Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Kids
Keeping your kids safe and protected in the sun is a top priority so they can have healthy skin for a lifetime. You also want to teach kids good habits when it comes to going out in the sun, but how do you get your kids to reapply sunscreen at the right time when they’re out all day?
Sunscreen Bands give you an easy way to make sure your kids can be smarter in the sun. There’s no guesswork or need to remember when you first applied your sunscreen. Just apply the sunscreen over the wristband, and the color-changing technology tells your kids when it’s time to reapply or come inside. Even better, the fun designs featured on our kids’ and youth wristbands will help ensure your kids will actually wear them and keep them on.
What’s the Right Sunscreen for Kids?
Believe it or not, there is nothing particularly unique about the UV protection offered by kids’ sunscreen versus regular sunscreen. The same UV-blocking sunscreen ingredients used in adult sunscreen are found in kids’ formulas, so there’s no harm in using an adult formula on your kids if you wish. The only differences with kids’ sunscreens are the packaging and colors in an effort to make them more appealing to children.
When you’re choosing a sunscreen for your kids, it’s important to pay attention to two factors:
- Your kids’ skin types
- When and where the sunscreen will be used
Please note: The following information applies to kids only. Special care should be taken in sun protection for babies.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Your Kids’ Skin Type
Skin type plays a huge role in determining what kind of sunscreen you should buy for your kids. Light and fair-skinned kids have less melanin in their skin, making them more susceptible to the sun’s damaging rays. The fairer the skin, the higher the SPF of sunscreen you need to buy to keep your kids protected. No matter what skin type your kids have, dermatology experts agree you should always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher on your children’s skin.
Also, make sure to check the sunscreen’s UVA star rating. The SPF indicates how long UVB radiation is blocked but does not indicate UVA protection. For the best UVA protection, you need to get a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen with a 4-star UVA protection rating. This ensures your kids are protected from both UVA and UVB rays, which can both cause skin damage.
Skin type also plays a major role depending on how sensitive the skin is. If your kids have sensitive skin, you need to choose a sunscreen that won’t irritate their skin cells. If your child has sensitive skin, you should always make sure to purchase hypoallergenic, fragrance-free sunscreen to avoid any potential irritation.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen for the Job
The second factor you should consider when purchasing sunscreen for kids is when and where the sunscreen will be used. Some sunscreens only work on dry skin, while others can be applied to wet skin. Some resist sweat, while others can be sweated off easily. You should choose the sunscreen based on what your kids will be doing when they’re out in the sun (and when they need to reapply).
As you choose a sunscreen for your kids, consider what activities they’ll be doing and how long they will be staying out in the sun. If you have a very active kid who spends the day playing sports, you should purchase a sports sunscreen or at least a brand that’s water-resistant. If your kid prefers to relax with a good book outside, you may be able to purchase a standard brand for dry skin. Always buy waterproof sunscreen for days out at the pool, by the water or on the beach.
In addition to the formula, how and when your kids use the sunscreen can be a factor in determining which type of sunscreen you buy. Sunscreens come in pump sprays, continuous sprays, lotions, gels and even stick applicators. If your kids are going to be with you all day, lotion may be your best option. However, if the kids are going out on their own, you may wish to choose a spray or stick to make it easier for them to apply when their Sunscreen Band changes color. All of these formulas work with your Sunscreen Band.
