Sun Safety Part 2: Sunscreen Q&A

Sun safety is very important. There are several ways to prevent skin cancer. If you missed my first sun safety post, read it HERE. Sunscreen is a VERY important way to prevent skin cancer. Unfortunately, there is SO much misinformation about sunscreen out in the world right now. The misinformation leads some to not even using sunscreen, shaming others for the sunscreen they are using, or driving others into spending WAY too much money on sunscreen.

Last week, I asked my Instagram audience to send in questions about sunscreen, so below I am going to answer their questions!

First, a little background information. EVERY sunscreen on the market undergoes safety testing. A few years ago the FDA did a pilot study, followed up by a randomized controlled trial, to test for the plasma absorption of 6 ingredients in sunscreen (avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, octinoxate). The study did find that all 6 active ingredients did go over the absorption threshold set by the FDA, BUT, and here is what people are not telling you, this does not mean that you should stop using sunscreen! Or even those sunscreens! Sure, if you feel uncomfortable, do not use those, but if they were unsafe to use, the FDA will pull them off the market.  

Questions and Answers

Q: What is the best SPF for kids?

A: Kids less than 6 months of age should be kept out of the sun. If greater than 6 months of age, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that all kids wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. I prefer to use SPF 50 on my young kids (they are 5 and 7 years old).

Q: What is the best SPF for adults?

A: For adults, SPF 15 is the FDA’s minimum recommendation to prevent skin cancer BUT the American Academy of Dermatology recommends adults also wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

NOTE: For both kids and adults, you need broad-spectrum protection (protects UVA and UVB rays) and is water resistant. Remember these in addition to an SPF of at least 30.

Q: Is it true that 30+ SPF doesn’t exist? Is this a marketing gimmick?

A: Higher SPF is not a marketing gimmick. Higher SPF DOES provider higher protection from the sun. It is a complicated answer, but in short, higher SPF provides more protection. Do not let applying higher SPF give you a false sense of security, though. It still needs to be reapplied as directed.

Q: What is the difference between sunblock and sunscreen?

A: Sunscreen is absorbed in the skin and relies on the chemicals to react and convert the UV rays and release them from the skin while sunblock contains mineral ingredients to physically block the UV rays. Sunscreen contains chemicals to absorb the UV rays before your skin can while sunblock literally blocks the UV rays from your skin.

There are pros and cons to both!

Sunblock can be better for those with very sensitive skin and skin allergies.

Q: Is any difference in effectiveness between spray and lotion?

A: There is no difference in effectiveness of spray versus lotion. People tend to think lotion works better, but people tend to not apply enough spray. Most of the time spray needs to be applied much heavier than is actually applied.

Q: What is a good sunscreen to wear on arms daily (so many people get burned through car windows)?

A: Sunscreen should be worn everyday that a person is going to be traveling outside of the house/going outside of the house. UVA rays are the ones that pass through the window glass and cause our skin to age. UVB rays are blocked by windows and are primary cause of sunburns.

Any sunscreen a person will wear everyday is the best, so it is a personal choice. A lotion is good to apply to arms daily if doing a lot of driving! I like the Cerave brand — this lotion — and this one.

Q: What is the best for children’s faces that won’t burn their eyes?

A: Sticks are SOOOO good for this! They are easy to control and keep out of kid’s eyes, won’t run in their eyes and really protect their face. Our favorite is this Babyganics stick.

Q: Do you have a recommended sunscreen chapstick?

A: Yes! Again, you should always wear at least SPF 30 on your lips when outside. Sunburn on your lips HURTS! I like Sunbum, Coppertone and Aquaphor.

Q: What is the best sunscreen for very pale sensitive toddler skin?

A: I LOVE Babyganics sunscreen for my kids. I have a blonde-haired pale baby and she has never burned with this sunscreen. Linked our favorites in this post. Plus, the stick is a must!

A bonus tip that I forgot to include in my first sun safety POST – scalp spray!!! This stuff is AMAZING and is a MUST. Bald heads, thinning hair, parts in girl’s hair – spray in everybody’s hair! It is good stuff. Add it to your swim bag.

So as a recap, think of 3 things when choosing a sunscreen/sunblock (1) broad-spectrum protection, (2) water resistant, and (3) at least SPF 30.

Sunscreen should be used in combination with other sun safety measures, like hats and SPF shirts, to prevent skin cancer.

At the end of the day, which sunscreen you choose is an individual choice. All sunscreens on the market are safe to use.

Which sunscreen is BEST? The one that you will wear again and again and again!

Any more questions? Ask in the comments!

Stay safe,

Angie

Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, FDA

*This post is for informational purposes only and is not to replace medical advice.

*Links in this post are affiliate links. I do make a small commission if you shop the links at no extra cost to you.