discomfort and support skin recovery.
Move your child out of the sun and into shade or indoors as soon as you notice signs of a sunburn. Apply cool (not cold) compresses to the affected skin and encourage your child to drink extra fluids, since sunburned skin loses moisture. A fragrance-free, gentle moisturizer or aloe vera gel applied to the burned area can help soothe the skin and reduce peeling.
Avoid anything that traps heat on the skin, including petroleum-based products applied in the acute phase of a burn, and never apply ice directly to sunburned skin. Keep your child out of the sun while the skin is healing, and make sure any blistered areas are kept clean and covered to prevent infection.
See a dermatologist if the sunburn is severe, covers a large area, is accompanied by blistering across the face or body, or if your child develops fever, chills, or signs of dehydration. If you are concerned about how your child's skin is healing or want a professional evaluation, our team offers skin checks and can assess any areas of concern.
Pediatric Skin Care in Glendale Verdugo Hills, CA
Families in the Glendale area can access expert dermatology care for children and adults at Skin & Beauty Center, Glendale Verdugo Hills. Our providers care for patients of all ages, including children dealing with sun-related skin concerns, seasonal rashes, eczema, and other conditions that can worsen with increased spring and summer activity.
Whether you are looking for guidance on sun protection for your child's skin type, a professional evaluation of an existing skin concern, or a routine skin check, our team is here to help. We treat a full range of pediatric and adult dermatology conditions and offer both medical and cosmetic services across our eight Los Angeles area locations.
Schedule an appointment at our Glendale Verdugo Hills dermatology office to have your child's skin evaluated before the spring sun season is in full swing. Call us at (818) 790-3588 to book.
Spring Sun Safety for Kids: A Quick Reference for Parents
Here is a summary of the key habits to build into your family's spring routine:
- Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside
- Use mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for sensitive or eczema-prone skin
- Reapply every two hours, and immediately after swimming or sweating
- Cover up with UPF-rated clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses
- Plan outdoor activity before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. when UV levels are lower
- Check the daily UV index and apply full protection whenever it reaches 3 or above
- See a dermatologist if your child has a severe sunburn, a new or changing skin concern, or skin that needs a professional evaluation
Starting these habits in spring, before peak UV season arrives, gives your child the best protection during the months when they are most active outdoors. A little consistency now goes a long way toward keeping their skin healthy this season and for years to come.
Written by Jo-Anne Bustamante, PA-C, Board-Certified Physician Assistant specializing in Dermatology, Skin & Beauty Center, Glendale Verdugo Hills. Published March 2026.
