Everybody needs some sun exposure to produce vitamin D (which helps calcium absorption for stronger and healthier bones). But, unprotected exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause damage to the skin.

One of the best ways to protect skin is to cover up. Put your hand inside clothes to make sure you can’t see it through them. Some clothes have a UV protection factor against the sun so check labels.

Babies have skin that burns more easily, so they should be kept out of the sun whenever possible. If your baby is under 6 months old and must be in the sun, dress them in light weight clothing that covers the body, including hats with wide brims to shadow their face.

Experts recommend that all kids over 6 months old, no matter their skin tone, wear “broad-spectrum” sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply the sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outdoors. Make sure it is broad-spectrum sunscreen and if kids are in or near water, it should be labeled water-resistant, and reapplied every 2-3 hours after swimming or sweating.

For sensitive areas (nose, cheeks, tops of the ears), choose a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These products may stay visible on the skin, even after rubbing them in.

For outdoor events, bring along a wide umbrella or a pop-up tent to play in. If it’s not too hot outside and won’t make kids even more uncomfortable, have them wear light long-sleeved shirts and/or long pants.

Try to stay in the shade when the sun is at its strongest (usually 10 am until 4 pm). Remember that even on cloudy, cool or overcast days, UV rays reach the earth. This sun can also cause unexpected sunburn and skin damage. Also, sun exposure can damage the eyes as well as the skin. The best way to protect your eyes is to wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection.

Also remember that some medicines make skin more sensitive to UV rays, such as steroids (topical and oral), oral antibiotics and acne medications.