Whats The Difference Between Uva And Uvb Protection
UVB protection prevents sunburn. UVA rays from the sun or tanning beds dont burn as easily, but they do penetrate deeper into the skin, causing leathering, wrinkling, and photoaging, as well as suppressed skin immunity. They can also cause cancer. The best sunscreens protect against both kinds of UV radiation.
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is a writer covering parenting, health, and wellness. She received her master’s degree in nonfiction Writing from Johns Hopkins University.
Additional reporting by Vincent Iannelli, MD and Tori Zhou. Dr. Iannelli is a board-certified pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics . Tori Zhou is a writer and Associate Health Commerce Editor at Verywell. She enjoys staying up-to-date on wellness trends and products, with a focus on holistic health.
Whats The Difference Between Sunscreen And Sunblock
Yes, there are two very different types of sun protection. Sunscreen is a chemical defense it penetrates the skin and absorbs the UV rays before they damage your skin. Sunblocks sit on top of your skin and defend your skin against UV rays. Dont get overwhelmed, most sun protection products will include both sunscreen and sunblock in them. The most important thing is to use broad-spectrum protection for kids. You should look for mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide.
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Chemical Sunscreen Vs Mineral Sunscreen
Chemical and mineral sunscreens are differentiated by how they interact with the sun. Chemical sunscreens work to absorb the suns rays while mineral sunscreens work to block the suns rays.
According to the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, mineral sunscreens are recommended for children and those with sensitive skin. Meanwhile, chemical sunscreens are best suited for older children and those without skin conditions.
Protect Your Little Ones From The Summer Rays
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Wherever your year-round adventures take you and your little ones, a packing essential is a solid sunscreen for kids, no matter the weather. To keep your kiddo safe and to give you peace of mind as they have fun in the sun, or under a cloudy sky, sunscreen makes all the difference in decreasing the risk of skin cancer and preventing premature skin aging.
The option you pick should complement your familys lifestyle, like water and sweat resistance if your kids enjoy the water and are active. Meanwhile, if your child has sensitive skin, they may be better suited for a hypoallergenic choice.
Whichever sunscreen you choose, it should have an SPF of at least 15 to 30, ingredients that protect against both UVA and UVB rays, and be reapplied regularly based on the bottles instructions and best practices. As always, protective hats and sunglasses should be used in conjunction with sunscreen.
Ahead, these are the best sunscreens for kids to prep them for the next trip or adventure.
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What Should A Parent Look For When Buying A Sunscreen
Parents should look for sunscreens with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher labeled broad spectrum, meaning they protect against both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays. A sunscreen thats labeled water-resistant or very water-resistant will provide the best and longest-lasting coverage, especially for outings to the park or pool.
Also check the active ingredients, and look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide on the list these broad-spectrum sunblock ingredients are less irritating if your child has sensitive skin. These ingredients are also recommended for sensitive areas such as the face, as they wont sting the eyes.
Best Sunscreen For Kids With Sensitive Skin
The answer to this question is one that Ive personally researched for the last couple of years because my middle daughter had eczema when she was younger and has always had very sensitive skin. When trying to find the right sun protection for her I found that fragrance-free was not the only thing I needed to look for. Check the active ingredients to be sure that they include zinc or titanium dioxidethese ingredients are best for those with sensitive skin.
TravelingMom Tip: Even if you purchase a spray sunscreen, youll need to rub it into your kids skin after spraying it on to be sure that they are well-protected.
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Best Lotion: Badger Spf 30 Kids Sunscreen Cream With Zinc Oxide
If you prefer a lotion to a spray, this one from Badger offers solid sun protection. The zinc-oxide-based formula offers SPF 30 protection and is water- and sweat-resistant for up to 40 minutes. it also contains sunflower oil, beeswax, and vitamin E to help keep skin feeling soft. Notes of tangerine and vanilla add a fun fruity scent to this sunscreen as well.
Parents like the thick formula, and say you dont have to use as much of it as you do with other thinner formulas. They say they feel good about the chemical-free formula and love the fresh-smelling scent. Some say it takes a considerable amount of rubbing to get it worked into the skin, but most say this is a good, safe, and affordable way to protect kids from the suns harmful rays.
How To Apply Sunscreen
The best protection against the sun is to stay out of it especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., which is when the sun’s rays are at their highest, and any time of the day for babies under the age of 6 months. When you do have to go outside, dress in clothing that provides a physical barrier . For any skin thats left exposed, apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside be sure to cover ears, nose, lips and the tops of feet, being careful around your little ones eyes. And reapply at least every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
If youre using an aerosol spray, apply it outside or in a well-ventilated area Dr. Robinson says to be sure to spray on a uniform coat and always rub it in.
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Whats The Difference Between Infant Or Kid Sunscreen And Adult Sunscreen
often have the same active ingredients as the adult versions, but with cuter labeling and marketing. Your kids wont be more protected with a “baby” SPF 30 sunscreen than with a “regular” SPF 30 sunscreen, if both are water-resistant and have the same active ingredients. However, some baby sunscreens may be better for infants, children and even adults with sensitive skin.
Different Skin Types Need Different Sunscreens
Like we mentioned before, different skin types will need different sunscreens. Ive personally had to learn this truth the hard way. My middle daughter has very fair skin, not the olive skin her sisters have, and she needs a sunscreen that is a higher SPF and is for sensitive skin. My oldest daughter is very active and spends her whole summer in the water so I have to find sunscreens that can hold up to her active lifestyle. There are also sunscreens that are great for multicultural skin types. Check out this one by Sonrei: its made for all skin types and pigments. Sonrei is not designed specifically for kids but can be used on them.
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Do Those With Deeply Pigmented Skin Need Sunscreen
Its a common misconception that those with darker skin and high melanin levels dont need sunscreen, due to lack of awareness, and the higher prevalence of skin cancer in the fairer-skinned communities.
In actuality, African Americans experience more melanoma deaths than any other ethnic group, according to the Cleveland Clinic. There are more difficulties in detecting skin cancer in those with dark skin while theres a higher likelihood that theyll receive a late-stage prognosis.
The bottom line is that sunscreen should always be worn no matter ones skin tone. There is no sun immunity in any community, and skin cancer is preventable.
Do Kids Need Special Sunscreen
The purpose of sunscreen is to prevent painful sunburns, as well as to prevent the long-term side effects of sun damage, such as premature aging and, most alarmingly, increased risk of skin cancer.
Most sun damage occurs during childhood, says the American Academy of Pediatrics , so its extra important to protect your little ones skin from the sun it will benefit them for a lifetime!
Sunscreen performs the same function whether its labeled for kids or adults. For instance, broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen for kids will provide the same level of protection as broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen for adults. The active ingredients are often the same.
The biggest difference is that kids sunscreen is formulated with sensitive skin in mind, so it is less likely to have irritating ingredients or chemicals in it. Kids sunscreen may also come in more water-resistant or easy application options.
While sunscreen is very important, experts agree that additional measures are needed to protect your kiddo from sun damage. Wide-brimmed hats, sun-protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. are all great ways to prevent harm from the suns rays.
Food and Drug Administration doesnt recommend sunscreen for infants under 6 months of age. Infants should have their skin covered by hats and loose, long-sleeved clothing or be kept out of the sun whenever possible, such as under an umbrella or shady tree, says the AAP.
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Best Sunscreens & Toxic Ones To Avoid
By Leah Zerbe, MS, NASM-CPT, NASM-CES
May 4, 2021
Its no secret that the sun provides all sorts of health benefits, including helping our bodies manufacture vital vitamin D. With warmer weather right around the corner, though, many people are looking for the best sunscreens to cut their risk of sun overexposure,sunburns and possiblyskin cancer
Environmental Working Groups 15th annual Guide to Sunscreens is a mix of good and bad news when it comes to the state of sunscreens sold in American and beyond. For instance, oxybenzone a suspected hormone-disrupting chemical that is readily absorbed into the body is now present in 40 percent of the 1,800 products EWG investigated. While that may seem high, consider this: two years ago, about 60 percent of sunscreens contained this concerning chemical.
In December, the National Toxicology Program released findings linking oxybenzone exposure to a higher risk of thyroid tumors in female rats. And at the end of March, the European Commission, which reviews ingredient safety in Europe, published a final opinion finding oxybenzone unsafe for use at current levels.
Yet again, the sunscreen market is flooded with products that use potentially harmful ingredients and provide poor UVA protection, said Leiba. EWGs guide is one of the only tools available to help consumers find products that provide adequate protection and are made without ingredients that may pose health concerns.
Other Things To Consider
- UV rays are strongest from 10am to 3pm.
- Dont forget to use Chapstick that contains sun protection.
- Apply kids sunscreen 15 minutes prior to going out in the sun.
- An SPF of 30 or higher is considered safe. The higher the better for kids.
- You should apply sunscreen to your kids even if theyre in the shade or the sun is not shining.
- Consider purchasing your protective clothing. We love the swimsuits designed to protect kids from the sun. Here are some of our favorites:
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The Best Sunscreens Of : For Recreation
Based on the best current science and toxicology data, we continue to recommend sunscreens with the mineral active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, because they are the only two ingredients the FDA recognized as safe or effective in their proposed draft rules, Burns says.
Here are some of the most highly rated sunscreens that met EWGs criteria for safety and effectiveness:
Also of note, many sunscreen powerhouse brands are now offering safer options, although not all of these brands offerings are considered safer EWG picks. EWG has been analyzing and pushing for safer sunscreens for more than a decade, and positive shifts are occurring even within big brands and store brands. For instance, the following products made EWGs best sunscreen list with a score of 2:
- Banana Boat Kids Sport Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50+
- Coppertone Water Babies Pure & Simple Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50
- Coppertone Defend & Care Face Sunscreen Lotion, Oil Free, SPF 30
- Equate Kids Mineral Based Sunscreen Stick, SPF 5
- Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
- Neutrogena Clear Body Breakout Free Oil-Free Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
- Trader Joes Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 40
Best Budget: Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen
This sunscreen from Aveeno Baby will protect your little ones from sunburn without burning a hole in your wallet. Made with zinc oxide and oat, it offers SPF 50 protection and is sweat and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. The hypoallergenic formula contains no parabens, phthalates, or fragrance, and the manufacturers say its as mild on the skin as water, so its good for those with sensitive skin.
While some note that it goes on white and requires some rubbing in, overall, they say its a great, non-greasy sunscreen at an affordable price.
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These Are The Worst Sunscreens Of 2018 For Babies And Kids Says Ewg
The Environmental Working Group has released its 2018 Guide to Sunscreens report, which includes the 14 worst-scoring sunscreens for babies and young children.
As parents, we want to believe that applying sunscreen to our children is protecting them from the sun’s potentially harmful rays. But according to a report from the Environmental Working Group , some sunscreens can actually be unsafe for kids and babies.
Some sunscreens performed well on tests in the EWG’s 2018 Guide to Sunscreens. By and large, they were all mineral-based with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as active ingredients. Parents should still be wary of products that contain low percentages of these ingredients because, according to the report, they may contain other ingredients that boost the SPF on the label without actually protecting from other skin damages.
Ingredients the study says to avoid that may pose safety concerns include: retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A that is linked to sun sensitivity, and oxybenzone, which, the EWG says may be a hormone disruptor. The American Academy of Dermatology, however, states that there is no data showing that oxybenzone causes hormonal problems or any significant health issues. Oxybenzone is approved by the FDA for use by children 6-months and older.
Another red flag to steer clear of when shopping for sunscreen for your family is an SPF of over 50, according to the study. I’ll admit I thought the higher the SPF, the better I was protecting my kids.
Banana Boat Kids Sunscreen Review
This Banana Boat Kids Sunscreen Review sponsored by Banana Boat®. The opinions are all mine.
Summer is our favorite season of the year, well, ever since we moved to Reno/Tahoe. Whether it is meeting friends at the lake, enjoying a backyard BBQ, or just busting out a slip-n-slide on the lawn, theres nothing quite like summer. Somehow these long days tend to produce the fondest memories that last a lifetime. Whats on your summer bucket list? We have found that the best way to get the most out of summer is to be prepared for all the kids summer activities early!
Even though we just got home from spring break, here are 3 great tips for getting ready for all those kids summer activities coming your way quick. The most obvious of which is to get your sunscreen plan ready now.
1. Buy summer fun items now.
If you buy all your fun summer items earlier in the season like this amazing swan floatie then you get your pick of all the fun items. No more running to the store on the way to the lake or the pool and ending up with a princess floatie for your son. I like to start early and fill a plastic bin in the garage with summer fun items as I see them. We try them out first, then put them away, on the first day of summer we open the bin and the kids are busy for days! Its like Christmas in 100 degree weather. )
2. Bust out all the items when you get home
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Best Overall: Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Baby Spf 30+ Broad Spectrum
For safe, effective sun protection parents feel good about, its hard to beat Blue Lizard. Hundreds of online reviewers say this is a beach-bag staple for outdoor family adventures. It contains no fragrances or parabens, so its good for sensitive skin. An added bonus: the bottle turns pink when the UV rays are strong enough that you need to open up the bottle and slather your children with it. The mineral-based formula provides SPF 30 protection and is water-resistant for about 40 minutes.
The cost is a bit higher than some other top brands, but online reviewers say its worth it. They say they love the natural formula and feel safe putting it on their childrens precious skin. They say its great for those with sensitive skin, such as those who suffer from eczema, and it provides powerful protection from the suns rays. The application of the product is on par with other similar sunblocks.
