What most kids hate about summer fun...

Summer is in full swing! Kids are excited about outdoor adventures- playing outside, going to the shore, summer camps, and swimming pools.

I love hearing kids share their summer activities and vacation plans.

Their least favorite part of summer fun, unfortunately, is sun protection.

As parents, you know sun protection is important, but it can be such a chore getting the kids to use sunscreen.

Let's start with the basics-

Avoid exposure during the most intense UV index, between 10 am and 4 pm. Remember, you can still get sunburn on cloudy days as 80% of UV rays can still get through the clouds.

For young children, it's generally best to have protective clothing, lightweight fabric with long sleeves, pants, and wide brim hats. Stay in the shade as much as possible if you must be outdoors midday.

Important tips that a lot of people often forget-

Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside.

Reapply every 2 hours and immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.

"Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma."

"Rates of skin cancer in the US are rising even though most cases are preventable as they are related to sun exposure"

– American Cancer Society

Important Chemicals to Avoid-

The Food and Drug Administration designated "GRASE" label for sunscreens to indicate products that are Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective.

Recent studies have shown certain sunscreen ingredients can be absorbed through the skin into the body. Chemicals that are NOT "GRASE" are: avobenzone, oxybenzone, cinoxate, dioxybenzone, ensulizole, homosalate, meradimate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, padimate O, sulisobenzone. These chemicals have been found to be absorbed through the skin and detected in blood and body fluids even after 1 application. Chemicals like avobenzone and oxybenzone can cause hormone disruption and potentially harm infants' and children's growing bodies and organs. Expectant mothers are also cautioned against these chemicals in concern for the fetuses. Chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate are banned in certain countries due to known harmful effect on marine organisms, particularly with coral reef bleaching and eventual death. Did you know Hawaii was the first US state to have sunscreen ban that took effect in 2021?

I sometime walk around local stores to see what OTC products are hitting the shelves and what are available to parents. To my surprise, most of the products (if not all products in some stores) are chemical sunscreens with the very ingredients I advise parents to avoid.

Look past the front cover marketing logos, eye-catching phrases of "baby-safe," and the

"# 1 pediatrician recommended". Always read the active ingredients on the back labels.

Types of sunscreens-

Generally, there are 2 types: chemical and physical sunscreen.

Chemical sunscreens use up to dozens of ingredients absorbed in the top layer of your skin. They react with the skin to absorb and convert the harmful UV rays before they become harmful.

Physical sunscreens, sometimes called "natural or minerals," include 2 main ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They sit on top of the skin and deflect the UV rays.

What to Choose-

I generally recommend mineral-based sunscreen containing zinc oxide with a minimum of 30 SPF to my patients.

Powder-based mineral sunscreen is another option that doesn’t have a greasy feel. This can be a good choice for kids who are always complaining and running away from the sticky and messy lotion.

I want to stress the importance of sun-safe habits. We know that kids generally dislike being asked to use sunscreen. As a parent, I find there is less chance of an argument or resistance from our kids if we have a sun screening routine every time before we go outdoors.

If you only ask sporadically, your child will likely view this as optional or negotiable.

Being consistent with your children also gives them a sense of predictability and stability. They get more comfortable each time that the routine is expected. It takes a bit of work and convincing initially, but keep it up; your child will go along in no time!

Last but not least, stay well hydrated, indoors and outdoors!