Swimming is one of the best ways for kids to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. But while they splash around in water, their delicate skin is also exposed to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. How to avoid UV rays from the sun while still letting your children enjoy outdoor fun?
Unlike adults, children’s skin is naturally more vulnerable to sun damage. Their skin is thinner, contains less melanin (the natural pigment that provides protection), and is significantly more sensitive to UV rays. This means UV damage can begin accumulating from a very young age, potentially leading to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer later in life.
The World Health Organization (WHO) uses the UV Index to show how strong the sun’s rays are. A level of 3 or higher means you need protection. In Malaysia’s tropical climate, UV levels often reach 10–12 (very extreme), even on cloudy days[1].
The good news is that there are simple, effective ways to shield your little ones from harmful UV rays without limiting their outdoor fun. Here are the key steps every parent should know:
The first line of defence for your child’s skin is choosing the right sunscreen:
- Dermatologists recommend choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher[2]. For Malaysia’s intense sun exposure, SPF 50 is ideal as it provides maximum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
- According to the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, SPF50 blocks about 98% of UV radiation[3], compared with SPF30 (~96.7%).
- Look for formulas specifically made for babies: hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin to reduce the risk of irritation.
- Choose a water-resistant sunscreen that maintains its protective barrier during swimming and sweating.
Choose Sun-Safe Clothing and Accessories
- Parents can block around 98% of UV rays by choosing clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 50+[4].
- Shield more UV by choosing darker, tightly woven fabrics[4] instead of lighter, looser weaves.
- Cover sensitive areas like the shoulders, face, and scalp with rash guards, swim shirts, and wide-brimmed hats.
- Use UV-blocking sunglasses to protect children’s eyes from harmful rays.
Pick the Right Time
- Schedule outdoor swimming sessions outside of peak UV hours, typically between 10 am and 4 pm[5].
- Use portable shade options such as beach umbrellas, pop-up tents, or canopies to provide extra protection.
Follow After-care Practices
- Rinse off chemical odours from hair and skin with a chlorine removal shampoo before and after swimming.
- Apply a gentle nourishing lotion to prevent dryness and restore the skin barrier[7].
- Reapply sunscreen promptly, especially after towel drying.
- Following up with a lightweight baby hair oil can help lock in moisture and prevent hair dryness[8].
Want to make post-swim care easier? Take a look at our Baby Bath & Cleansing products designed for your little one’s delicate skin.
Special Considerations for Infants and Toddlers
Babies under 6 months
Babies should stay out of direct sunlight. Always keep them protected with shade, lightweight clothing, and hats. If sun exposure can’t be avoided, apply a small amount of sunscreen on exposed areas like the hands and feet.
After swimming or outdoor play, wash off gently with water and consider applying baby hair oil to keep their scalp moisturised.
Toddlers and preschoolers
As children grow into the toddler and preschool years, they are naturally more active and often spend extended time outdoors.
Because of this, parents should focus on consistent and repeated sunscreen application, choosing water-resistant formulas that hold up during swimming and sweating.
At this stage, protective clothing like rash guards and wide-brim hats becomes even more important since children are harder to keep in the shade.
Alongside physical protection, parents should also introduce independent sun safety habits early, making sunscreen application part of a fun daily routine like a “getting ready for swimming” game.
After swimming, using a chlorine removal shampoo helps neutralise chlorine and chemical impurities, while restoring moisture to hair, skin, and scalp that may otherwise become weakened or irritated.
>> Get to know the best baby hair care tips to protect against chlorine
Note: If your child’s skin seems irritated or sunburned, it’s best to check in with your healthcare professional.
FAQs
Can kids get sunburnt underwater?
Yes. Up to 40% of UV penetrates water to half a metre[9]. Children are still exposed while swimming.
What’s the safest sunscreen for kids with sensitive skin?
Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide[10] are less irritating and provide strong protection.
For closely related guidance, read our article: The Ultimate Baby Swimcare Guide: How to Protect Delicate Skin from Chlorine.
How can I tell if my child has sunburn after swimming?
Look for redness, warmth, tenderness, or blistering[11] on the skin a few hours after sun exposure.
For closely related guidance, read our article: The Pre-Swim Routine Malaysian Parents Often Skip (But Shouldn’t).
How should I care for my child’s hair after swimming?
Always wash their hair with a chlorine removal wash to eliminate chlorine and salt residues. Applying baby hair oil afterwards helps restore softness and prevent dryness.
How often should kids use chlorine removal shampoo?
Children should use a chlorine removal shampoo after every swim session to prevent buildup and protect hair and scalp health.
References:
- Radiation: The ultraviolet (UV) index. (2022, June 20). Who.int. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-the-ultraviolet-(uv)-index
- Sun protection for babies and toddlers. (n.d.). https://www.sunsmart.com.au/downloads/resources/info-sheets/sun-protection-babies-toddlers-info-sheet.pdf
- Sun protection using sunscreens. (2017, April 26). ARPANSA. https://www.arpansa.gov.au/understanding-radiation/radiation-sources/more-radiation-sources/sun-protection-sunscreen
- Cancer Council. (n.d.). Sun protective clothing. Www.cancer.org.au. https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/be-sunsmart/sun-protective-clothing
- A Guide to Sun Protective Clothing for Kids – Children’s Health. (2024). Childrens.com. https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/a-guide-to-sun-protective-clothing-for-kids
- Garcia Bartels, N., Rösler, S., Martus, P., Stroux, A., Lönnfors, S., Reißhauer, A., & Blume-Peytavi, U. (2011). Effect of baby swimming and baby lotion on the skin barrier of infants aged 3-6 months. JDDG: Journal Der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, 9(12), 1018–1025. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1610-0387.2011.07710.x
- Iftikhar, N. (2019, October 28). 8 Benefits of Baby Oil for Your Hair. Healthline; Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/baby-oil-for-hair
- Ashworth, H. (n.d.). Can you get sunburnt underwater? Www.sciencefocus.com. https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/can-you-get-sunburnt-underwater
- Skin Cancer Foundation. (2022, July). All About Sunscreen. The Skin Cancer Foundation; The Skin Cancer Foundation. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/
- Mayo Clinic. (2024, June 7). Sunburn – symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sunburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20355922
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose health conditions or make changes to medical treatments. Always consult with your healthcare professional for advice.
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