Sunshine is a hallmark of summer vacation. However, it can also lead to painful burns if you spend too much time exposed to it. Studies show that excessive sun exposure as a child can increase your risk of skin cancer as an adult, and the same is true for adults who experience repeated sunburns.
Because of the correlation between sunburn and skin cancer, it’s essential to protect yourself and your family from overexposure to the sun. During the summer, this risk is especially high since we spend more time outside. One of the most important things you can do to protect your family is to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) rating. If you’re sweating or swimming, you should also choose a water-resistant sunscreen.
Wearing sunscreen is essential for sun safety. However, sunscreen isn’t effective unless it’s applied correctly and reapplied often. The following facts about sunscreen will help you to navigate the labels and find the best product for your family!
Sunshine has many benefits for our physical and mental health. However, it also emits ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage your skin. There are two types of UV rays:
Both types of UV rays can cause cancer, and broad-spectrum sunscreen works to block them both. UV rays are stronger in the summer, but they still come through Earth’s atmosphere during the winter. So, if you’re planning to spend an extended time outside during any season, you should wear sunscreen.
SPF stands for sun protection factor, and it tells you how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays. It’s important to note that SPF does not equate to the time you can spend in the sun — so wearing SPF 30 sunscreen does not mean you can stay in the sun twice as long as if you wear SPF 15 sunscreen.
Dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, which blocks around 97% of UVB rays. SPF does not account for UVA rays, but sunscreen with a broad-spectrum label blocks both types of UV rays. While no sunscreen is truly waterproof, you can also look for water-resistant sunscreen, especially if you’ll be swimming.
Adults should use a teaspoon of sunscreen to cover their neck and face and about an ounce to cover the rest of their body. The one-ounce amount is about the amount that would fit in a shot glass. Because children are smaller, they won’t need this much sunscreen to thoroughly protect their skin.
The amount of sunscreen you need also depends on how much of your skin is showing. If you wear protective clothing, you can use less sunscreen and still be fully protected. When it comes to sun protection, there is no good reason to skimp. Use more sunscreen than you think you need, and reapply often.
You should reapply every two hours at the bare minimum. If you’re swimming, sweating or toweling off, you should apply sunscreen more frequently. It’s important to pay attention to how your skin feels and looks and to apply additional sunscreen immediately if you notice heat or redness. You can also check the packaging for specific reapplication recommendations.
People with fair skin tend to burn more easily. If you have fair skin, lighter or red hair, or blue eyes, you’re at a higher risk for sunburn. However, people with darker skin tones can also get sunburned. Instead of turning red, people with darker skin tones may experience symptoms like sensitivity and itchiness. All skin types need to wear sunscreen for protection from UV ray damage.
No sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s rays, so it is still possible to get a tan while wearing sunscreen.
There are two main types of sunscreen, and each uses different ingredients to be effective:
While both types of sunscreen are effective, mineral sunscreen may be better for individuals with sensitive skin.
Because infants have very sensitive skin, it’s not recommended to use sunscreen on them unless absolutely necessary. After six months of age, children can wear either type of sunscreen to deflect the sun’s rays. However, mineral sunscreen may be best if they have sensitive skin. The ingredients in mineral sunscreen are less likely to irritate the skin than those found in chemical sunscreen.
You can find sunscreen in sticks, sprays, lotions and gels. Sticks work well for children’s faces. They’re easier to use while avoiding their eyes. If you use a spray, make sure you rub the applied sunscreen into your child’s skin. And make sure to apply enough sunscreen — with a spray, it’s easy to underapply.
Ultimately, the best sunscreen for your child is one they wear regularly. If your child does react to a specific type of sunscreen you use, switch them to another brand that uses a different active ingredient. Sunscreen is regulated by the FDA and there are many reputable brands to choose from.
Yes, sunscreen can expire. If your sunscreen has an expiration date, you can use that to determine whether it’s still effective. Sunscreen that’s been stored in the sun may expire faster since heat can cause the product to break down. Keep your sunscreen in a cool, dry place, and cover it with a towel or keep it in a bag when out and about.
If you’re concerned that your sunscreen may have expired, it’s best to purchase a new product. There’s no reason to risk a sunburn since sunscreen is so easy to replace!
To protect yourself from harmful UV rays, you can do a combination of things in addition to wearing sunscreen:
Spending time in large bodies of water can increase your risk of sunburn — a swimming pool, lake or ocean will reflect sunlight and increase its effect. If you’re heading to the beach, wear a lot of sunblock! Planning ahead will keep you and your family safe so you can focus on having fun in the sun.
Want to plan a family beach vacation? Ocean City, New Jersey, should be on your bucket list. This family-friendly resort town offers plenty of fun activities that are perfect for kids. At Ocean City, your family can enjoy sunny beach days, arcades, amusement park rides, good food and more. Of course, it’s essential to bring plenty of sunscreen with you!
Some of the beaches in Ocean City remain guarded even during the off-season, and there are tons of fun things to do around the water, even when the weather gets cold. Every year, thousands of families flock to this location to make special memories and soak up the sun together. Your family could be right there with them! Check out our free resources for planning your best family vacation in Ocean City.
