Why do we need to use sunscreen?

But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

Vermont Public

Nature, Language, Kids & Family, Science

4.4 • 4.9K Ratings

🗓️ 13 June 2025

⏱️ 23 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

It’s summer and that means slathering yourself with sunblock before you’re allowed to go run around outside. Not everyone loves that ritual: sunscreen can be cold or sticky. Sometimes it gets in your eyes, and it always feels like it’s time to reapply JUST as you’re about to jump in the water or go kick the ball. So, what’s the deal? Is it really all that important? We get the scoop from Dr. Jeff Yu, a pediatric dermatologist at Massachusetts General Hospital. He’ll help us understand: What is a sunburn? What’s a tan? How does sunscreen work? How do you protect your eyes?

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Transcript

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0:00.0	But why is there for you and the kids in your life every other Friday with episodes that explore the world through the curiosity of children?
0:09.0	But our work is under threat, and we need your support.
0:13.0	Recently, the White House sent a request to Congress to claw back $1.1 billion in already approved funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
0:21.5	If passed, this would strip $770 million from local public media stations, including more
0:28.1	than 4 million in critical support for Vermont Public, where but why is made.
0:33.0	Now is the time to rally behind this important resource.
0:37.2	Listeners like you keep quality educational programming freely available to all children in our community.
0:44.2	Consider joining our ButWy fan club or make a one-time donation and proudly let the world know that you're one of the individuals that make sure ButW why and Vermont public are here to stay.
0:55.4	Join now at but whykids.org slash donate. This is But Why, a podcast for Curious Kids from Vermont Public. I'm Jane Lindholm.
1:24.9	On this show, we take questions from curious kids just like you, and we find answers.
1:29.9	Here in the United States and in other countries in the northern hemisphere, we're entering summer.
1:35.5	In the summer, the sun is out longer and the weather warms up, so it's a great time to play outdoors.
1:41.5	I like taking long hikes and runs, going to baseball games, and having picnics
1:46.2	when the weather cooperates here in Vermont. But just as you're about to run out the door to go
1:51.6	play outside, you have probably had this experience, an adult telling you, hold on, you've got to
1:57.9	put on your sunscreen. Lots of you have asked us, what's the deal with sunscreen?
2:03.4	Why do we need to put this thing on our skin that sometimes feels cold and clammy?
2:08.4	Well, we have a guest today who can give you all the tips you need for summer outdoor fun.
2:14.5	My name is Dr. Jeff Yu, and I am a dermatologist and pediatric dermatologist at
2:19.8	Massachusetts General Hospital here in Boston, Massachusetts. A dermatologist? What's that?
2:26.2	I am a skin doctor. I am somebody that looks at people's skin, and I diagnose various types of
2:32.5	diseases, and I give information about how best to protect your
	...

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