We all want to know how to be safe in the sun but if you are like me, you also worry about the chemicals seeping through my littles’ skin. I see the posts in the doctor groups I am in every year and I finally decided to write it down, so I can stop looking it up every time.
Let’s start by talking about the different types of sunlight. UVA rays can prematurely age your skin and can pass through windows/glass. UVB rays are blocked by glass and are the primary cause of sunburns. Both are considered carcinogens and every time our skin tans, it gets damaged. I am definitely guilty of getting sunburns but I do try to mitigate the damage that has already been done as much as possible.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad spectrum cream with an SPF of 30 (blocks 97% of UVB rays) or higher that is water resistant. Creams are best for dry skin and face, while gels can be good for scalp or hairy areas. Sticks are good for the eyes. Sprays are less recommended since it is hard to know whether enough product was applied.
It is important to apply enough sunscreen and re-apply it often. These two things are definitely my downfall and I am constantly struggling to even do this for my children. Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes prior to going outdoors and re-apply it every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating. Lips need sunscreen as well!
There are two types of sunscreens, chemical and physical. I prefer the physical sunscreens for my children, since they work like a shield instead of being absorbed by the skin. They are also best for sensitive skin. Look for zinc oxide and/or titanium oxide in the active ingredient list. Chemical sunscreens absorb the sun’s rays and the active ingredients may include oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalte, and octinoxate. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates all sunscreens and they require that all of them retain their original strength for at least 3 years.
There is no evidence right now that ingredients used in sunscreens in the US are toxic but the FDA is looking to find more safety data regarding to what extent skin absorbs sunscreen ingredients and if these have any effects in the body. The two ingredients that are considered generally safe and effective are the two mentioned above (zinc oxide and titanium oxide) since they act like a barrier. There are two ingredients not considered safe and effective (PABA and tolamine salicylate) but these are not used in the US.
If at all possible, children under 6 months should be not be exposed to the sun and sunscreen should be avoided in this age group. To protect infants and children from the sun, dress them with long sleeves/pants and a hat.
My favorite sunscreen for my kids is Blue Lizard. I found some cheaper versions at Target and Bed, Bath, and Beyond (online it can go up to over $20). Other dermatologist recommended brands for children include Neutrogena, Aveeno, baby Bum, and La Roche-Posay. Look for the baby or kid versions of these brands. There are some affordable options that include zinc oxide, such as Coppertone 50 ($6) and Mineral Kidstick ($14) through Amazon.
Pro-tip: get bathing suits with as much coverage as possible for your kids! It really saves time and effort when applying sunscreen. Both my children have either short sleeve or long sleeve bathing suits with the leg portion almost coming down to the knees.
I use Rodan and Fields sunscreen on my face every day, which I apply after my moisturizer. I used to like using moisturizers with sunscreen in them to skip a step in my morning routine but this is not recommended. Even if it says SPF 30, you won’t get the full SPF given it is diluted by the moisturizer. I also like La Roche-Posay for my face and Neutrogena for full body.
I hope this article can save some of you a little bit of time when picking out what suncreen to buy for your family. Leave me a comment if you have a favorite product I didn’t name on here!
References:
- American Academy of Dermatology. Sunscreen FAQs. www.aad.org.
- Early, Brigitt. The Best Sunscreen for Kids and Babies, According to Dermatologists. Oprah Daily. May 7, 2021.
- Gould, Hallie. Ask a Dermatologist: Are Moisturizers with SPF Actually Effective? Byrdie. August 27, 2019.