4 Sun Protection Tips for Moms
Many moms think of sun care as a seasonal or beach-specific concern. But dermatologists increasingly emphasize that incidental, daily exposure like school pickup and walking the dog can account for the majority of cumulative UV damage over time.
Dermatologists see this pattern constantly. "I can usually tell which of my patients are mothers just by looking at their hands and faces," says Dr. Deborah Sarnoff from The Skin Cancer Foundation. "They're excellent at protecting their children but forget about themselves during everyday activities."
Sound like you? Check out these 4 simple, yet effective ways to protect yourself from sun damage...
Protect yourself in the car
Car windows block UV rays unevenly—your windshield stops about 96% of them, but side windows can let through up to 63% of the aging UVA rays. That means hands, arms and décolletage receive unprotected exposure throughout the day.
Solution: Keep a mineral sunscreen in your car and apply it to your hands, arms and chest before longer drives. Or throw on a lightweight UPF shirt before you leave the house. If you're going with sunscreen, use a formula with zinc oxide & titanium dioxide as active ingredients as they're more stable in heat than chemical filters.
Leverage the UV Index
Many of us check the temperature before getting dressed, but ignore the UV index. The UV index runs from 0-11+ and anything 3 or higher means you need protection. Also, UV tends to peak between 10am and 4pm. A 3pm school pickup on a partly cloudy day could be hitting a UV index of 7.
Solution: Most weather apps show the UV index right next to the temperature. Check it the same way you'd check for rain. When it's 3+, factor in sun protection just like you'd grab an umbrella for a storm forecast.
Protect your Hands
Hands get about 10x more UV exposure than your face and age quickly, yet are often overlooked. Frequent hand washing and sanitizer use often strip away SPF, leaving hands among the most sun-exposed and unprotected areas on the body. Over time, hyperpigmentation and collagen loss emerge here earlier than elsewhere.
Solution. Keep small tubes of SPF hand cream everywhere. Your purse, car console, tennis bag, kitchen counter. Apply after every hand washing during outdoor activities.
Safeguard Your Scalp
The scalp, and particularly the hair part, is one of the most common sites for sun-induced skin damage in women. Hair offers some protection, but it’s rarely enough to prevent burns or long-term skin cell changes.
Solution: Consider a UPF 50+ hat with a structured brim. For those with fine hair or a prominent part, look into scalp-specific SPF mists as a secondary layer of defense.
Make It Stick
Sun care is about routine, coverage and solutions that integrate seamlessly into your daily life. The goal is making it as automatic as putting on your seatbelt. Choose one or two strategies that feel doable and start there.
Because here's what we know: the sun damage you prevent today saves you from dealing with age spots, wrinkles and skin cancer screenings down the road. And when your kids see you taking care of yourself with the same attention you give them? That's modeling self-care in the best possible way. Your skin—and your future self—will thank you for starting now.
