Sun Protection
What's tougher than picking the right sunscreen for your kids? Getting it on their squirming bodies. Ellen Marmur, a New York City dermatologist and mother of four kids ages 2 to 11, shares her foolproof strategies for both.
By Gina Way
- chooose a high protection factor (SPF)
This number gauges a product's protection from UVB rays. (The FDA plans to institute a star-system rating for UVA protection later this year.) "I try to use at least SPF 30, and ideally 50+," says Marmur. "Unless you spread sunscreen on as thick as cake frosting, which is how SPF is tested, your child gets only a fraction of the number on the label."
UltraMist Tear-Free continuous spray SPF 50, $10, Banana Boat, PlaytexStore.com.
- get smart about ingredients
The minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide physically block both UVA and UVB rays. Since they tend to sit on top of the skin, they can be less irritating to sensitive skin. Chemical ingredients like octinoxate and homosalate filter UVB, while the chemicals avobenzone, oxybenzone, and Mexoryl SX counteract UVA.
Babysafe Sunscreen Towelette singles, $7.50 for three, Baby Silk, MDMoms.com.
- look beyond lotion
"On the beach, I chase after my kids with a spray," says Marmur. "They're fine in open air, but not indoors—kids can inhale the fumes." Protect little faces with lip balms and sunblock sticks, which won't run into eyes. And keep SPF-infused wipes in your diaper and beach bag as easy backup—they remove sand and reapply sunblock at the same time.
SPF 24 Trio Pack, $4.50, Lip Smacker, ColorAndFlavorShop.com.
- pick water-resistant formulas
They're stickier, so they stay put longer on active kids. But remember that they aren't literally waterproof or sweatproof. You still have to reapply after your children swim, run through sprinklers, or even just perspire.
Water Babies Pure & Simple SPF 50, $10, Coppertone, Drugstore.com.
- buy broad-spectrum sunscreens
They protect against both UVB and UVA radiation. UVB rays can generate sunburns and skin cancer on the skin's surface. Longer UVA wavelengths penetrate deeper to destroy collagen (which leads to wrinkles) and cause skin cancer.
Everyday/Year-Round SPF 30+ sunblock stick, $15, CaliforniaBaby.com.
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