With the wide range of sunscreens available on the market today, it can be tricky to choose the right one for your kids. However, what matters most when using a sunscreen is how well it protects the skin from harmful UV rays. In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to choose and use sunscreen effectively.

Contents

What Kind of Sunscreen Is Best?

When buying sunscreen, there are three important things to look for. Check the label for a sunscreen that:

has an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher
protects against both UVA and UVB rays (a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen)
is water-resistant (protects kids while in the water for 40-80 minutes)

What Are the Different Types of Sunscreen?

There are two broad categories of sunscreen:

Mineral sunscreen (also called inorganic or physical sunscreen) sits on top of the skin and acts as a barrier to the sun’s rays. It may contain zinc or titanium and can leave a whitish coating on the skin. Mineral sunscreen starts working immediately, but it can come off easily with water or sweat.
Chemical sunscreen (also called organic sunscreen) protects the skin by absorbing the sun’s rays like a sponge. It doesn’t leave a whitish coating on the skin and doesn’t wash off as easily. However, it takes about 15-30 minutes to start working.

Sunscreens are available in various forms such as creams, gels, sprays, and sticks. Creams are best for dry skin areas, sticks help around the eye area, and gels are suitable for areas with hair, like the scalp. Sunscreen sprays can make it difficult to gauge if enough has been applied, and there is a chance that children could inhale the fumes. Some sprays are also flammable, so caution must be exercised when using them.

How, When, and Where to Use Sunscreen

For sunscreen to be effective, it must be used correctly. Here are some guidelines:

Apply sunscreen whenever your kids will be in the sun. Ideally, apply it about 15 to 30 minutes before going outside.
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to ears, hands, feet, shoulders, and the back of the neck. Lift up bathing suit straps and apply sunscreen underneath them in case the straps shift as a child moves. Protect lips with an SPF 30 lip balm.
Apply sunscreen generously. Dermatologists recommend using 1 ounce of sunscreen (enough to fill a shot glass or plastic medicine cup) to cover the exposed areas of the body. Alternatively, you can use the “teaspoon rule”: 1 teaspoon for the face and neck, 1 teaspoon for the front and back of the torso, 1 teaspoon for each arm, and 2 teaspoons for each leg.
Reapply sunscreen often, approximately every 2 hours. Reapply after a child has been sweating or swimming.
If kids will be around water or swimming, use a water-resistant sunscreen. Water reflects and intensifies the sun’s rays, so kids need protection that lasts. Water-resistant sunscreens may last up to 80 minutes in the water, and some are also sweat-resistant. Regardless of the water-resistant label, be sure to reapply sunscreen when kids come out of the water.

Who Needs Sunscreen?

Every child needs sun protection. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that all kids, regardless of their skin tone, wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. While dark skin has more protective melanin and tans more easily than it burns, tanning is a sign of sun damage. Dark-skinned kids can also get painful sunburns.

Babies younger than 6 months old should be kept out of the sun. When going outside, dress your baby in lightweight clothes that cover the arms and legs, and don’t forget a hat with a brim. If you can’t avoid the sun, you can use a small amount of sunscreen on your baby’s exposed skin, such as the hands and face.

It’s also essential to be a good role model. Consistently wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater and limiting your sun exposure not only reduces your risk of skin damage but also teaches your kids the importance of sun protection.

What Else Should I Know?

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:

Avoid sunscreens with PABA, as it can cause skin allergies. Also, steer clear of sunscreens containing oxybenzone, which may have hormonal properties.
If your child has sensitive skin, choose a mineral sunscreen with the active ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
If teens or preteens want to use a self-tanner sunscreen, make sure it also offers UV protection, as many self-tanners offer little or no sun protection.
Some cosmetics contain sunscreen, but it’s usually not enough to provide adequate sun protection. Ensure your teen applies sunscreen before applying makeup.

When choosing a sunscreen, remember that the best sunscreen is the one you and your family will use consistently every time you’re in the sun.

FAQs

Q: What is the most important factor to consider when choosing sunscreen?
A: The most important factor to consider when choosing sunscreen is its sun protection factor (SPF). Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to ensure adequate protection from harmful UV rays.

Q: How often should sunscreen be reapplied?
A: Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours, or more frequently if your child has been sweating or swimming.

Q: Can babies under 6 months old use sunscreen?
A: It’s best to keep babies younger than 6 months old out of the sun. If necessary, use a small amount of sunscreen on their exposed skin, like the hands and face.

Conclusion

Using sunscreen correctly is crucial for protecting your children’s skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Remember to choose a sunscreen with a high SPF, broad-spectrum protection, and water resistance. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply regularly, especially after swimming or sweating. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your family enjoys the sun safely.

(Image source: News Explorer Today)