Hey there, parents and caregivers! Did you know that taking care of your child’s skin now can help them stay healthy for years to come? That redness and peeling from a sunburn isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s actually a sign that your child’s skin has been damaged.
Learning about sun safety early can prevent painful burns and keep your child’s skin healthy as they grow up. Let’s talk about everything you need to know about picking and using the right sunscreen for your kids!
Why Kids Need Sunscreen
The sun gives off invisible rays called ultraviolet (UV) light. When these rays hit our skin, they can damage skin cells down to their DNA—the tiny building blocks that tell cells how to work.
“Studies have definitely shown that people who tend to have more sunburns are at higher risk of developing skin cancers down the road,” says Dr. Anna Bruckner from Children’s Hospital Colorado1.
Our bodies can fix small amounts of this damage, but too many sunburns over time can cause big problems:
- Painful, red skin now
- Skin that ages faster later on
- Higher chance of skin cancer as adults
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that all kids—no matter what their skin color is—wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher2. Even kids with darker skin can get sunburned and sun damaged!
Types of Sunscreen: What’s the Difference?
When shopping for sunscreen, you’ll find two main types. Let’s break them down:
Mineral Sunscreen (Also Called Physical or Inorganic)
This type sits on top of the skin like a shield that blocks the sun’s rays.
What’s in it? Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
Pros:
- Works right away after you put it on
- Less likely to irritate sensitive skin
- Some come in fun colors kids might enjoy
Cons:
- May leave a white coating on skin
- Can wash off more easily with water or sweat
- Might need to be applied more often
Chemical Sunscreen
This type soaks into the top layer of skin and works by absorbing the sun’s rays, turning them into heat, and releasing that heat.
Pros:
- Usually clearer on skin (no white marks)
- Doesn’t wash off as easily
- Often feels lighter on the skin
Cons:
- Takes 15-30 minutes to start working
- More likely to irritate sensitive skin
- Can burn eyes if a child is swimming or sweating1
Different Forms of Sunscreen
Sunscreens come in several forms:
- Creams and lotions: Best for dry skin areas and most of the body
- Sticks: Great for around the eyes and face
- Gels: Good for areas with hair, like the scalp
- Sprays: Convenient but can be hard to apply enough, and kids might breathe in the spray2
How to Choose the Best Sunscreen for Your Child
With so many choices, picking the right sunscreen can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry! Here are the main things to look for:
1. Check the SPF Number
SPF (sun protection factor) tells you how well the sunscreen blocks UVB rays (the ones that cause sunburns).
Look for SPF 30 or higher. This blocks about 97% of UVB rays1. Going higher than 30 helps a bit more, but no sunscreen blocks 100% of rays.
2. Make Sure It’s “Broad-Spectrum”
This means the sunscreen protects against both types of harmful rays:
- UVB rays – These cause sunburns
- UVA rays – These can tan and age skin and add to skin cancer risk1
3. Water Resistance
If your kids will be swimming or sweating (and most kids do!), choose a water-resistant sunscreen.
The label will say “water-resistant (40 minutes)” or “water-resistant (80 minutes)” to tell you how long the protection lasts while wet1.
Remember: You still need to reapply after swimming or heavy sweating!
4. Kid-Friendly Formulations
Sunscreens made for kids often have the same active ingredients as adult versions, but may:
- Be gentler on skin
- Have fewer added scents or chemicals that might cause irritation
- Come in packaging that might get kids more excited about using it1
5. Special Considerations for Sensitive Skin
If your child has sensitive skin, rashes, or allergies:
- Choose mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
- Look for “fragrance-free” or “hypoallergenic” on the label
- Test a small patch on their skin before applying all over
Stay away from sunscreens with PABA, which can cause skin allergies2
How to Apply Sunscreen Properly
Having the right sunscreen is just the first step. Using it correctly is what really keeps kids protected!
When to Apply
- For chemical sunscreens: Apply 15-30 minutes before going outside
- For mineral sunscreens: Apply right before going outside
- Use sunscreen every day when your child will be outdoors, even on cloudy days (up to 80% of UV rays can get through clouds!)3
How Much to Use
Most people don’t use enough sunscreen! Here’s how much you should use:
- About one ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) for the whole body
- Another way to think about it: use about a teaspoon for the face and neck, one for each arm, two for each leg, and one each for the front and back of the body2
Don’t Miss These Spots
Kids (and adults!) often miss these areas:
- Ears
- Back of the neck
- Tops of feet
- Hands
- Shoulders
- Lips (use a lip balm with SPF 30)
- Under swimsuit straps (apply before putting on the swimsuit)12
Reapplying
This is super important! Even the best sunscreen wears off. Put more on:
- Every 2 hours while outdoors
- After swimming or sweating, even if using water-resistant sunscreen
- After towel drying12
Special Sunscreen Situations
Babies Under 6 Months
For the tiniest family members, the rules are a bit different:
- Best approach: keep babies under 6 months out of direct sunlight
- Dress them in lightweight clothes that cover arms and legs
- Use a hat with a brim to protect their face and neck
- If shade isn’t available, you can apply a small amount of sunscreen to exposed areas like hands and face12
Why the caution? Babies’ skin is thinner and absorbs more of what’s put on it, so they’re at greater risk of sunscreen side effects like rash2.
Children with Different Skin Tones
All children need sunscreen, regardless of skin color. While darker skin has more natural melanin (which provides some sun protection), it can still burn and get sun damage.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends SPF 30 or higher for all skin tones2. Remember: a tan is actually a sign of sun damage, even in darker-skinned children.
Common Questions About Kids’ Sunscreen
Can my child use my adult sunscreen?
In many cases, yes! Most adult sunscreens work fine for kids over 6 months old. However, kids’ sunscreens might have gentler formulas with fewer irritating ingredients3.
If using adult sunscreen, choose one that’s fragrance-free and made for sensitive skin.
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Can I use last year's sunscreen
Check the expiration date! Sunscreen typically lasts about 3 years, but heat and age can make it less effective.
According to Dr. Bruckner, “There is a chance that some of those ingredients might be less effective after a period of time, so it’s worthwhile to follow the recommended lifecycle of the product.”1
If your sunscreen has changed color, seems clumpy, or smells different, it’s time for a new bottle1.
What if my child gets sunburned?
If your child does get a sunburn:
- Get them out of the sun right away
- Keep them cool with a bath or cold towels
- Use an after-sun lotion with aloe vera
- Avoid products with petroleum jelly, which can trap heat in the skin
- Make sure they drink plenty of water and rest
Call your doctor if they have nausea, dizziness, or other signs of heat illness1
Is spray sunscreen OK to use?
Spray sunscreens are convenient but have some issues:
- It’s hard to tell if you’ve applied enough
- Kids might breathe in the spray, which isn’t good for their lungs
- Some spray sunscreens have been found to contain benzene, a harmful chemical1
If you do use spray sunscreen:
- Never spray directly onto the face (spray into hands first, then apply)
- Apply in a well-ventilated area
- Make sure to rub it in thoroughly
Beyond Sunscreen: Complete Sun Protection
Sunscreen is just one part of keeping kids safe in the sun. For the best protection, try these ideas too:
Protective Clothing
- Rash guards or swim shirts provide great coverage for water play
- Long-sleeved shirts and pants with a tight weave offer better protection
- Some clothing has UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) built right in!
Hats and Sunglasses
- Choose wide-brimmed hats that shade the face, ears, and neck
- Sunglasses protect eyes from UV damage and should block 99-100% of UV rays
Seek Shade and Time it Right
- Find shade under trees, umbrellas, or tents, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun is strongest
- Plan outdoor activities for morning or late afternoon when possible
- Remember that snow reflects 80% of UV radiation, which is why many kids can get badly burned on a sunny winter day3
Making Sunscreen a Habit Kids Accept
Let’s face it—some kids fight sunscreen like it’s a vegetable on their dinner plate! Try these tips:
- Start early so sunscreen becomes a normal part of the “getting ready to go out” routine
- Make it a daily habit, like brushing teeth1
- Let kids help choose their sunscreen (maybe they prefer a stick for their face)
- Make it fun with songs or games during application
- Be a good example by applying your own sunscreen where they can see you
- Explain why in simple terms: “Sunscreen keeps your skin healthy and stops it from getting hurt”
For teenagers, suggest using a light moisturizer with sunscreen for their face as a daily habit1.
Quick Summary: Your Sunscreen Checklist
Let’s wrap up with a simple checklist you can use:
✓ Choose a sunscreen with:
- SPF 30 or higher
- Broad-spectrum protection
- Water-resistance for swimming or sweating
✓ Apply correctly:
- 15-30 minutes before going outside
- Enough to cover all exposed skin
- Don’t forget easy-to-miss spots
✓ Reapply:
- Every 2 hours
- After swimming or sweating
- After towel drying
✓ Remember special cases:
- Babies under 6 months need shade more than sunscreen
- All skin tones need protection
- Sensitive skin may do better with mineral sunscreens
✓ Use other sun protection too:
- Protective clothing
- Hats and sunglasses
- Shade
- Timing outdoor activities wisely
You’ve got this, parents! With these tips, you’re well on your way to keeping your kids’ skin healthy and protected. Isn’t it great to know that a simple habit like applying sunscreen can help protect your child now and in the future?
The most important thing to remember: the best sunscreen is the one your family will actually use regularly. Find what works for you, make it part of your routine, and enjoy the sun safely!
