As a mom, I’m always thinking about how to keep my family safe—especially in the summer sun. These sun safety tips for 2025 are simple, realistic, and mom-approved so you can protect your crew without the stress.
When summer is approaching, it’s crucial to think about sun safety tips. I have become extra cautious in the sun after my experience with skin cancer in 2020. With over 5 million cases diagnosed in the United States each year, skin cancer is America’s most common cancer.
What Is Sun Safety and Why It Matters in 2025
Today I’m sharing tips on how to stay safe in the sun. Truthfully, there are days I want to hide inside from the sun’s rays for fear I’ll develop a new skin cancer spot. However, I know I cannot live my whole life indoors.
Sun safety is all about protecting your skin—and your family’s—from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In 2025, rising temperatures and stronger UV indexes mean that staying safe in the sun is more important than ever. From increasing your risk of sunburn and premature aging to long-term concerns like skin cancer, unprotected sun exposure can have serious consequences. Practicing daily sun protection habits—like wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing—can help keep your skin healthy and reduce your family’s risk, especially during peak summer months.
Sun Safety Tips 2025
- Check the UV index. UV Radiation from the sun can cause skin cancer, premature aging, skin damage, and eye damage. You can check your location’s UV index here, which provides a forecast of the expected risk of overexposure to UV radiation from the sun.
- Use high quality sunscreen. To reduce the risk of skin cancer, skin damage, and sunburn – wear sunscreen everyday! Make sure to use good quality sunscreen with UVA on the label and SPF30 or higher. My favorite sunscreens are full coverage EltaMD for face/body, Sun Bum body spray, and SuperGoop! for overall coverage.
- Wear sunscreen EVERY DAY. John Hopkins recommends getting into the routine of applying sunscreen every morning.
- To protect your face, neck, arms and legs, you’ll need about 1 ounce of sunscreen. Squeezed into your hand, 1 ounce of sunscreen is enough to completely cover your palm.
- To protect your face and neck, you’ll need about a half teaspoon.
- Sunscreen application is everything. Apply 30 minutes before going out and reapply every two hours.
- Wear sun protective clothing. It’s crazy to think that clothing is one of the most effective forms of protection against sun damage and skin cancer. A fabric must have a UPF of 30 to qualify for The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation. A UPF of 30 to 49 offers very good protection, while UPF 50+ rates as excellent. There are so many options for sun protective bathing suits for the family and clothing items for all occasions – see all my favorites here.
- Protect your lips and eyes from the sun. Choose sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB light. Wear your sunglasses and a wide brim hat when outdoors. The sun can cause eyelid skin cancer and other serious eye conditions (such as cataracts). I also like to wear lip gloss with SPF 40 on a daily basis.
- Don’t forget: The sun shines through the clouds. It’s important to protect your skin on a cloudy day since 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate clouds. If you’re going to be outside on a cloudy day, throw on some sun protective clothing and a little sunscreen!
Read more about Skin Cancer here at the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Choosing the Best Sunscreen for Your Family
When it comes to sun safety in 2025, selecting the best sunscreen for your family is more important than ever. Look for broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of 30 or higher to guard against both UVA and UVB rays. John Hopkins recommends applying sunscreen every morning. To protect your face, neck, arms and legs, you’ll need about 1 ounce of sunscreen. Squeezed into your hand, 1 ounce of sunscreen is enough to completely cover your palm. To protect your face and neck, you’ll need about a half teaspoon (source).
For babies and kids, mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are gentle and effective. Always check for water resistance—especially if your summer plans include swimming or sweaty outdoor play.
New in 2025, many dermatologists recommend reef-safe formulas that are better for sensitive skin and the environment. Whether you’re packing for a beach day or sending your child to camp, stocking up on the best family sunscreen is a key step in protecting everyone’s skin from harmful UV rays.
Protective Clothing and Accessories for Sun Safety
I love how many options are available for sun protective clothing and swimwear. A few years ago, Coolibar sent our family a few items to try in the sun. Each piece is comfortable, cute, and sun safe! Cabana Life is another sun safe brand with matching family swimwear.
We spend a lot of time outdoors during the summer – but it is not always at a pool or the beach. Protecting my skin when I go walking or practice yoga to reduce my stress and anxiety is crucial. There are many well-known brands with UPF Sun Protective activewear – like Lilly Pulitzer, Daise, and Lululemon.
Want to stay safe in the sun? Use high quality sunscreen, sun protective clothing and accessories, and be aware of the UV Index!
Sun Safety Tips for Babies and Kids
- Infants under 6 months old should be kept out of direct sunlight. Avoid using sunscreen on infants under 6 months.
- Dress babies in lightweight sun protective clothing and a hat. Always keep babies under an umbrella if outdoors.
- Sunscreen Application Tip: Use a makeup sponge to apply sunscreen to your little ones. It’s much easier and quicker to spread!
- My Favorite Sunscreens for Kids: SuperGoop!, Sun Bum, and Pipette
Head here for a more informative and detailed post with Sun Safety Tips for Babies and Kids in 2025.
I know how overwhelming summer safety can feel, but these simple habits have helped my family enjoy the sunshine with peace of mind. Here’s to a safe, happy, and sun-kissed summer!
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