Our Kids Don’t Wear Enough Sunscreen
The tricky part of sunscreen is that it is invisible when used correctly. So how can we tell when the invisible is enough? In general, we can probably assume that the amount we are using is not enough, because, according to the American Academy of Dermatology , most people only treat 25-50 percent of the recommended amount.
Even when you put sunscreen on yourself – a willing and capable adult – you are probably not using it enough. (For the average adult, the AAD defines “enough” as about one ounce, or enough to fill a shot glass to properly cover any skin not yet covered in clothing.) Kids won’t need that much, but when you add a wriggling, impatient little kid to the equation you are probably inclined too early to declare “good enough.”
Let’s talk about creams, gels, sticks and sprays.
To make sure they get the best possible coverage, you first need to consider using the best sunscreen suitable for the situation and body part. Sunscreens generally fall into four categories: creams, gels, sticks, and sprays. Creams are best for (dry) skin and face; gels are good for hairy areas, such as the scalp; sticks are good for the skin around the eyes; and sprays can be an easy solution for parents – with some caveats.
Sunscreen sprays are often preferred by parents because they are easiest to apply; however, when using a spray, it can be especially difficult to determine if you have applied or covered your entire skin. The sprays should not be inhaled, some are highly flammable and should not be used near heat sources, open flames or while smoking. For these reasons, it might not seem like the best option, but as senior editor at Lifehacker magazine points out, the best sunscreen is the one you wear .
So if a spray is the best way to give kids the most decent coverage, do so – just don’t spray it directly on their face (spray it on their hand and then apply it all over their face). Spray more than you think you need, then rub in for a more even coverage, making sure that the wind doesn’t blow in their faces.
How much sunscreen should your child use and how often?
You will need a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, offering broad spectrum protection (i.e. from UVA and UVB rays) and water resistant if water is a factor. If possible, try to apply it 15 minutes before they get out in the sun – here are our top tips for applying sunscreen effortlessly .
Once they are played outside, you will need to reapply them every two hours or after swimming or sweating, whichever comes first, even on cloudy days. Using a higher SPF is also great, as it will block a little more UVB rays, but it won’t lull you into a false sense of security – a higher SPF doesn’t last longer than a lower SPF, so you’ll need to reapply just as often.
And all of this applies to babies over six months old – parents should not completely expose babies under six months old to sunlight.
Don’t forget about problem areas
There are a few places we tend to overlook when trying to protect our kids with sunscreen as effectively as possible, but it’s important to hit them all: the upper feet and arms, ears, back of the neck, crown and lips need attention. (You can use lip balm with SPF 30 or higher.)
KidsHealth also recommends applying sunscreen under any straps of your swimsuit in case they become misaligned during play. Remember that all children, regardless of skin tone, can get painful sunburn without protection and should use sunscreen.
And finally, one of the best ways to get them to agree is to model all of these good habits in your own skin.