Sun, sand, sunscreen. Those three non-negotiables are a key part of summer. We know this. We prepare for this. We aspire to this. But ask any parent who’s had to pin down a squirmy toddler to slather on sunscreen and they’ll admit: It’s often an epic battle that often leads to throwing in the (beach towel). Many a Reddit post has been dedicated to this conversation, but when you find a sunscreen and a process that works, you’re golden (and not sunburnt).
Why Sunscreen is So Important
Research indicates that 80% of lifetime sun exposure typically takes place before the age of 18. Problem is, children generally have a thinner outer layer of skin compared to adults, making them more susceptible to the effects of the sun and more apt to get sunburned more easily or severely. Not only is that painful, but it can lead to skin cancer down the line. UV exposure is the number 1 cause of skin cancer and it can also cause wrinkles, freckles, sun spots and, of course, the dreaded sunburn. So it’s no surprise that store shelves are crowded with tons of different sunscreen options. There are lotions, sprays, gels, sticks, mists and more. Then there’s the question of ingredients. Which ones are best for you and your family?
Where to Start
First things first: Look for a sunscreen that indicates it’s broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Quickie science lesson: UVA rays are the longer wavelength rays that penetrate deeply, leading to skin aging, wrinkles, and tanning. (These rays can pass through glass like car windows!) UVB rays are shorter wavelength rays, mostly affecting the surface, causing sunburns and direct DNA damage that leads to skin cancer.
What About Active Ingredients?
When it comes to active ingredients in sunscreen, there are two main types: mineral and chemical. Both protect you from the sun’s UVA and AVB rays, but they do so in different ways. Mineral sunscreens, which are also known as physical blockers, contain ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These mineral sunscreens physically shield the skin from UV rays like an umbrella, creating a layer between your skin and the UV rays. On the other hand, there are chemical sunscreens, which contain chemicals like avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octisalate. These chemicals absorb UV rays and actually change them from light to heat before they hit your skin, preventing the rays from burning or causing damage. Essentially, they absorb and change light into heat, which doesn’t cause damage.
Which Type Should I Choose?
Although any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using mineral sunscreens (rather than chemical varieties) because they don’t penetrate the skin. The AAP also recommends avoiding the sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone because of concerns about mild hormonal properties. Chemical sunscreens are currently being reevaluated by the FDA, which said in 2019 that additional research was needed to determine if they are safe. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that using sunscreen for just one day significantly increased the amount of four chemical sunscreen ingredients (avobenzone, ecamsule, octocrylene, and oxybenzone) found in the bloodstream to levels the FDA says triggers the need for more testing, potentially raising concerns.
Are there any benefits to using mineral sunscreen?
Research published in the journal Photodermatology, Photoimmunology and Photomedicine found that mineral sunscreens may also alter UV rays (so they’re less harmful) as well as block them. Another benefit of mineral sunscreens? They tend to be gentler on skin because they don’t contain chemicals that tend to irritate people with sensitive skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that sensitive skin types stick to mineral sunscreens.The upshot? Try to stick to mineral sunscreens that list zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients.
Which Formula Is Best?
The key is to find a sunscreen that you like and you and your kids will wear every day, whether that’s a lotion, a spray or a stick. Other things to look for:
- SPF 30 or higher: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you select a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) rating of 30 or higher. A SPF of 30 means that the sunscreen is giving you 30 times the protection that’s naturally in your skin and it will take 30 times as much sun exposure for you to develop a sunburn. But be wary of sunscreens that promise an SPF of 100. In 2019, the FDA proposed that brands limit SPF values to 60 and require increased UVA protection, however no legislation has been passed.
- Broad spectrum: This means that the sunscreen protects you from both types of harmful UV rays —UVA and UVB.
- Water resistant: Choose a sunscreen that will endure on wet or sweaty skin for a while before you need to reapply. Water resistance usually lasts 40 or 80 minutes before you need to reapply. That means taking a break to reapply anytime you get out of the pool.
Any advice on applying sunscreen?
Yes! First, plan to put sunscreen on 15 minutes before going outdoors. Then, be sure to use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed areas (particularly the face, nose, ears, feet, hands, backs of the knees, and the part in hair. Rub it in well. And SPF for lips! Find a lip balm with SPF since just like skin, lips can burn, too. Remember to use sunscreen any time you’re outdoors, and know that you can get a sunburn even on cloudy days: Up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can get through the clouds. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating or drying off with a towel. It’s common for people to use too little sunscreen, so don’t skimp.
How about tips for applying SPF to a reluctant sunscreen wearer?
Do what works for your child. If your child fights sunscreen application with the agility of a ninja, try to make it fun. For younger kids, you might be able to sing a silly song to both engage and distract them. The more animated and excited you are, the less they might resist. Other parents might make it a shared activity — you can rub my lotion on and I will do yours. Some parents apply sunscreen using a big, fluffy makeup brush so it’s evenly distributed and somehow more fun, too. It’s also a smart idea to invest in rash guards with UPF as well as hats to keep kids covered.
What about sunscreen for babies?
For little ones younger than six months, apply sunscreen only to small areas of the body, such as the face, if protective clothing and shade are not available. For babies over six months, apply it to all areas of the body but be especially careful around the eyes. If a baby rubs sunscreen into his or her eyes, gently wipe off their hands and eyes with a cloth or towel dampened with water. Try to use mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide, which are less likely to irritate sensitive skin. If your baby develops a rash, be sure to call their pediatrician.
How should I treat a sunburn?
Despite our best SPF efforts, sunburns happen and boy, are they painful. If your child is less than 12 months old, call their pediatrician right away to check in. For older children, you only need to check in with the doctor if there are blisters or a fever. If the sunburn is mild, be sure to give them lots of water to drink and apply cool compresses or water to ease the ouch. You can give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen if they’re older than 6 months but always check with your pediatrician to see what’s right for your child.
Anything else?
If you’re planning some time outside, aim for mornings or late afternoons and look for shade between the hours of 10am and 3pm, when the sun is the strongest. Oh, and share these strategies with your summer sitter or nanny so you are all on the same page in keeping your kids safe in the sun. For more summer safety tips, be sure to check out our guide.
