What Kind of Sunscreen is Right for My Child?

Sunshine feels great on your skin, and it’s a good mood-booster, too. But too much sun can be dangerous — especially for kids. Choosing the right sunscreen and making sure it’s applied correctly plays an important role in protecting your child’s skin now — and in the future.

As a leading provider of pediatric care for patients in Kihei, Kahului, Lahaina, and throughout Hawaii, Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy helps kids stay healthy all year long. In this post, our expert team offers some simple tips to help your child stay safe in the sun.

Choosing the right sunscreen

When it comes to sunscreens, there are lots of products to choose from, making it easier to find a product that works for your child. The key is knowing what to look for to help you sort through all your options.

SPF of 30 or more

SPF stands for “sun protection factor,” a number that represents how well your skin stands up to the damaging effects of the sun’s rays. Ideally, you should opt for a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater to protect against nearly 100% of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Broad-spectrum protection

The sun produces two types of UV rays that can damage your child’s skin: UVA and UVB. UVB rays cause sunburn, while UVA causes deeper damage. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against both.

Chemical vs. mineral

Sunscreens are available in mineral formulations (usually including zinc or titanium) that rest on top of your child’s skin, as well as chemical products, which are absorbed into the skin’s upper layers. 

Mineral sunscreens reflect the sun’s damaging rays and act as a physical barrier against UV damage. These sunscreens work immediately, but they can “melt off” when your child sweats. 

Chemical sunscreens absorb the sun’s rays, converting UV energy into heat that’s released from your skin. While they can’t be “sweated off” as easily, they can take up to 30 minutes to work, so they need to be applied well before heading outdoors.

Consider your child’s needs

If your child will be spending a lot of time in the water, look for a sunscreen that’s water-resistant to prevent it from quickly washing off. These products can last in the water for about an hour. 

Choose hypoallergenic products

Especially if your child has sensitive skin or chronic conditions like eczema, a hypoallergenic product without a lot of extra additives, like fragrance, reduces the risk of reactions.

Beyond sunscreen: More protection tips

Sunscreen is crucial for protecting your child’s skin, but there are other important steps you can take, too. Beyond sunscreen basics, our five top sun safety tips are:

1. Wear protective clothing

Wide-brimmed hats offer protection for your child’s scalp, neck, and face, while long-sleeved, lightweight shirts and pants protect skin on your child’s arms and legs. UV-protective clothing may help, too.

2. Avoid peak sun hours

The sun’s rays are strongest at midday. Ideally, try to plan outdoor activities before 10 am and after 4 pm whenever possible. If your child is out during peak hours, plan plenty of shade time to give their skin a rest, and be extra vigilant with reapplying sunscreen.

3. Apply sunscreen correctly

Be sure to use enough sunscreen to adequately cover your child’s skin. 

Don’t forget the tops of their feet, the backs and edges of their ears, and the back of the neck — areas often missed when applying sunscreen. Apply under shoulder straps and waistbands, too, as these areas of clothing can slip and expose tender, unprotected skin to the sun.

4. Reapply sunscreen often

Sunscreen should always be applied after swimming or toweling dry, as well as after heavy sweating. No matter what, reapply sunscreen every two hours to maintain protection.

5. Use a protective lip balm, too

Your child’s lips can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays, too. Look for a lip balm that offers an SPF of 30 or greater, and carry it alongside your sunscreen whenever you head out.

Your partner in proactive care

The American Academy of Dermatology advises all kids (and adults, too) to wear sunscreen, regardless of skin tone. If your child has a painful sunburn or if you’d like to learn what else you can do to play a more proactive role in keeping your child healthy, we’re here to help. 

Request an appointment with Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy today, or take advantage of our walk-in services in Kihei, Kahului, and Lahaina, Hawaii, at your convenience.