Spring is here, and with more outdoor play, protecting your kid’s skin from the sun is a must—especially if they have sensitive skin that burns or rashes easily. As a parent, I’ve learned picking the right sunscreen can be tricky. Here’s how to choose a good one, based on advice from the American Academy of Dermatology.
What Makes a Good Sunscreen?
For kids with sensitive skin, look for “broad spectrum” sunscreens, which protect against both UVA rays (aging rays that penetrate deep, causing long-term damage) and UVB rays (burning rays that damage the surface, causing redness). Sunscreens come in two types: chemical (absorb UV rays using ingredients like oxybenzone, often irritating) and physical (block rays with minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, gentler on sensitive skin). For sensitive-skin kids, physical sunscreens tend to be best because they’re less likely to cause stinging or rashes. Check for “water resistant 80” or “water resistant 40”—this means protection lasts 80 or 40 minutes in water, not “waterproof,” a term no longer used because no sunscreen is fully water-tight.
Why Higher SPF Matters—Even Above 50!
SPF, or sun protection factor, measures UVB protection. Higher SPFs, like 70 or 100, are better, even past 50, because most people don’t apply enough to get the bottle’s full SPF—studies show we use about half the recommended amount (1 ounce for a kid’s body), cutting protection. Higher SPFs also help if your kid has fair or sensitive skin, burns easily, or if you’re at the beach or pool, where reflection off water or sand boosts UV exposure.
Avoid Sunscreen-Insect Repellent Combos
Skip products that mix sunscreen with insect repellent. The sunscreen part gets diluted, reducing protection, and sunscreen needs reapplying at least about every two hours, while repellent tends to last longer—mixing them means overusing repellent, which can irritate sensitive skin, or underusing sunscreen, risking burns. Use separate products for better safety and coverage.
Spray Sunscreens: Pros, Cons, and Safety Tips
Spray sunscreens can be a quick, easy win for parents—kids love the mist, and they’re great for covering wiggly bodies or hard-to-reach spots like the back. But there are downsides: they might not apply evenly, leaving gaps in protection, and kids can inhale the mist, which could irritate lungs, especially if they have sensitive skin or asthma. The FDA warns about flammability risks too—keep sprays away from open flames like grills. For safe use, spray generously onto your hands first, then rub it onto your kid’s skin, avoiding the face to prevent inhalation. Hold the can 4–6 inches away, apply in a well-ventilated area, and don’t let kids spray themselves. For sensitive skin, stick to physical lotions instead, but if you use sprays, pick broad-spectrum, water-resistant ones and reapply often.
When to Reapply Sunscreen
Reapply sunscreen at least about every two hours, no matter the SPF, even on cloudy days—UV rays still get through clouds. For physical activity, reapply sooner if your kid is swimming, sweating, or toweling off, as these remove sunscreen from the skin. With “water resistant 80,” reapply after 80 minutes in water; for “water resistant 40,” after 40 minutes. Always reapply after drying off with a towel, as it wipes away protection.
Check Expiration Dates and Storage
Sunscreens expire, usually after 1–3 years—check the date on the bottle. Expired sunscreen loses strength, leaving your kid at risk of burns. But, honestly, if you are doing it right you should not have a sunscreen bottle carrying over from year to year! Heat, like leaving it in a hot car or golf bag for a year, can break down ingredients, making it less effective. Store it in a cool, dry place, and toss it if it smells off, looks clumpy, or has separated.
Spring Tip for Parents
Spring sun can be sneaky, so apply sunscreen correctly to keep your kid safe. Put it on 15 minutes before going outside, covering all exposed skin—don’t forget ears, neck, and feet. For an average-sized kid, use about 1 ounce, or enough to fill a small paper cup, to ensure full coverage; rub it in evenly for an invisible shield. Test a small patch first to make sure it is not sensitizing to your child.
Boost sun protection with UV-protective clothing—look for tight-woven fabrics (you can’t see through them when held to light) labeled UPF 50+, which blocks a ton of those UV rays. Choose wide-brimmed hats (3-inch brim or more) to shade the face, ears, and neck, and wraparound sunglasses with 99–100% UVA/UVB protection to shield eyes.
At the end of the day, remove sunscreen to prevent clogged pores or irritation, especially on sensitive skin. Wash with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and lukewarm water, focusing on greasy areas; for stubborn physical sunscreens, use a soft cloth or a cleansing oil first to break down zinc oxide, then rinse thoroughly.
For more spring skin safety tips, listen to our latest Don’t Be Rash podcast episode!
