Safe Fun in the Sun with Littles: Sun Protection for Babies and Children
By: Krystal J. Massey, MD, FAAD
The summer months typically mean many outdoor activities for the family in Wyoming - camping, boating, hiking, and fishing. We must not forget to protect the whole family’s skin while spending time outdoors.
Why Protect Against the Sun?
Part of the sun’s energy that reaches the earth is in the form of ultraviolet light (UVA & UVB). When these light rays enter the skin they cause both visible and invisible damage to skin cells. Invisible damage occurs at the level of the DNA. Harmful UV rays lead to DNA damage, and while your skin cells are excellent at repairing this damage initially, over time these injuries accumulate. Irreparable DNA damage eventually can lead to skin cancer. Visible damage occurs in the form of a ’sunburn’, which occurs hours after sun exposure, as well as ‘tanning’ which occurs a few days after sun exposure. Over time repeated sun exposure which results in an increased number of moles, freckles, wrinkles, and eventually, skin cancer.
Ensuring our children are protected from the sun's harmful rays is critical for their skin health. Sunscreen plays a crucial role in safeguarding their delicate skin from sunburn, skin damage, and the risk of long-term consequences like skin cancer. However, selecting the right sunscreen for babies and children requires careful consideration to ensure both effectiveness and safety.
Understanding Sunscreen: Sunscreen is designed to shield the skin from two types of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing premature aging, while UVB rays primarily cause sunburn. When selecting sunscreen, it's essential to choose one labeled "broad-spectrum," indicating protection against both types of UV radiation.
Factors to Consider: SPF (Sun Protection Factor): SPF indicates the level of protection against UVB rays. For babies and children, dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. However, it's important to understand that higher SPF doesn't necessarily mean significantly better protection. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks around 98%, offering only a slightly higher level of protection.
Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreens: There are two main types of sunscreen: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens contain active mineral ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which sit on the skin's surface and reflect UV rays. They are often preferred for babies and children due to their gentle nature and lower risk of irritation. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, contain organic compounds that absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, which is then released from the skin. While effective, some chemical filters can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Water Resistance: Children love to splash and play in the water, making water-resistant sunscreen a must-have. Look for a sunscreen labeled "water-resistant," which means it maintains its SPF level for a specified amount of time (usually either 40 or 80 minutes) while swimming or sweating. Remember to reapply sunscreen after towel drying or extended water exposure.
Allergens: Fragrances and certain additives in sunscreen formulations can cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially in young children with sensitive skin. Opt for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic formulas to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.
Application and Reapplication: Proper application and reapplication are key to ensuring effective sun protection. Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin areas at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Don't forget commonly overlooked areas like the ears, back of the neck, and tops of the feet. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating heavily.
Vehicle: Sunscreens come in many shapes, sizes, and vehicles - from creams to lotions, to sprays, sticks, and gels. Finding the one your child prefers can be tricky. Sticks and sprays make for the easiest application, though it is recommended you still rub in afterward to avoid ‘skip areas’. Furthermore, aerosolized sprays can be inhaled and thus are not recommended for application indoors, on the face, or on babies. If a spray is preferred, look for a spray pump mechanism rather than aerosol.
Sun Protection for Infants: All infants should be kept out of direct sunlight and be covered with protective clothing when possible. In unavoidable sun exposure, a mineral based sunscreen can be applied to exposed areas (hands, face, etc).
Sun Safety Practices: In addition to sunscreen, incorporate other sun safety practices into your routine to further protect your child from UV radiation. Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), dress your child in protective clothing (UPF), including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and encourage regular breaks from outdoor activities.
Here are some of a pediatric dermatologist’s recommended brands to try:
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral
Thinksport Kids Sunscreen Stick SPF 30+
Hello Bello SPF 30 Kid's Mineral Sunscreen Spray
BLUE LIZARD Mineral Sunscreen Kids SPF 50+
Coppertone Pure and Simple Kids Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Kids Mineral Sunscreen Stick, Broad Spectrum SPF 50+