July 2025 — As parents, we always want the best for our kids, and that includes keeping their skin safe from invisible threats. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are an invisible form of radiation from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps, and are the leading environmental cause of skin cancer, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and National Institutes of Health (NIH). These rays damage skin at the cellular level, and much of that harm happens before age 18. With July marking National UV Awareness Month, it’s the perfect opportunity to refocus on sun safety, especially during peak summer activities.
The CDC advises that when the UV index hits 3 or higher, which is common even on cloudy days, protective measures are necessary. Yet, despite this knowledge, many young people still idolize a sun-kissed appearance and that image is amplified online. Viral social media trends such as #tantok, #sunglow, or even viral sun “tattoos” created by shaping sunscreen to leave patterns on tanned skin are racking up millions of views. In some cases, teens even intentionally sunburn as their way to achieve a tan, an approach that dermatologists warn is both harmful and misguided.
The myth of a “base tan” also persists. According to Harvard Health, while a tan may appear to protect the skin, it offers the equivalent of only SPF 3 to 4 which is nowhere near the SPF 30 minimum recommended by most dermatologists and actually signals early UV damage. Despite this, the appeal of tanning, whether from the sun or indoor beds, is still strong amongst young adults. A 2023 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) survey found that 1 in 3 adults aged 18-29 said getting a tan was more important than preventing skin cancer.
It’s also important to note that indoor tanning, which was once on the decline, is also making a quiet comeback. Although it’s been rebranded by some salons as “light therapy” or “wellness tanning,” the danger hasn’t shifted. The AAD reports that using a tanning bed before age 35 increases your risk of melanoma by 75%, and the NIH further reports that melanoma is now the third most common cancer among Americans aged 15 to 39.
So how do we navigate this at home? Start by modeling the habits you want to see. Make sunscreen part of your morning routine, apply it visibly, and treat protective clothing as normal gear, not optional add-ons. When your child starts to express interest in a tan, talk openly about healthier alternatives such as self-tanning products or tinted SPF products instead of UV exposure.
Dr. Matthew Bender, a board-certified dermatologist at Primary Health, reinforces this message. “Although outdoor activity is important for both physical and mental health, sun protection is equally important. That means using sunscreen, wearing wide-brim hats, and choosing the right clothing.”
Dr. Bender also says that not all hats are created equal. “Baseball hats, while certainly in style, are not very effective as they only cover about 25% of the face—mostly the forehead. The wider the brim, the better the protection.” Clothing is also a critical part of sun safety that often gets overlooked. “We now have thinner, quick-dry yet protective shirts and pants that are more widely available,” he adds.
As for sunscreen, Dr. Bender recommends sticking with the basics, but being smart about it. “In general, a minimum SPF 30 sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is recommended. A higher SPF and more frequent application, however, are needed for certain activities such as floating the river or a day at the beach. I tell patients to tailor their sun protection based on what they are doing that day.”
This advice is especially important for active families, where floating the river, hiking, or camping are part of the summer routine. But no matter where your day takes you, the best protection comes from consistency. Sunscreen, shade, clothing, sunglasses, and timing all work together, and when those habits are reinforced early, they stick.
Regular skins checks with your primary care provider (PCP) or dermatologist can help catch problems early and when they’re easiest to treat. If you have questions about sun protection or notice changes in your or your child’s skin, walk in to any of our urgent care locations or make an appointment with Dr. Bender at our State Street clinic. Early detection and strong daily habits are your best defense. Let us help you build both.