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Use Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the main way parents protect their kids in the sun, but sunscreen labels can be confusing. You may have some questions when you're searching for the right product:- Do you choose a "sunscreen" or "sunblock?"
- Do you want a sunscreen with an SPF 15, 30, 50 or even 100?
- What about a sunscreen that is "waterproof," "sweatproof" or "water resistant?"
New rules from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will soon clear up a lot of the confusion about sunscreen, eliminating some labels like waterproof, sweatproof and sunblock.
They may even set a cap at SPF 50+ and get rid of many of the high SPF sunscreens.
With less confusing sunscreen labels, parents can concentrate on the basics of using sunscreen, such as:
- using a broad spectrum sunscreen that provides both UVA and UVB protection
- choosing a sunscreen that has an SPF 15 to 30, although you can use a higher SPF if you want
- using a sunscreen that is water resistant, so that it stays on if your child is swimming or sweating
Keep in mind that even if you choose the right sunscreen, you have to use it properly for it to provide good sun protection. That means applying the sunscreen correctly (read the directions on the bottle) and reapplying it often.
Most important, parents should remember to:
- apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before your child is going to be outside
- apply a generous layer of sunscreen all over your child's body
- re-apply sunscreen at least every two hours, especially if your child is swimming or sweating
If you are using sunscreen and it doesn't seem to work (in other words, your child is still tanning), then you likely are either waiting too long to put it on once your child is already outside, you aren't using enough sunscreen or you aren't reapplying it often enough.