Do kids really need sun screens? The answer is a definite yes. Using sunscreens on a regular basis, protects against squamous cell skin cancer by 40 % and melanomas by 50 %. Just 5 episodes of sunburn under 18 years of age is enough to double the incidence of melanomas.
The fact that kids need sun protection is definite. But there are so many sunscreens available in the market with a label “ For kids”. Among them how to actually find the one that is safe on your little one’s skin? Let us see what are the points you need to consider before choosing the right and safe sunscreen for them.
- The SPF
SPF is nothing but the sun protection factor. We know there are 3 types of UV rays – UVA, UVB and UVC. Of these only UVA and UVB reach our earth’s surface. Both these rays together cause skin damages. SPF is a measure of how much protection the sunscreen offers against UVB rays. For example, if your skin will develop sunburns in 10 mins of unprotected sun exposure, then a SPF 30 sunscreen will protect you for 300 minutes if applied properly. That is 30 times more protection. Remember, this protection is only if applied properly and reapplied every 2 to 3 hours. But in reality, most people apply only ½ to 1/4th of the recommended amount of sunscreen. If the amount of sunscreen applied is halved then the protection factor is square rooted. That is SPF 30 becomes just SPF 5.5. In general
SPF 15 blocks 93 % of UVB rays
SPF 30 blocks 97 % of UVB rays
SPF 50 blocks 98 % of UVB rays
Recommendation is to use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 for kids. But ideal would be to use a SPF 50 sunscreen.
- Spectrum of coverage
An ideal sunscreen is the one that offers broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. PA rating indicates the protection offered against UVA rays.
PA+ = Some UVA protection
PA++ = Moderate UVA protection
PA+++ = High UVA protection
PA++++ = Extremely High UVA protection.
Ideal would be PA++ or above.
Choose a sunscreen that either has “ broad spectrum label” or “PA lablel” along with SPF.
- Type of sunscreen
There are 2 primary types of sunscreens – chemical sunscreens and physical/mineral sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens – These contain certain chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene. They absorb the sun’s UV rays usually the UVB rays and convert it into heat by a chemical reaction and release the heat from the skin.
Physical sunscreens – These contain minerals like Zinc oxide and Titanium dioxide. They act like a shield and reflect the UV rays both UVA and UVB from the skin.
Let us now see what is the difference between the two and which is better for your kids
| Properties | Chemical sunscreen | Physical sunscreen |
| Absorption into skin | Yes. Sometimes levels are detected in blood. | No. |
| Cosmetic acceptability | Since they are absorbed into the skin they don’t form a white layer over the skin. Also feels light on the skin. | They form a white layer on the skin since they stay on the surface of the skin itself. Feels heavy and sweaty. |
| Time taken to start acting | Since they need to be absorbed into the skin it takes some time for them to start working. So need to be applied 15 to 20 mins prior to sun exposure | No latent period. Starts working immediately |
| Duration of action | Since they penetrate into the skin they are not easily washed off by sweat and water. So they act a little longer | Since they just stay on the surface they are easily washed off by sweat and water. Reapplication needed frequently |
| Spectrum of protection | Usually protects against UVB rays. Some have UVA protection also. To achieve broad spectrum coverage more chemical components are needed. | Both UVA and UVB rays. |
| Safe on sensitive skin | Since these are chemical substances some allergic reactions can occur particularly if the skin is sensitive | Generally safe on sensitive skin |
| Hormonal effects | Some studies have identified most of these chemicals to be hormonal disruptors at higher doses. But they are generally safe at doses used in sunscreens. But sunscreens containing few of the chemicals like oxybenzone are banned in certain tourist destinations because of their negative effects on underwater eco system particularly coral reef. They caused sex change in fish, reduced growth and egg output. | No such effects as they are not absorbed into the body |
| Safety approval in kids and pregnancy | Not recognised as generally safe still legally approved for usage in FDA approved amounts | Approved as generally safe and effective in kids and during pregnancy |
After seeing the differences between the 2 types of sunscreens, it should be clear that physical sunscreens are preferred over chemical ones particularly in kids. But remember something is better than nothing. Sun protection is the priority. The hormonal effects of the chemicals should not concern you much, as these are seen only in much higher doses than that used in sunscreens.
- Water resistance :
Sunscreens usually comes with 40 mins or 80 mins water resistance – choose the one with longer water resistance if your little one has a tendency to sweat a lot or if his outdoor activity involves water like swimming.
Are natural oils good enough sunscreens ?
Certain natural oils like coconut oil are popularly used organic alternatives to sunscreens. Particularly parents who fear using chemical products on their little one’s delicate skin resort to these products. Though they offer some sun protection, they are not good enough to filter out the UV rays effectively.
| Oil | SPF |
| Olive oil | 7.5 |
| Coconut oil | 7 |
| Peppermint oil | 6.6 |
| Lemon grass oil | 6.2 |
| Castor oil | 5.6 |
| Almond oil | 4.6 |
The SPF ranges between 2 to 7 in most of these oils which is much below the recommended amounts. It is ok to use these at times when the sun’s radiation is not very severe and the duration of stay is very minimal like before 9am or after 4pm, or if none of these sunscreens are suiting the child’s skin. As we already saw something is better than nothing.
From what age you can use sunscreens ?
- All kids above 6 months of age who will be exposed to sun.
- For Babies under 6 months of age – avoid outdoor activities between 10 am to 4 pm. If there is a necessity to be outdoor use physical barriers like full clothing and a wide brim hat. It is safe to use SPF 15 sunscreens only on limited exposed surfaces of their body.
How to use sunscreens ?
- Apply a SPF 15 or above containing sunscreen, over all the exposed areas of the body including ear lobes and back of the neck.
- Apply SPF 15 and above containing lip balms to protect the lips.
- Apply 15 to 20 mins prior if you are using chemical sunscreens.
- Use water resistant ones if the child’s activity involves water.
- Apply generously – recommendation is to use 1 ounce to cover an adult body. Kids generally need half of that.
- Reapply every 2 hours or even early if you little one is sweating a lot.
- Sunscreens are not a singular protective barriers against skin damage. They need to be combined with other protective methods like clothing, seeking shade, using a hat and sunglasses.
The incidence of skin cancers is rising at an alarming rate not only in the western world but also in countries like India, particularly in the northern and north eastern states. There is no effective screening method for skin cancers and prevention is mainly from avoiding UV radiation induced skin damages. So, protect your little one’s skin by choosing a safe and effective sun protection.
