Sunscreen for Kids: Guide to Effective Sun Protection

What factor Sunscreen to use?

When it comes to sunscreen, there are two important things to consider: SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and the UVA star rating.

SPF shields the skin from UVB rays, which are responsible for causing sunburn and harming the skin. The UVA star rating indicates the level of protection against UVA radiation.

According to the British Skin Foundation (BSF), it’s recommended to use a high SPF sunscreen like SPF50 for children. This is because kids’ skin is more sensitive and prone to burning.

Understanding the Protection Levels of Different SPF Factors:

• Low protection: SPF 6 and 10 – blocks 75% of UVB rays
• Medium protection: SPF 15, 20, 25 – blocks 93% of UVB rays
• High protection: SPF 30, 50 – blocks 96%-98% of UVB rays

Decoding UVA Ratings – Which Rating Is the Best?

In simple terms, sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, including UVA, UVB, and UVC rays.

UVC rays are unable to reach us due to the earth’s ozone layer, while UVA and UVB rays can harm the skin’s DNA.

UVB causes sunburn and cell damage, while UVA leads to premature skin aging and long-term skin problems. Although UVA is linked to some skin cancers, UVB is considered more harmful.

To ensure protection from UVA, look for the star rating on the sunscreen bottle (sometimes it’s on the front). Nikki suggests that a rating of four or five stars is the best.

How much sunscreen to use for my child?

Figuring out the exact amount of sunscreen for your child can be a bit tricky because kids come in different sizes. But here’s the important part: it’s not just the amount, it’s how you put it on that really matters.

So, remember this: make sure you’re putting on a nice, thick layer. Many people use only half of what they actually need. To stay on the safe side, put on more sunscreen than you think is needed, and don’t forget to reapply it during the day.

To give you an idea, we suggest that a blob of sunscreen about the size of a golf ball is roughly enough for one application on a grown-up like mom or dad. But for your little one, you’ll need less than that, just enough to cover every part.

How often should I put on more sunscreen?

This one’s about using your own good judgment.

There’s no hard and fast rule since it depends on what you’re up to, but keep reapplying.

Here’s the cool part: doing it again and again will help catch those spots you might have missed the first time. You’re not likely to forget the same spots twice!

And here’s a neat tip: put on more sunscreen than you think you need. If you’re also using shade, wearing sun-protective clothes, and reapplying during the day, you’re really giving yourself top-notch protection.

Oh, and don’t buy into those sunscreens that say you only need to put them on once a day. “Once a day isn’t a thing.” So, keep reapplying, and you’ll be golden!

What’s the Best Sunscreen for Kids?

When it comes to sunscreen, there’s a bunch of different types: thick lotion, thin lotion, sprays, sticks, roll-ons, waterproof, and even sunscreen with zinc oxide. But guess what? None of them are significantly better or safer than the others. It’s all about what suits you and your little ones the best.

Here’s the deal: what really matters for sun protection isn’t the type of sunscreen you use, it’s how you put it on and reapply it. Don’t stress too much about whether it’s a lotion, spray, or whatever. Just focus on applying it properly.

Difference Between “Chemical” and “Mineral” Sunscreens?

There is a difference between regular “chemical” sunscreens and the “mineral” ones that contain zinc oxide.

Imagine mineral sunscreens as your skin’s own superhero cape. They create a shield on top of your skin as soon as you put them on. You’ve seen those thick, white creams, right? Yep, those are the mineral ones. And guess what? Zinc, the star ingredient, might even help calm down inflammation and help your skin heal.

Now, the chemical ones are a bit different. They get absorbed into your skin and need about 20 minutes to start working their sun-blocking magic before you step outside.

Don’t worry, telling them apart is as easy as reading the label on the bottle when you’re shopping. But remember, there’s no need for a showdown between them. They’re just two different players in the sunscreen game.

When does sunscreen dry or gets fully soaked in?

Sunscreen doesn’t work like your regular moisturizer. It doesn’t just disappear into your skin. It kinda chills on the surface, which is why it might still look a bit white after you put it on. Just be careful not to get it on your clothes, okay?

Now, some sunscreens that have those “chemical” thingies might want you to wait around 20 minutes before you go outside after putting it on. How do you know if your sunscreen is that kind? Just flip the bottle and look at the back.

Does sunscreen ever go bad?

Absolutely! Sunscreen doesn’t last forever. Usually, it’s good to go for, like, 1 to 3 years. You can find this info somewhere on the box or bottle.

Now, if you’ve had a bottle hanging around for ages but you can’t spot an expiry date, it’s probably a good idea to grab a new one, you know, to play it safe.

Pay attention to those guidelines on the back. When it says it’s good for 12 months, it really means a whole year! Don’t mess with expired sunscreen, folks!

Sunscreen for eczema or sensitive skin?

If your child has eczema or sensitive skin, choosing the right sunscreen depends on their specific condition. It’s a bit of a case-by-case situation.

It’s a good idea to talk to a medical professional like your family doctor or a pharmacist. They can give you personalized advice on what’s best for your child’s skin.

The NHS mentions that although the SPF (sun protection factor) is similar for adult and children’s sunscreens, those made for kids are often designed to be gentler on their skin.

Sunscreen for darker skin?

Basic rules for sun protection apply to everyone, regardless of skin tone. But the good news is that people with darker skin are generally at a lower risk of getting skin cancer compared to those with fair skin.

If you’ve got darker skin, you don’t have to be as cautious. In the UK, if you have really dark skin, you usually don’t need to worry too much about sun protection. You won’t need to take precautions as frequently as people with lighter skin. The UV index, which measures how strong the sun is, would have to be extremely high for you to be at risk of skin cancer.

So, practically any good-quality sunscreen should work well for dark skin.

Can Vitamin-D deficiency occur?

Vitamin D worry is quite common. You don’t need marathon sun sessions. Just a tiny bit of sunlight does the trick, way less than what would cause a sunburn.

Folks with darker skin, who have lower skin cancer risk, might want to spend a tad more time in the sun than lighter-skinned individuals. And if your little one is under 5, keep them stocked up on their recommended Vitamin D supplements. All about that healthy balance!

As you prioritize your child’s sun safety, remember that their overall well-being goes beyond sun protection. Our ‘Family Health‘ blog offers insights into maintaining a healthy lifestyle, ensuring your little ones thrive in every aspect. And when adventure beckons, explore our ‘Family Travel‘ blog for tips on making unforgettable memories while keeping their safety a top priority. Embrace the joy of parenthood, from sun-soaked days to enriching experiences, with the knowledge and guidance you’ll find across our blogs. Stay informed, stay empowered, and cherish every moment with your family.