Protecting skin from ultraviolet light — Health, 11–13 years
How sunlight can help and harm, and how shade, clothing and sunscreen reduce risk. Health, 11–13 years.
What UV light does
Sunlight includes ultraviolet, or UV, radiation that you cannot see. Small amounts help the body make vitamin D, but too much can damage skin cells, causing sunburn and, over many years, increasing the chance of skin cancer. UV can reach you on cool or cloudy days, not only on hot beach days.
Why protection is needed
Skin can repair some sun damage, so a burn may fade while the damage remains. Protection solves the problem of repeated invisible exposure, especially when people stay outdoors for hours. Shade, covering skin and sunscreen each block or reduce UV; no method makes unlimited sun exposure safe.
Planning an afternoon outside
Nora will cycle outside from 12:00 to 15:00, when UV can be strong. She checks the local UV forecast, chooses a covered route and wears a hat, sunglasses and clothing that covers her shoulders. She applies sunscreen to exposed skin as directed on the label, reapplies when needed and takes shade breaks.
The trap: sunscreen is a shield
It is reasonable to feel safe after putting on sunscreen, especially when its number is high. But sunscreen reduces UV; it does not cancel it, and missed patches, sweat, water or time can lower protection. Use it with shade and clothing, and never stay longer in strong sun just because you applied it.
Everyday outdoor choices
UV protection is useful at school sports, on a playground, while walking, skiing or working in a garden. Sunglasses that block UV help protect eyes, and a hat protects the face, ears and neck. If skin blisters, a burn is severe or someone feels unwell in the heat, tell an adult and seek medical advice.
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