What you can learn from Eric Dane's skin cancer scare.

Grey's Anatomy's "Dr. McSteamy" Eric Dane just announced he's being treated for skin cancer. Last month, he saw a doctor about his chapped lips. "I asked him what it was, and he said it was malignant tissue caused by sun damage," Eric told OK! "It could have happened when I was 9 years old. I grew up in California. I spent a lot of time skiing and a lot of time surfing, and before you realize how important sunblock is, it is too late."

Pediatrician and friend of Mom•Logic Dr. Gwenn says Eric's theory is correct. "Sun exposure now equals problems later," she says. It is estimated that people get about 80% of their lifetime sun exposure in the first 18 years of life. "It's today that we have to protect our kids or they could end up with skin cancer as adults." In fact, she says the American Academy of Pediatrics now says even infants under 6 months can use sunblock on hands and faces.

Dr. Gwenn tells Moms to make kids:
• Wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, and play in the shade when they can.
• Avoid key sun times (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) by taking "sun breaks."
• Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
• Wear sunblock clothing and bathing suits, like those from Coolibar, if possible.
• Wear SPF 15-30 sunblock and lip balm everyday. When swimming, reapply every 80 minutes for maximum protection. (Moms: Keep sunscreen in your purse, car, and diaper bag, so you're never without it.)

Have little boys? Don't let them run around without a shirt on. "This will just expose more of their sensitive skin to the sun," Dr. Gwenn says. For additional sun safety tips, click here.

What's your best sun safety tip? Share it with other Moms now.