When it comes to topical sun protection, most of us may think we’ve got it covered. But the rules regarding sunscreen are constantly shifting, as new science on SPF evolves, package labeling rules change, and an ever-expanding array of sunscreen products make their way to store shelves every summer season. Getting kids into the habit of applying sunscreen properly can help protect against painful and potentially dangerous burns and negative health consequences – and allow them to focus on summertime fun.
Who Needs Sunscreen, and Why
For starters, everyone – not just outdoor enthusiasts, or summer campers, or fair-skinned people – should use sunscreen. People of every ethnicity and skin color need protection from the sun. “A common misconception is that sunscreens are for Caucasian skin [only],” says Fran Cook-Bolden, M.D., Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and director of a renowned dermatology practice in New York City. “While ethnic skin is at a lower risk for skin cancer, the effect of the sun can cause significant damage, including discoloration, premature aging and cancer,” she says.
Another often misunderstood element is SPF, or sun protection factor, a measure of sunscreen’s effectiveness in protecting skin from damaging rays. According to guidelines published by the FDA and available on the agency’s website: “For an SPF 30 product, for example, the UV dose required to cause sunburn on sunscreen product-protected skin is 30 times higher than the UV dose required to cause sunburn on bare skin. We want to be clear that this is the dose, NOT an amount of time … The SPF value indicates the level of sunburn protection provided by the sunscreen product.”
Choose Optimal Protection
The FDA recommends using products that have an SPF of 15 or higher and provide “broad-spectrum” coverage, which protects skin against both UVA and UVB rays. “UVA rays cause premature aging of the skin, dark spots and wrinkles,” says Dr. Cook-Bolden. “UVB rays contribute to sunburns. Prolonged exposure to both UVA and UVB rays can increase the risk for skin cancer.”
Recent FDA regulations prohibit sunscreen manufacturers from using the terms “sunblock,” “sweatproof” and “waterproof” on product labels, and a proposed FDA regulation would require products claiming protection above SPF 50 to be labeled “SPF 50+”. The agency is also reviewing sunscreen products such as wipes, towelettes and body washes.
Apply Like a Pro … Then Reapply
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests sunscreen be worn even on cloudy days or in cool weather. Although new sun-protection products tend to appear in stores every year as winter turns to spring, some experts recommend year-round use of sunscreen, even when you’re not spending time outdoors (but particularly when you are).
At least one ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) is the standard amount necessary to cover an adult body for one application. The CDC also recommends consumers:
- Reapply sunblock every two hours, or more frequently if you get wet or sweat and immediately after swimming.
- Make sure the product you’re using has not expired.
- Cover all exposed areas of the body, including ears, tops of feet, back of the hands and scalp if necessary.
Give your kids a sunscreen primer in advance of the season’s warmest and sunniest days. Make sure summer campers know how to apply sunscreen properly, since they will most likely have to apply and reapply it themselves whether they attend sleepaway or day camp. Kids using a spray product should always apply it to their palms before rubbing it onto their faces. While some sunscreens may be safe for infants, parents should keep babies out of the sun and check with pediatricians for specific sun-safety guidelines.
Protect your kids by arming them with effective products and sun-protection savvy. Taking the right precautions will help ensure that bad sunburns are no longer a part of your family’s golden summer memories.
Terri Prettyman Bowles is a writer, editor and content producer based in Westchester.
