Choosing a Perfect Sun Hat for Kids

January 17, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

We all know it is important to have healthy skin. Since more than 1/3 of all skin cancer appears on the face and the number one culprit for wrinkles and premature aging is the sun, wearing a good sun protective hat is a preventative measure too important to miss. A sunburn is never good , but remember sun damage is also cumulative. In other words, UV injury upon injury adds up over time to cumulate into major skin damage. The earlier sun protective measures are started, the better.

Let me say up front that kids can be tough when it comes to hats. Not that they are hard to fit but that getting a child to wear a hat can be a challenge. If you start them off wearing hats from infancy, like a car seat, they may come to expect wearing a sun hat is just a way of life. But even then, we often hear that most kids go through the “There is no way I am wearing a hat” stage. But fear not! As fellow conspirators in your child’s well-being, we think we may have some ideas that make wearing a hat fun!

So let’s start with getting a good fit, and we will end with suggestions that might help you get your children interested in wearing their sun hats.

Getting a good fit: The best way to get a good fit is the old fashion way of measuring the circumference of the head. For some of our hats we include age equivalents but beware! Head size varies dramatically for both adult and children with no regard to age or gender. We have seen 8 year olds with adult size heads. So measure around the head (above the eyes and ears… where the hat brim sits) with a soft measuring tape or use a string and then measure the length of the string to take the guess work out of sizing.

As we all know, kids grow at an alarming rate. Most of our hat measurements are within a range, but if your child’s head measurement is very close to the next larger size, you may want to consider choosing that bigger size.

Our brim sizes are all child appropriate, but you will most likely have insights as to the width of the brim that is best for your child. We would suggest you go with your gut feeling on this one, remembering that the wider the brim, the more sun will be blocked. Additionally, a brim with a downward slope will increase the sun protective ability of the hat.

Unless you know your child has a problem with a chin strap, we would suggest a chin strap to keep the hat on in the wind and when at play. If the hat you choose comes with a unwanted chin strap you can always cut it off or remove it.

So now, how do we get your child to wear a protective sun hat?

Here are some ideas to consider:

1. Young kids want to be like you … just like you. So, one of the best ways to get a child to wear their sun hat is to wear one yourself. Day in and day out don’t go outdoors without your sun protective hat and your child will get the message. And just think of all the benefits your own face will receive!
2. Talk to other parents about the benefits of having their kids wear a hat. Make wearing a hat the “IN” thing to do. When everyone else is doing it, arguments often vanish.
3. Here is our FUN idea – Have your child “design” his/her own hat, and maybe even hats for the rest of the family. Put out paint, fabric cut in daisy shapes, and other fun materials that could augment a hat. We even have a “Paint Your Own Hat” kit if you are tight on time. Another idea is to have a hat painting party and get everybody into it. I’ll bet you did not think sun protection could be fun!

Even In The Winter, You Still Need Sun Exposure Protection

January 17, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Even in the winter you still need sun exposure protection. The cold of winter can be very deceiving. When you’re shivering in your heavy winter coat and you have long johns on just to stay warm, why in the world would you think of sun exposure protection? Wouldn’t you think that was just for summer?

Not really! The sun will bathe everyone in it’s UV rays in summer or winter, rain or shine. Even in the winter, you’ll still need sun exposure protection.

If you live where it’s sunny all the time then it really goes without saying, you really need to wear sunblock all the time and a good pair of sunglasses to help protect your eyes.

But, even when you live some place where it snows, you still need sunglasses and sunblock. Really you need them even more since the bright snow reflects the UV rays right back at you. So, you end up getting the UV rays right from the sun and from the bright glare of all the snow that is all around you.

So, you may be asking yourself, what is so bad about the UV rays? I have 2 words: free radicals. As you know, we are made up of cells. Molecules are what cells are made of. The molecules that have unpaired electrons are called free radicals. These electrons want to pair up so they can stabilize the molecule. Doing so by taking electrons from any molecule they make contact with. This will make those particular molecules unstable and this makes them turn and make the other molecules unstable. As this is happening in our cells damage occurs.

The opposite are the antioxidants. They give electrons to the free radicals thus neutralizing them, stopping the damage.

The sun’s UV rays make free radicals, this is why more sun exposure protection the better. It’s true that sunlight helps our bodies by producing vitamin D but only about 10 minutes a day is all you need for that. Make sure you use plenty of sunblock so you can protect your body.

Eat foods rich in antioxidants like veggies and fruits. Also the Vitamins E and C have good potent antioxidants so take these supplements to help.

Choosing The Right Gardening Hat

January 17, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Deciding on a gardening hat is more then thinking about the way it looks in your mirror. Sure, style is important but there is also practicality, function, comfort and wear ability.

A gardening hat can have materials like cotton, palm, straw, paper, nylon, raffia, hemp, and many different other materials. Every gardening hat has its own specific characteristics of ventilation, durability, UPF and flexibility.

The strength to stay in place in wind is an important key for a great gardening hat. There are some that have adjustable chinstraps that will hold tightly in strong wind but won’t clamp like a vice. The chinstrap should also always be well behaved when you’re not using it. But some are heavy and won’t stay under your hat during the calmer days. Some gardening hat styles will with both the chinstrap and a back of the head strap so that you can adjust it for a better fit.

Depending on the material and design, one size usually fits most folks if it’s flexible and stretchy enough. For the hats that are in specific sizes you will need to measure around your head where the hat would fit. Gardening hats should fit you well and not be so low that it obstructs your vision. Remember hats shouldn’t be painful vices that leave red marks are your forehead.

A lot of folks wear a gardening hat to block damaging UV rays. A hat with a wide brim all the way around and have a tight weave are best to block out the UV rays. Check the UV rating on the hat, UPF 50+ is the highest UV rating. this rating is a lot like the ratings of sunblock but it’s the fabric that is tested. Remember, always wear sunblock for added protection from the sun.

Gardening hats should be well ventilated. Heads perspire so you’ll be more comfortable where there is air movement for evaporative cooling.

A gardening hat can come in many different colors and styles. Just choose one that looks great on you and that has the right amount of UV protection that you’re looking for. Happy hat hunting!

Pick Up A Sun Visor For A Great Way To Protect Yourself From Harmful Uv Rays!

January 17, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

A sun visor can come in a wide variety of styles and designs. Designed to protect your face from the sun’s harmful UV rays, these great looks in a sun visor will protect you and keep you looking stylish while you keep your beautiful skin free from premature aging!

The Adidas Grandslam Visor is a great option to wear when playing tennis or soccer to protect you from the sun and also keep you cool. Designed with X-Static antimicrobial silver fibers that conduct heat away from skin and ClimaLite fabric technology to keep you cool, this visor also has UV protection is built into the hat with an SPF of 25. The ClimaCool provides 360 degrees of cooling and increased ventilation. A great option to wear that will not break down despite multiple wears. The anti-microbial technology that this hat offers will extend the life of this visor.

If you are a lifeguard and need a sun visor to block the sun, but you also need some waterproofing technology, pick up the Nike Swim Lifeguard visor. This hat is constructed in 100% recycled Polyester taffeta. The lightweight and quick adjust back closure will provide a perfect fit and will not weigh you down when you need to think or act quickly. The sweat wicking technology will extend the life of this visor while the Dri-Fit material will dry quickly without staining and without damaging the fabric.

For a great look in a beach inspired visor, pick up the Sun N Sand Bayside Visor for only $10.95. This is a great choice if you have swim lessons for your children and you will be sitting out in the sun for a long period of time. This hat features a cotton crown to promote ventilation while the sewn paper braid brim also highlights a 4′ wide brim to protect you from the sun. A wide brim is a great option for those women who often forget to reapply sunscreen. This wide brim will keep you protected from harmful UV rays.

For a great hat to wear that also acts as a visor, pick up the Pantropic Packable Visor. This is a beautiful hat to pick up that provides 360 degrees of visor protection. Hand-woven in Ecuador, this hat packing perfectly flat in your suitcase and comes equipped with a 50+ UPF. A great option to take with you to a tropical island where you know you will be loafing in the sunshine for a few hours. The spandex headband fits all sizes comfortably while the 4′ brim provides optimal sun protection.

For a great look in a winter visor, pick up the Polartec Powerstretch Beanie with a visor. This hat has the fit of a skull cap with the benefits of a more constructed design. The sun shading visor at the front also provides the ponytail hole at the back so you don’t have to readjust your hair when heading out for your activity. This is great for those who live in cold climates and understand that you can get sun exposure from snow and sun as well. A great fit that will hug your head comfortably while keep you warm.

These great looks in a sun visor will keep you protected through a variety of activities.

Photosensitivity : Another Reason for UVA Skin Protection

January 17, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

We react normally to sun exposure by developing a tan or sunburn. But some of us react abnormally from photosensitivity. For instance, during the last two summers, I have broken out in a rash from the sun. My doctor said it is contact dermatitis, preciously, photocontact dermatitis. The allergen could even be a sunscreen ingredient.

UVA is a major trigger for photosensitivity. These rays can penetrate glass, so you’re exposed to UVA when you are near a window or driving your car. UVA penetrates deeper into skin than UVB and can cause premature aging. It can also contribute to skin cancer.

When UV radiation is absorbed by photosensitizer molecules, they in turn elicit a reaction in chromophores, molecules in the skin. The result is an abnormal skin reaction, such as a rash.

Photosensitizers can be either allergens or toxins. Phototoxins can be drugs, plants or coal tar derivatives. They cause sunburn like reactions, and are dose-dependent. Photoallergies elicit immune responses and tend to cause more severe skin reactions. Photoallergens can be drugs or topical agents and can spread beyond the sun exposed region of the skin. These molecules cause a rash like symptom. They are not dose-dependent.

Patients can react to sensitizers that originate outside or inside the body. Various drugs can cause photosensitivity. Cosmetics or other materials may contain potential photosensitizers that are deposited on the skin or given internally, whereas an immune disorder, such as lupus, can cause an abnormal reaction to the sun that originates inside the body.

Some organic sunscreen chemicals absorb UVA, UVB or both. Ingredients, such as octocrylene, protect against UVB. Ingredients, such as avobenzone (Parsol 1780) or a benzophenone (such as dioxybenzone, oxybenzone or sulisobenzone), protect partially against UVA. Some sunscreen ingredients provide physical sun protection that reflect or absorb UVA and/or UVB. These ingredients include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Most sunscreens contain a combination of active, as well as inactive ingredients.

“The physical blocking agents have not been reported to cause contact dermatitis, ” writes Daniel More, M.D., in his about.com column and who currently practices allergy and clinical immunology in Salinas, California and is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the UCSF School of Medicine. Also, studies have found that inorganic agents, such as zinc oxide, are photostable; they don’t degrade rapidly; however, organic agents tend to be less stable.

“Photostability depends not only on the sunscreen active ingredients but also on the inactive ingredients,” says Susan Cruz, spokesperson for the FDA. “You can compare two different sunscreens with the same active ingredients at the same concentration, and the sunscreens can have different SPF values,” says Susan Cruz, spokesperson for the FDA.

Sunscreen product labels don’t list the percentage of ingredients along with their synonyms. Example: Amyl dimethyl PABA (padimate A, isoamyl-p-N,N-dimethylaminobenzoate, Escalol 506, pentyldimethyl PABA). The FDA limits the percentage of sunscreen active ingredients. For example, zinc oxide is limited to 25%, Avobenzone, 3%.

FDA’s Office of Nonprescription Products within the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) is developing UVA testing and labeling requirements for sunscreens. It is currently in final clearance. But in the meantime, avoid the sun between 10 and 4 when UV radiation is more intense, and use sunscreen properly by:

* checking the expiration date.
* applying sunscreen every 2 hours from sunrise to sunset all year round and every hour if you sweat or bathe since sunscreen wears of and loses effectiveness over time.
* applying sunscreen if you are near a window that gets sun or when you’re drying a car. Glass windows don’t block UV-A radiation.
* applying lip balm with broad spectrum sun protection.
* applying sunscreen when you plan to be in the shade since sun light is scattered in all direction, even under an umbrella.
* reapplying sunscreen after rubbing, such as towel drying. Rub the sunscreen in gently or you may rub it off.
* applying evenly a generous amount of sunscreen with broad spectrum sun protection, but don’t rub hard or you may rub it off. About an ounce is required to cover the entire body.

In addition to sunscreen, Cyndi Yag-Howard, M.D., a Florida dermatologist and spokesperson for the Skin Cancer Foundation, recommends that patients at high risk of skin cancer, which includes those who are photosensitive, wear under clothing a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, or purchase sun protective clothing that is labeled. And everyone should wear a wide brim hat and sunglasses that filter at least 98% of UV.

Protect Your Pets from Sunburn

January 17, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Before stepping out to enjoy the summer weather, you should protect your pet as well as yourself from the harmful effects of too much sun.

Sunlight is healthy for pets as it is for people; sunlight helps the skin produce vitamin D, which protects the skin and helps balance the body’s calcium levels and metabolism. However, too much of anything can be harmful, and too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause sunburn, or solar dermatitis, in cats and dogs.

According to Dr. Karen Campbell, veterinary dermatologist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, sunburn starts as redness and hair loss on the ear tips, bridge of the nose, or abdomen and can lead to skin ulceration, infection, and carcinoma. Excessive sun exposure can also exacerbate existing skin problems.

Certain breeds of cats and dogs may be predisposed to sunburn. “White cats are those that most commonly get sunburn, usually on the tips of the ears,” explains Dr. Campbell. “Cats don’t need to be outdoors to get sunburn; the UV radiation can pass through windows.”

Sunburn is also common in pale and short-haired dogs, usually on the bridge of the nose, the abdomen, groin, and insides of the legs. “The belly is prone to sunburn because of sunlight that reflects up from the sidewalk. Similarly, dogs that spend a lot of time at beaches can get sunburn from sun reflecting up from the hot sand,” says Dr. Campbell.

Sunburn and repeated, excessive exposure to UV radiation can lead to skin cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma, in dogs and cats as it does in humans. Therefore, breeds that are predisposed to cancer, such as boxers and Weimaraners, need extra protection from the sun.

Sunburn can also cause skin ulceration, leaving the skin susceptible to opportunistic bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. Sun exposure may also exacerbate autoimmune skin diseases in which the immune system attacks skin cells, such as pemphigus and lupus. As the sun damages the skin, skin cells die and can release proteins that inappropriately trigger the immune system.

To protect pets from sunburn and its consequences, Dr. Campbell recommends applying sunblock on the small susceptible areas of skin, such as the bridge of the nose and the ear tips. You can also apply a line of sunblock along any part in the fur along the head or back. For cats, sunblock is usually sufficient.

For dogs, sunblock is usually not effective on the abdomen, since it can rub off in tall grass, wash off at the beach, or be easily licked off by the dog or its playmates. “There are spandex-type bodysuits on the market designed to block UV radiation,” says Dr. Campbell. “I highly recommend these for dogs who spend a lot of time outside, especially dogs who visit the beach.”

Although the idea of bringing a bodysuit-clad dog to the park or beach may sound ridiculous or embarrassing, it may be the most effective and important sun protection you can provide for your pet. Dr. Campbell explains that doggie bodysuits are common at some beaches, and “it doesn’t look ridiculous if all the other dogs are wearing one.”

For more information about solar dermatitis in pets, contact your local veterinarian.

FDA wants the labeling on your sunscreen to tell you more about protection against the sun’s harmful rays

January 17, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Under a new regulation, the agency has proposed that sunscreen labeling be expanded to provide

• A four-star rating system that informs consumers how well the product protects them against “Ultraviolet A” (UVA) light.

• Information on other ways people can limit their risks to dangers posed by overexposure to sunlight.

What do “UVA” and “UVB”stand for?

UVA and UVB are types of ultra­violet (UV) radiation emitted by the sun. Although the atmosphere’s ozone layer shields us from most of this radiation, the UV light that gets through can cause problems. UVB light is primarily responsible for sunburn. UVA light penetrates the skin more than UVB light does, and causes tanning. Both types of UV light contribute to premature skin aging, skin cancer, and other types of skin damage..

Currently, sunscreen labels are required to carry a “Sunburn Protec­tion Factor” (SPF) value that informs potential users how well the product protects against UVB light.

The Four-Star System.

Under the proposed regulation, a UVA star rating would be promi­nently displayed on sunscreen labels, near the SPF rating..

“For more than 30 years, consum­ers have been able to identify the level of UVB protection provided by sunscreens using only sunburn protection factor or SPF values,” said Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., Commissioner, Food and Drugs. Under this proposal, “consumers will also now know the level of UVA protection in sunscreens, which will help them make informed decisions about protecting themselves and their children against the harmful effects of the sun.”

With the proposed UVA rating system.

• One star will represent low UVA protection
• Two stars, medium protection
• Three stars, high protection
• Four stars, the highest UVA protection available in an over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreen product.
• If a sunscreen product does not rate at least one star, FDA is proposing that its labeling bear a “no UVA protection” marking on the front label, near the SPF value.

Sunscreen Not the Only Option.

In addition to the new rating system, FDA wants sunscreen labels to advise consumers that using a sunscreen is just one way they can protect them­selves against the sun. Limiting time in the sun and wearing protective clothing as part of a comprehensive sun protection regimen are other rec­ommendations that would be promi­nently displayed on labels. Using sunscreens liberally and reapplying frequently would also be advised.

Changes With SPFs, Too.

FDA also wants to make changes regarding protection against UVB light. The agency has proposed amending its existing rule on UVB products to increase the maximum sunburn protection factor from SPF 30+ to SPF 50+.

The proposed rule is asking the pub­lic to comment on the use of nanopar­ticle ingredients in sunscreens, and is proposing to

• make minor changes in SPF (UVB) testing procedures consistent with current science, to further enhance the accuracy of SPF values.
• allow new combinations of active ingredients.

Melanoma – Sun Care to Avoid Melanoma

June 5, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

You don’t need to singe your skin at the beach or in the tanning salon to get melanoma (though these dramatically raise your risk!). Even running errands without using the proper precautions can increase your risk for melanoma. So, it’s important to learn the early signs of this potentially fatal cancer. Here’s what you need to know to shield your skin from melanoma and sun damage in general.

Melanoma 101

Melanoma is considered the most serious type of skin cancer. Though it doesn’t affect as many people as other skin cancers, melanoma causes the most deaths, reports the Mayo Clinic.

  • How it occurs. Melanoma occurs in cells called melanocytes. These cells create melanin, which is responsible for skin pigment and helps protect against UV rays. When skin is exposed to UV light, melanocytes produce more melanin, tanning the skin.
  • Sometimes, these cells mutate, growing and dividing quicker than normal cells, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. These cells clump together, forming tumors. If tumors are malignant, they can attack the healthy tissue. They also can spread and form new tumors throughout the body, which is common with melanoma — if it isn’t treated early enough.

  • Who’s at risk. The following people are at increased risk for melanoma and need to be extra diligent about sun safety:
    • People with fair skin, because they have lower amounts of melanin and need greater protection
    • People living in southwestern states where sun exposure is strong
    • People with weakened immune systems
    • People who have a family history of melanoma
    • People who’ve suffered severe sunburn in childhood or recent years

Moles: Unusual vs. normal moles

You should see a dermatologist once a year to have your moles checked. In addition, keeping tabs on your moles is key to catching melanoma in its early stages.

Here’s a look at the differences between irregular moles (or dysplastic nevi, which can lead to melanoma) and regular moles.

  • Dysplastic nevi can appear as a combination of tan, brown, red/pink moles and are often larger than 5 millimeters across, about ¼ inch.
  • Ordinary moles are round or oval and have a concise edge that separates them from the rest of the skin. Dysplastic nevi have irregular edges and blend into the skin.
  • Regular moles start as smooth spots on the skin and may become raised, creating a tiny bump. Dysplastic nevi tend to have a scaly, rough or rocky surface but also can be smooth.
  • The typical number of moles is usually between 10 and 40 on a person’s body. Dysplastic nevi are found in large numbers (100 or more), although someone might have just a few.
  • In men, harmful moles are often found between the shoulders and hips and neck and head areas. In women, they typically appear on the lower legs, shoulders and hips.

The ABCDEs of monitoring your moles

Here’s a quick way to check old moles that become irregular and new moles that develop, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. If you answer yes to any of the questions below, see a doctor immediately.

  • A (Asymmetry): If you were to split the mole in two, are the sides unequal?
  • B (Border): Are the edges of the mole jagged or blurry?
  • C (Color): Has the mole changed color (i.e., has the color spread or darkened? Is there a loss of color? Does the mole have multiple colors?)
  • D (Diameter): Is the mole larger than ¼ in diameter?
  • E (Elevation): Is the mole raised above the skin and rough?

Sun safety

Use these tips to keep your skin safe from melanoma and other skin cancers and sun damage.

  • Don’t tan outdoors or use tanning beds. Remember that any sun exposure is damaging to skin, so there’s no safe way to tan (including that “base tan”).
  • Wear sunscreen every day and apply it correctly. Though everyone knows that sunscreen is necessary, the majority of people don’t apply enough of it or as often as they should — creating a false sense of security, where you don’t get the full SPF but think you’re protected. Here’s how to ensure you’re fully protecting your skin.
    • Make sure to apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before going outdoors.
    • Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater. Look for ingredients such as titanium oxide, zinc oxide or avobenzone (Parsol 1789), which provide protection against UVA and UVB rays.
    • Use at least one ounce (a shot glass or two tablespoons) of sunscreen every time you apply.
    • Reapply every two hours even if a sunscreen is labeled “water-resistant.”These sunscreens can lose their effectiveness after 40 minutes in the water.
  • Avoid sun exposure during peak hours: between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Seek the shade. However, being in the shade should never substitute for sunscreen, because the sand and concrete reflect UV rays. The sun also reflects off of water and snow, so be especially careful around these areas.

Baby Sun Screens and Sun Creams

June 5, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

And now a word or two about Sun-creams. All Sun-screens carry a Sun Protection Factor, usually abbreviated to SPF. This is followed by a number, generally between 4 and 25, although some products claim to go as high as SPF30 or more. OK, but what does this mean to the user.

Put simply, the higher the SPF value, the longer the user will be able to stay in the sun without visibly burning. As an example, if someone would normally start to burn after 15 minutes in the sun when unprotected, by using an SPF8 sun-cream they should be able to stay out for 2 hours without visibly burning. If they use a Factor 20 sun-cream, in theory they could stay in the sun for as long as 5 hours without visibly burning.

Sun-creams earn their SPF rating by including ingredients which filter out UV radiation and reduce it’s effect on the skin. Because it is UVB that causes most of the visible adverse effects of sun exposure, most commercial sun-creams concentrate just on filtering this out and pay little attention to UVA radiation. However, as already explained, it is UVA that does the most damage in the long term and which we need protection from.

It has been suggested that the use of sun-creams that only filter out UVB radiation has encouraged people to stay out in the sun far longer that they would otherwise do, and that this has unwittingly increased their exposure to UVA to such an extent as to lead to the dramatic increases in skin cancer that we are currently seeing. The moral of this has to be to only use sun-creams that filter out both UVB and UVA radiation.

Keeping my baby from getting a sunburn?

June 5, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

The best way to protect your baby is to keep your baby out of direct sunlight as much as possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. Routinely dress him in a hat, lightweight pants, and a long-sleeved shirt for outings during the middle of the day. Tightly woven clothing protects better than loosely woven fabrics (to see how tight the weave is, hold the fabric up to a light — the less light that shines through, the better). Add UV-protective sunglasses if your baby will wear them. Use an umbrella, stroller canopy, or sun-protective tent to protect your baby while he’s outside.

Until August 1999, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended against using any type of sunscreen on babies younger than 6 months, because their skin’s ability to metabolize and excrete chemicals may not be fully developed. This recommendation has been revised somewhat. You can use sunscreen on babies under 6 months if adequate clothing and shade aren’t available, but check with your pediatrician first. That doesn’t mean you should slather your baby in sunblock, though. Just apply a small amount of lotion to exposed areas.

For babies over 6 months, use a waterproof sunscreen designed for children. Choose a sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum,” which means it protects against both ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sunscreens are good to use on particularly sensitive spots, such as the nose and lips.

The AAP and American Academy of Dermatology recommend an SPF of at least 15, but many experts recommend SPF 30 or higher for babies, and many baby sunscreen formulas have even higher SPFs. If possible, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply it at least every two hours, especially if your baby has been playing in the water or has been sweating (even if the sunscreen is waterproof).

When trying a new sunscreen, do a patch test on your child’s back to make sure he doesn’t have a reaction to it. If he does develop a rash or redness at the test site, choose a hypoallergenic formula instead.

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