Best Kids' Sunscreens & Sunblocks
How to Choose Sun Lotion Protectant for Children
Picture a parent positioned in the sunscreen aisle at the local pharmacy. There he is, attempting to select the best sunscreen for his children from the countless colorful bottles of lotions arranged on the shelves. More than likely, he is wooed by big SPF numbers and well-known brand names like Banana Boat or Coppertone. However, there are more important things to consider in sunscreens and sunblocks than an SPF of 50+. This guide will help parents sift through the shelves to pick a sunscreen or sunblock that best suits their children's needs.
Broad Spectrum UVA and UVB Protectant
Parents should look carefully at the bottle to be sure that it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are also called "aging rays," while UVB are "burn rays." While many lotions are labeled "broad spectrum," this does not necessarily mean it will work against UVA rays. Only products specifically marked as blocking both rays should be used on children.
Sunscreen or Sunblock
It is important to understand the differences between sunscreen and sunblock. Sunscreen works at a chemical level to absorbs ultraviolet radiation. In the past, sunscreens only filtered out UVB rays. New formulations may now be found that block both.
Sunblocks work by physically blocking both UVA and UVB rays and reflecting them off the skin. Sunblocks used to be very thick and left a residue, but new technology allows sunblocks to glide on without a tell-tale film. However, sunblocks may be an issue for those whose pores block easily.
SPF Levels
Though an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) level of 50+ may dazzle parents, many experts believe that to be nonsense. Research indicates that SPF greater than 30 does little to increase protection. A good range for which parents can look is SPF 15 - 30. For particularly fair children, SPF 30 should be considered.
Hypoallergenic Lotions
Especially if the child has sensitive skin, parents want to tune in to sunscreens that are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. It may be a good idea to test a small patch of skin for reaction to new sunscreens before giving a head to toe smearing of the product. If the child has developed a rash when using sun lotions, PABA free sunscreens may be a better choice.
Water Resistant or Waterproof
This aspect should be a no-brainer for parents. Swimming and sweat can result in ineffective sun protection. There are two types of sun protectants that work in wet or sweaty conditions. The FDA defines water resistant sunscreens and sunblocks as those that maintain their SPF rating for at least 40 minutes after water exposure. Waterproof lotions work for a minimum of 80 minutes. For families who do not want to reapply sunscreen as often, waterproof sunscreens or sunblocks are the way to go.
Sunscreen and Sunblock Ingredients
There are several ingredients that will let parents know that the sunscreen is a good one. To protect against both UVA and UVB rays, the ingredients should contain at least one of the following: avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide. For full effectiveness parents should make sure that the zinc oxide or titanium oxide is at least 5% concentration. Many lotions are marketed with those ingredients, but do not have an adequate amounts of them.
Recommended Brand for Children
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen is quite possibly one of the best options for children. Blue Lizard is manufactured to Australian sunscreen standards, which are much stricter than U.S. requirements. The SPF 30 sunscreen lasts much longer in water conditions, tested to withstand 240 minutes between applications. Because of its extreme water resistance, it must be applied on dry skin. Blue Lizard contains two important Ingredients - 10 percent micronized Zinc Oxide and 5 percent micronized Titanium Dioxide. The downside to Blue Lizard is that it can be difficult to find at brick and mortar stores. Many popular online shops, like Amazon, carry the product.
A Note on Other Health Concerns
Many environmental and health-conscious groups have stated concerns that any sunscreen or sunblock can cause other health concerns. Parents particularly concerned about chemicals in these lotions should research any product before using it on their children.
With these guidelines, parents can stand in the sunscreen aisle armed with the knowledge of how to choose the right one. Parents will be able to scrutinize each product's pros and cons to select the sun protectant lotion that best matches their family's needs.
