People with CMN can and should enjoy a full and normal life. Sun protection is important for everyone, but it may be especially important for those with CMN. The key is to find an approach that is practical, flexible, and easy to maintain.

The most effective approach to sun safety is:

1) Avoid too much sun
2) Wear protective clothing
3) Use sunscreen where needed

1. Sun Avoidance (Most Important)

Avoiding strong sun exposure is the best way to protect your skin.

  • In the UK, UV levels are usually highest between 10am and 4pm, particularly from April to October.
  • During these times, it helps to stay in the shade where possible, such as under trees, umbrellas, or on the shady side of the street.
  • Being in the shade reduces UV exposure but does not remove it completely.

Things to keep in mind:

  • UV rays are stronger around water, snow, and at higher altitudes.
  • Cloudy weather still allows UV through, so protection is still important.
  • Shade offers less protection near reflective surfaces like water or snow.
  • Skin protection is important for the whole body, not just areas affected by CMN.

In addition, there has been research showing that excessive sun avoidance can lead to vitamin D deficiency in people with CMN. We are also aware from our clinical experience that parents of children with CMN may sometimes follow stricter sun protection measures than necessary, which could further affect vitamin D levels. For this reason, we recommend following standard, sensible sun protection guidance, rather than overly restrictive approaches, for children and adults with CMN.

2. Protective Clothing (Very Important)

Clothing is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to protect your skin.

Helpful choices include:

  • Wide-brimmed hats to protect the face, ears, and neck
  • Longer-sleeved tops to cover shoulders
  • Longer shorts or skirts for better leg coverage
  • UV-protective clothing (often labelled SPF 40+) for everyday wear
  • UV swimwear or suits for outdoor activities like swimming

Clothing is especially helpful for children but is just as effective for adults.

3. Sunscreen (An Extra Layer of Protection)

Sunscreen is useful, but it should not replace shade and clothing.

How to use sunscreen effectively:

  • Apply it to areas not covered by clothing
  • Use:
    • SPF 50+ for babies and young children
    • SPF 30+ for older children and adults
    • A high UVA rating (5-star)
  • Choose products with physical blockers, such as titanium dioxide, where possible
  • Reapply every 2 hours, and more often after swimming or sweating

Finding a sunscreen that feels comfortable on your skin can make it easier to use regularly.

4. Everyday Flexibility

Sun protection doesn’t need to feel strict or limiting. It can help to:

  • Adjust your level of protection depending on the situation
  • Use more protection when UV levels are higher
  • Keep things simple when UV levels are lower

Having options, like hats, clothing, and sunscreen, allows you to choose what works best for you each day.

5. Confidence and Personal Choice

It’s important that sun protection fits into your lifestyle:

  • Choose clothing and sun protection that feels comfortable and suits your style
  • Build habits that feel manageable and realistic
  • Encourage children to understand sun safety in a way that feels positive, not restrictive

Feeling confident in your choices makes it easier to maintain good habits over time.

6. Accessing Sunscreen on Prescription

In the UK, people may be able to get sunscreen on prescription, but this can vary.

  • Availability depends on local GP policies
  • There may be limits on brands or quantities
  • Most prescribed options will still provide high SPF protection

If needed, support organisations may be able to provide guidance or resources.

7. Sunburn and Tanning

  • Sunburn should always be avoided
  • Tanning is also not recommended, as it indicates skin damage from UV exposure

This applies to both children and adults.

Sun protection for people with CMN is about finding a healthy balance between protecting the skin, staying comfortable, and living life as normally as possible. By using a combination of shade, protective clothing, and sunscreen, and adjusting these measures depending on the situation, sun care can become a simple, practical, and natural part of everyday life.

 

Initiatives such as Sun Safe Nurseries, Sun Safe Schools, and the Sun Safe Workplaces Accreditation from SKCIN play an important role in supporting effective sun protection for both children and adults. These programmes offer practical tools, guidance, and resources to help settings create a strong culture of sun safety. They focus on three key areas: protection, by providing environments that reduce UV exposure; education, by increasing knowledge and encouraging positive behaviours; andcollaboration, by working with families, staff, and the wider community to raise awareness of sun safety and skin cancer prevention.

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