Originally published in The Roasted Beat
My children – like many others – adore the great outdoors. As soon as the weather warms, our backyard becomes their oasis, a place where their senses are ignited by healthy doses of sunshine and fresh air. Interestingly enough, someone once told me that raising small children – especially boys – is a lot like dealing with puppies. When the going gets rough, just take them outside!
It’s true that there is something about being outside that piques the human spirit, and its beneficial effects can help keep us happy and feeling good about life. Yet, while the summer months give us plenty of opportunity to partake in outdoor activities, they also offer their fair share of nature-related nuisances. In particular, the desire for proper sun safety reminds us that outdoor living – while relished and appreciated – can sometimes be precarious, especially for little ones and other sensitive folk. It’s important to keep in mind some of the basics of summer sun care so these beautiful months can be enjoyed with loved ones.
Picking a good sunscreen for the whole family can sometimes be difficult given the slew of available options. Many parents find themselves in a crossroad of sorts – they want to protect themselves and their children from the sun’s harsh rays, but they also worry about some of the chemicals found in sunscreen. This predicament is a sentiment that I share as a mother, too. When it comes to proper sun care, I don’t want to “overdo it” – so to speak – but I also realize that their young skin needs protection. I also try to demonstrate good habits early on not just for immediate protection, but in order to prevent sun damage that may appear later in life, such as skin cancer or premature aging.
Choosing a sunscreen can be confusing, but knowing the basics can help in the decision-making process. There are two types of sunscreens that exist – those that are “physical” and those that are “chemical”. Each one works differently to protect the skin from sun damage. Physical sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that provide a physical barrier that sits on top of skin to deflect the sun’s harsh rays. Historically, physical options had the notoriety of being “pasty” or too difficult to blend. Remember the old images of the lifeguards with white noses? The good news is that formulations have improved over the years, and many “blendable” options are now available.
Chemical sunscreens work more through absorption. These agents actually penetrate the skin, undergo a chemical reaction of sorts, and absorb the sun’s ray before damage can occur. Some examples of chemical ingredients include avobenzene, homosalate, octinoxate, and oxybenzone. All sunscreens on the market contain physical, chemical, or sometimes a combination of both ingredients.
For most people, either a physical or chemical sunscreen is an appropriate option. For young children and women who are expecting or trying to conceive, most research points to physical sunscreens as being the preferred agents. If you do choose a chemical sunscreen, know that there has been some negative press surrounding one ingredient in particular – oxybenzone. It’s hard to judge the extent of just how safe – or unsafe – this particular chemical ingredient is in sensitive populations, so it’s best to either speak to a healthcare professional or avoid the ingredient entirely if very concerned. Acting off of stellar reviews only, I purchased a moderately-priced facial SPF moisturizer for personal use and later discovered that oxybenzone is an active component. With that being said, oxybenzone has shown enough safety for FDA approval – up to 6% as an ingredient – and is present in the vast majority of chemical sunscreen preparations ranging anywhere from generic options to luxury cosmetics.
Next, the topic of SPF, or sun protection factor, is important to consider. Newer studies have indicated that an ultrahigh SPF – such as anything over SPF 50 – is not much more protective than those that are less. Sometimes, a higher SPF may “trick” users into thinking that it works stronger or lasts longer. It’s easy to forgo hats, umbrellas, and other sun protection if users are under the false impression that an extremely high SPF is working overtime. What’s more important is that the sunscreen provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Keeping this in mind, I always look for an SPF between 30 and 50 that provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, as both types of rays are responsible for causing sun damage.
Lastly, many people tend to pick the type of packaging based on their lifestyle and personal preference. I like using spray sunscreens for both their ease and convenience, but I am concerned about unintentional inhalation. To help minimize this risk, I’ll use a cream formulation whenever possible and save the spray formulation for quick re-applications when we are out and about. When using a spray formulation, I try to apply in an open area away from other people and never directly around their face. A stick or tube can also be a convenient and portable option for the facial, lip, and ear areas.
It’s important to remember that manufacturers test sunscreen in perfect laboratory conditions. In the real world, we are sweating, wiping, swimming, putting on and removing clothing, and probably not applying and re-applying sunscreen as “perfect” and as often as we should. These factors are why sunscreen should be only one component of your sun care regimen. Try to use hats, umbrellas, and protective clothing whenever possible. I sometimes opt to do early-morning or very late-afternoon beach days or other outings to avoid the peak midday UV radiation. I know the trials and tribulations of lugging major loads to the beach, but I never forgo the umbrella! Also, being aware of the UV index can help for those that like to follow the weather report a little more intently. Re-apply sunscreen after vigorous activity and pay special attention to young children – especially infants – and those who are pregnant, elderly, or on medications that may skin more susceptible to sunburn. Lastly, don’t forget your lips and eyes, too!
