We know protecting our skin in the sun is important, but it’s not always so easy to know how to do that. We rounded up our top tried-and-true sunscreen picks to take the guess work out for you! As we shopped around, Dr. Veronica Cellini from Annapolis Pediatrics had some great tips for us to keep in mind. “Recently, more information about sunscreen ingredients has been available, specifically chemical (ex. oxybenzone) versus physical blockers (ex. zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) and potential side effects of the chemical blockers. We don’t have definitive evidence about those side effects, but physical blockers like zinc oxide may be a safer overall choice.” We’re also making sure that we head into the warm weather with her most important reminder: “Any sunscreen is better than none. Sunscreen is much safer than extended sun exposure without it!”
1. Babyganics Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+
2. California Baby Super Sensitive Broad Spectrum SPF 30+ Sunscreen
3. Babo Botanicals Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
4. Sun Bum Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray
5. Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50
6. Two Peas Organics Mineral Baby & Family Sunscreen SPF 50
Dr. Cellini had some great pro tips for getting skeptical kiddos into the rhythm of sunscreen application, “Make applying sunscreen a habit, just part of the normal routine. We don’t ride a bike without a helmet or ride in the car without a seatbelt. We don’t play outside without sunscreen.” She also suggested ways to make it fun for the less cooperative, “Try to make a game out of it! Maybe get them covered while you sing a song together or have your child try yoga poses while you apply.”
More Pro Tips from Annapolis Pediatrics:
- Babies under 6 months of age: Keep babies out of direct sunlight and in the shade as much as possible. It is ok to apply a small amount of sunscreen to their exposed skin.
- Cover up: For all ages, covering up is the best protection – hats and sunglasses are helpful, as are swim shirts and light, breathable clothing.
- Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure: Find shade to play during the peak hours of 10am – 4pm,when possible.
- Choosing Your Sunscreen:
- Your sunscreen should be:
- At least SPF 30 (we are not sure if anything above SPF 50 really makes a difference)
- Broad spectrum – blocking both UVA and UVB rays
- Water resistant
- Your sunscreen should be:
- Application:
- Apply it 15 – 30 min BEFORE sun exposure
- Rub it in – don’t just spray it
- Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming, sweating, or towel drying
- Apply sunscreen before you get outside while the kids are calmer and not as anxious to start their outdoor activity, before they even get their bathing suits or clothing on is easiest.
You can find more helpful tips from Annapolis Pediatrics by going to their website www.AnnapolisPediatrics.com.
