Did you know that 80% of sun damage takes place BEFORE the age of 18? Yes, you've heard this before, but it can't be stressed too much. It's crucial to provide proper sun protection for your child. After all, only one blistering sunburn is all it takes to double your child's risk of getting melanoma-the most serious type of skin cancer-at some point in life.

Your child relies on you as the parent to take proper precautions in his or her skin care. Until they are older teenagers, you need to take the necessary steps to do as much as possible to prevent sun damage so they do not have to seek help from a cosmetic dermatologist when they are older to correct skin issues that only laser dermatology or other more invasive procedures can help.

Cosmetic dermatologists want you to follow these 5 simple rules:

1. Select the right sunscreen

Proper use of sunscreen or sunblock is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your child from sun exposure. Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB radiation and has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. If your child is very young or has extremely sensitive skin, use a product made for children that contains the sunblocks zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

2. Slather it on

Most people don't use nearly enough sunscreen. Apply a generous handful-about an ounce-of sunscreen on your child. Repeat the application every 3 to 4 hours or 1 to 2 hours if the child is exposed to water or perspires a lot.

3. 10 to 2-the most hazardous time of day

Avoid sun exposure during the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the ultra-violet rays of the sun are most dangerous.

4. Dress up!

Provide a hat and sunglasses for even the smallest child. Have your youngster wear long sleeves and long pants when possible, and choose dark colors, which absorb fewer rays. If your child is very fair, consider purchasing UV-protective clothing.

5. Cloudy days and winter

Don't forget sun protection for your kids when it's cloudy-clouds don't block UV rays. And in the winter, it's easy to forget that sunburn is still a threat. But the sun's rays are still powerful, so you need to follow the same precautions as during the warmer months.