Picking the Right Sunscreen for Your Family

Daily sunscreen use is essential to the prevention of skin cancer, skin damage and premature aging. But with so many options, picking the right one can become a daunting task. My recommendation? Choose one that meets your family’s skincare needs and lifestyle.

So why so much emphasis on regular sunscreen use? Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 5 million skin cancer cases are diagnosed annually. While some people are at an increased risk, individuals of all ethnicities and skin tones can develop skin cancer.

Furthermore, estimates suggest that up to 80 per cent of a person’s lifetime exposure to UV is received before the age of 18. When parents model and implement sun protection habits in their children from a young age, they greatly lower the risk of both short-term and long-term skin damage.

Here are some tips to help you make the best sunscreen choice:

Make sure it provides broad-spectrum protection: This means it protects from both UVA and UVB rays, the two most dangerous forms of ultraviolet radiation. Physical blockers with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide provide the broadest coverage of all wavelengths of UV radiation.

Select a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Studies have found that proper use of a sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher will block 97 percent of the UVB rays. The key is to wear sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days, or when driving in the car.

Select a water-resistant sunscreen. This is especially important if you participate in outdoor physical activity or are prone to heavy perspiration. In 2012, the FDA established regulations about water resistance claims; sunscreen must now note how long consumers will have protection. You will see either “40 minutes” or “80 minutes” after the words “water resistant,” indicating how long your skin can be wet or sweaty before you need to reapply.

If you or your child is prone to breakout, opt for an oil-free formula that’s non-comedogenic. These are water-based instead of oil-based, so they’re lightweight and won’t clog skin pores. They’re also less likely to aggravate acne. Additionally, because many acne medications and acne treatments can cause sun sensitivity, making the skin more vulnerable to burns, it’s especially important that acne patients adequately protect their skin.

If you or your child has sensitive skin, opt for a physical sunscreen, also called mineral or natural, and avoid chemical sunscreens that can cause allergic skin reactions and irritation. Physical sunscreens are made of mineral blockers, primarily zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Additionally, patients with sensitive skin should opt for products that are fragrance free and dye free and have as few extra ingredients and preservatives as possible.

Select chemical sunscreens wisely. If you opt for a chemical sunscreen, avoid those that contain the active ingredients PABA, benzophenones or retinyl palmitate. Also, keep in mind that chemical sunscreens need to be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure for absorption by the skin to work.

Apply liberally: You need about 1 ounce or 5-6 teaspoons of sunscreen to cover the entire body. Always remember to protect your ears, lips and feet as well.

Finally, keep in mind that both a tan and sunburn cause dangerous DNA damage to our skin cells and dramatically increases the risk of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Furthermore, a sunburn can cause pain, dehydration, fever and diarrhea. For children, a sunburn can be particularly dangerous and often must be treated as an emergency. Babies under six months of age should never be exposed to the sun.

Marit Kreidel, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist, and chief of service for the Kaiser Permanente Orange County Department of Dermatology. A volunteer faculty member with UCI Department of Dermatology, Kreidel is an OC native very passionate about skin cancer treatment and prevention. thrive.kaiserpermanente.org