How to choose the right sunscreen for your family

With the school year wrapping up and temperatures rising, families are starting to spend much more time outdoors. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 25% of an individual’s lifetime sun exposure occurs during childhood and adolescence. So, it’s important to teach children the importance of sunscreen for lifelong skin health.

Dr. Khin Khin Bremer, a pediatrician at Advocate Children’s Hospital, offers the following guidance to help your family safely enjoy the summer sun. “Your first line of defense with sun safety is shade, especially for those younger than 6 months of age,” she says. “Babies that young are especially sensitive to the sun’s rays, so make sure you are keeping them out of direct sunlight by staying in the shade and keeping them cool.”

For older babies and children, proper use of sunscreen can help protect the skin from sunburn if applied properly. Sunscreen is crucial even on cloudy days.

“Cover any exposed areas of your child’s skin with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher,” Dr. Bremer advises. “This means the sunscreen will help block both UVA and UVB rays. It’s easy to remember to apply sunscreen to obvious places like arms, legs and faces, but don’t forget about ears, the back of the neck and knees, and on the feet.”

Dr. Bremer recommends using a mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide, as it offers broad-spectrum protection, is gentle on sensitive skin and is more water resistant than chemical sunscreens.

Spray, roll on and powder sunscreen have gained popularity in recent years, but are these solid alternatives to liquid sunscreen?

“While these options can certainly be useful, it can be difficult to ensure you’re applying the proper amount of sunscreen and covering all areas of the skin, so you need to be especially diligent during application,” she says. “Try to avoid aerosolized sunscreens due to possible hazard of young kids breathing it in. No matter what type of sunscreen application you choose, remember that no sunscreen is water or sweat resistant. This is why you need to reapply every two hours and after swimming.”

Need a hack for applying sunscreen to your child more easily?

“Get them used to the process,” Dr. Bremer says. “Make applying sunscreen a part of your family’s morning routine. That way, the sunscreen has time to absorb into your skin, and you’re protected before you even think about stepping outside. If your child doesn’t enjoy the sensation of putting on sunscreen, apply it with a clean makeup brush or paintbrush. Let them help, but don’t forget to make sure all areas of their skin are covered.”

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