Be a Savvy Sunscreen Shopper

Parents ask me every day, “Which sunscreen should I use for my child?” The short answer is, “Whichever one they will actually use!” Most sunscreens, as long as they provide UVA/UVB coverage and are applied appropriately, will provide reasonable protection from the sun. The five following scenarios can help you choose which sunscreen might be best for your kiddos.

1) For daily use:

It is never too early to start applying a facial moisturizer with sunscreen on a daily basis. Kids don’t tend to mind them either, because they are non-greasy and don’t have the smell of traditional sunscreens.

My picks: Eucerin Everyday Protection Face Lotion, Oil of Olay Complete Defense, Neutrogena Healthy Defense

2) For infants:

Until 1996, the American Academy of Pediatrics didn’t recommend that any sunscreens be applied to infants under 6 months of age. Physicians agree that the best strategy for infants is sun avoidance and sun-protective clothing, but it is now recommended that sunscreen be applied where an infant’s skin is not protected adequately by clothing. For infants I recommend choosing one without chemical sunscreen ingredients. Look for a sunscreen with ONLY zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. This used to be really hard to find until Neutrogena introduced a new one last year.

My pick: Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby SPF 65+

3) For kids with sensitive skin:

Chemical sunscreens can cause irritation in children with sensitive skin or skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis.  Look for a sunscreen with ONLY zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

My picks: Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby, Blue Lizard

4) For kids with REALLY sensitive skin or “allergy” to a previously used sunscreen

Not only can the chemical sunscreens be irritating, but some people can be allergic to fragrance or preservatives in the cream itself. Choose a brand with ONLY zinc oxide and titanium dioxide PLUS no added dyes, fragrance, lanolin, parabens, and other preservatives.

My pick: Vanicream Sensitive Skin Sunscreen

5) None of the above apply to you or your kids? Have fun with it!

Sunscreen comes in all kinds of formulations, including sprays (good for wiggly kids), sticks (great to carry in a pocket, purse, or diaper bag), and wipes.  Coppertone even makes a spray which goes on purple then disappears. (Coppertone Kids Colorblock SPF 40)

Disclaimer: I have absolutely no financial interest in any of these companies, by the way (just a sincere interest in getting kids to use sunscreen early & always).  Happy summer!