Sunscreen and Kids: What Parents Need to Know

As summer arrives and families head outside, sunscreen becomes a daily essential. But not all sunscreens are created equal and knowing how to choose and use the right one is key to keeping your child’s skin safe.

Understanding Sunscreen Types

Sunscreens come in two main varieties: physical (mineral) and chemical. Physical sunscreens contain ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that sit on top of the skin and reflect the sun’s rays. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat. Both types are effective, but physical sunscreens are recommended for babies over six months of age and young children.

How Sunscreen Works

UV radiation from the sun includes UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deeply and contribute to aging, long-term skin damage, and cancer, while UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburn. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both types. The SPF (sun protection factor) indicates how well the sunscreen guards against these rays—a higher number means more protection.

When to Use Sunscreen

Sunscreen should be used anytime your child is outdoors, even on cloudy days. UV rays can pass through clouds and reflect off water, sand, and pavement. For infants under six months, it's best to keep them in the shade and cover their skin with lightweight clothing and hats. If spending time outdoors, sunscreen should be part of your daily routine for older babies and children.

How to Apply Sunscreen

Apply sunscreen generously 15 to 30 minutes before heading outside. Don’t forget easy-to-miss spots like the ears, neck, tops of feet, and the part in your child’s hair. Use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Spray sunscreens can be convenient but should be sprayed into your hand and then applied to your child’s skin to avoid inhalation.

The Importance of Reapplying

One coat isn’t enough. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, and more often if your child is swimming or sweating. Even water-resistant formulas wear off over time, so regular reapplication is essential for ongoing protection.

Is Sunscreen Safe for Kids?

Yes. While there has been some concern about chemical ingredients, the risks of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer from unprotected sun exposure far outweigh the minimal risk from sunscreen use. If possible, avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone because this ingredient may have mild hormonal properties. However, given the significant dangers associated with UV exposure, using any sunscreen is better than using no sunscreen.

More Ways to Protect Your Child’s Skin

Sunscreen is just one piece of the sun safety puzzle. For the best protection, combine it with other strategies:

• Seek shade whenever possible, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Dress for protection with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants when practical.
• Choose clothing with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating for added defense.
• Top it off with a wide-brimmed hat to shield the face, ears, and neck.
• Don’t forget sunglasses with UV protection to safeguard your child’s eyes.

These sun-safe strategies help reduce your child’s exposure to harmful UV rays.

Bottom Line

Sunscreen is a safe and effective way to protect your child’s skin, especially when combined with shade, protective clothing, and good timing (avoiding peak sun hours). A little extra effort today can go a long way in preventing skin problems down the road.