Block Harmful Rays: Sunscreen and Your Child

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Keep your kids safe under the sun’s rays.

As the sunny days approach, it’s important to make sure your little ones are protected.
It can be an enormous rabbit hole if you are one of those moms who researches everything you put on your child.
I have you covered!

I looked up the importance of sunscreen, understanding UV rays and skin damage, key ingredients for effective protection, proper application techniques, recommended sunscreens for children’s sensitive skin, and other ways to keep your child safe from the sun so that you can sit back and have fun in the sun with your kiddo!

Before we get started, here is a super quick list of “what to do” this summer:

1. Hydrate.
2. Put a sunscreen lotion with zinc oxide base on.
3. Wait 15 minutes before going outside.
4. Wear sun protective clothing.
5. Bring water with you.
6. Bring spray sunscreen for reapplication.

Why is it crucial to protect children’s skin from the sun?

UV (ultra violet) radiation consists of UVA and UVB rays, both of which can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. 

Yeah, right now the last thing you are thinking of or worrying about is premature aging in your child’s skin, although, you may have wished someone had worried about your premature aging skin when you were younger! 

When it comes to sunscreen, choosing the right SPF for kids is essential.
Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to ensure protection against both UVA and UVB rays. 
For children with sensitive skin, opt for sunscreens that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. 

How does sun exposure in childhood impact skin health in the long run?

Understanding the long-term effects of UV radiation on young skin is crucial in emphasizing the importance of sunscreen for kids. 
Research shows that the UV rays that damage skin can also alter a tumor-suppressing gene, giving injured cells less chance to repair before progressing to cancer.
Five or more sunburns and one blistering sunburn more than doubles your risk of developing potentially deadly melanoma.

Are you going to be hanging out in the sun with your kids wishing you had a fabulous book?
I have a list of books that are great “fun reads.”
There are 25 books on the list, however, most are the beginning to a series, so in total, I am recommending 240 books in 7 different genres!

Explore our captivating collection of books spanning fantasy, thriller, mystery, romance, and non-fiction. Click here to dive into a world of endless adventures and captivating stories.

• “The Way of Shadows” by Brent Weeks
• Walk on Earth a Stranger” by Rae Carlson
• “The Way of Shadows” by Brent Weeks
• “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek” by Kim Michele Richardson

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What does SPF mean, and how does it relate to sun protection for kids?

This topic cracks me up because my husband always wants the highest SPF possible, like 50.
I think it is all marketing.

So, let’s learn about SPF, or Sun Protection Factor,
SPF indicates the level of protection a sunscreen offers against UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn and can contribute to skin cancer. 
When selecting sunscreen for children, it’s essential to choose a broad-spectrum formula with an SPF of 30 or higher to ensure adequate protection against both UVA and UVB rays. 

The SPF number reflects the sunscreen’s ability to prolong the skin’s natural defense against UVB rays, allowing kids to stay in the sun without getting burned. 
However, it’s important to note that higher SPF values do not linearly correlate to increased protection. 
For instance, SPF 30 blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. 
Ha! it looks like 30 is almost the same as 50 on the SPF scale.

What are the key ingredients to look for in a safe sunscreen for kids?

Look for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these mineral-based ingredients provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. 
Mineral based sunscreens are less likely to cause skin irritation, making them ideal for children’s sensitive skin. 
Additionally, consider sunscreens that are labeled as “broad-spectrum,” indicating that they offer protection against both types of UV rays. 

It’s also important to opt for water-resistant formulas, especially if your child will be swimming or sweating. 
The water-resistant sunscreens are also important simply because, as moms we just get really busy.
Those water-resistant ones have much better “staying” power and can adhere to your little one’s skin better and stay on longer.
If you are looking for a “double use,” some sunscreens also contain added ingredients such as antioxidants or moisturizers to provide extra nourishment for the skin. 

Are there any specific ingredients to avoid in kids’ sunscreen?

Certain chemical ingredients, such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone, are commonly found in sunscreens and are best avoided for children’s sensitive skin. 
These are the same chemicals that are now being banned at many popular tourist locations because they damage the coral reef.
Hmmm, sunscreens that are being banned because they destroy our reefs, may be bad on our kiddo’s skin.

Instead, look for mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these gentle yet effective ingredients provide broad-spectrum protection without the risk of skin irritation. 
Additionally, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic formulas are ideal for children with sensitive skin, ensuring that their delicate skin remains protected and nourished. 

What are the best practices for applying sunscreen on children’s skin?

Be thorough in covering all exposed areas of your child’s skin, including their face, neck, arms, and legs. 
Don’t forget often overlooked areas like the ears, tops of feet, and back of the neck. 
A sunburn on the tops of your feet can make wearing shoes miserable.
Sunscreen is most effective when you give it 15 minutes to “set” before depending on it, or jumping in the water!

How often should sunscreen be reapplied?

Frequency depends on your child’s activities and exposure to water or sweat. 
As a general rule, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if your child is swimming or sweating. 
Realistically, I was feeling awesome if I got the sunscreen on and the kid well covered.

So, we did a mineral based lotion as a base coat, all over in the morning before the child went out and did any of their activities.
Then, throughout the day, they would do a touch up spray.
This made sunscreen something both my husband and I could remember and handle.
Neither of us loved sunscreen on our hands.

Is there a difference in protection between spray sunscreens and lotion sunscreens?

Spray sunscreens offer convenience and quick application, making them suitable for active kids who may be resistant to sitting still for lotion application. 
They are also great for parents who detest lotion on their hands.
It’s crucial to ensure even coverage when using spray sunscreen, as it can be challenging to gauge the amount applied and potential areas left unprotected.

We live in an area that has a lot of wind.
You are never certain if that spray really gets all of the areas.
On the other hand, lotion sunscreens allow for more precise and thorough coverage, ensuring that every exposed area receives adequate protection. 

Additionally, the act of massaging lotion into the skin can serve as a tactile reminder of the importance of sun protection, fostering a habit of thorough application.
Remember love languages for kids?
Your child’s love language may be touch.

In this case,  your child may hear that you love them when you apply lotion, so I would say that even though the spray is quick, convenient, and clean, take the time to touch your child.

Aside from sunscreen, what other measures can parents take to protect their children from UV rays?

When it comes to protecting your child from harmful UV rays, sunscreen is just one piece of the puzzle.  
One essential step is to dress your child in protective clothing, such as lightweight long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats, to minimize direct sun exposure. 

Invest in swim shirts.
I love these!
You can use less sunscreen, so these are great for those kiddos with sensitive skin.
They also help keep your child a little warmer in cold pools.

You can try to be out of the sun during the peak sun hours, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
While this is great at reducing risk of UV rays, it also is a bummer if you want your children outside and active this summer.
When your child is out in the sun, encourage them to wear UV sunglasses to protect their eyes. 
Remember, your child can dry up on the inside as well as on the outside!
Teach your child to hydrate, often.
Get them a fun water bottle that they can sticker to make their own.

Sunscreen is your friend when it comes to protecting your little ones from the sun’s rays.
Understanding UV rays and skin damage, key ingredients for effective protection, and proper application techniques will help you choose and use sunscreen confidently.
With the right sunscreen and other sun-safe practices, you can help your child enjoy the sunny days while staying safe and protected. 

So, slather on that sunscreen, grab your shades, and head outside for some fun in the sun!

’“Don’t hide. Live. Follow the sun. You’ll make it to Tomorrow”
– Guy “The Croods”