Screen Time...for the sun

spf sun exposure sun protection sunblock sunscreen

I Screen, You Screen, We all Scream About Putting on Sunscreen. Sunscreen! Who loves lathering their children? They squirm and wriggle and it seems like it takes a good ½ hour to get a decent application!

Screen Time: How Many Hours per day is okay? We’re not here to discuss screen time as it pertains to electronics- but to our most electric solar system guardian in the Sun. It’s summer time and we’re all out there!

Let’s talk about some rays of wisdom when it comes to sunscreen so we can get to basking?

Q: How do I apply sunscreen to my child?

A: Any way that works for you. My daughter personally turns into the most slippery mermaid who now wants to be involved in the process now- which is great but still not without some protest. We typically start with her legs and she gets to hold a sunscreen tube and try to squeeze some out and apply it to her legs. We make some animated sounds as we go along. Once we reach the trunk/back/tummy area- I tend to be able to go lighter as there will most likely be sun protective clothing on this region. However, sometimes I aim for complete coverage. She absolutely cracks up when I tickle her neck so I disguise putting sunscreen and tickling her neck with also applying to forehead, cheeks, chin, lips and face. I have to do this blindly though as she is doubled over forward—hopefully laughing. Protest usually ensues at the arm area and some strict, “No Mommy” scolding follows. I then have to remind her we have to wear sunscreen before we go out and play. I also get her back and ears.

So, honestly no one right way and no secret formula technique for simple and efficient lathering. A good sunscreen application takes time.

Q: When should I apply the sunscreen? How far in advance of sun exposure?

A: I personally recommend applying at home or in an indoor facility before going out. There are just too many variables and distractions once you get where you’re going that you will likely be more in a rush, more likely to miss an area or do a faster application that is less effective. Your attention is likely fragmented when you get to your planned destination, so it’s just easier to do it beforehand. It has more time to soak in this way as well. Try to have at least 30 minutes to absorb into the skin and become effective, and so it doesn’t just melt right off leaving your child vulnerable. Plus, this way you arrive and are ready to play!

Q: I’ve read about absorption of sunscreen into the skin? Is this dangerous?

A: My take is that you know what is more dangerous? Skin cancer- and specifically malignant melanoma. Each bad burn raises your chance for this deadly form of skin cancer which could manifest down the road. Protect your child’s skin and future.

Chemical sunscreens have been identified specifically as a type to absorb into the bloodstream within a day. The clinical implications of this are unknown at this time. There have been suggestions that chemical sunscreens could potentially play a role in hormone disruption.

Q: Application before or after bathing suit?

A: I highly recommend before bathing suit or sun protective clothing are applied as you have a blank canvas and are less likely to miss places. You also don’t have to be playing the pick up this strap or that or the waistline game.

Q: What is the difference between chemical and mineral based sunscreens? Which is better?

A: Chemical sunscreens last longer on the skin and require less frequent reapplication. They are probably the sunscreens we are most familiar with and have grown up using.

Thanks to more attention to being environmentally friendly and protecting our oceans and coral reefs as well as new companies coming up with fun products, mineral based/physical blocker sunscreen use, options, and popularity is on the rise. Physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can be good to look for- specifically products that contain 10%.

Q: What are reef safe sunscreens? Is this just another buzzword so I feel good about bonding with the planet? Should we be using them? Also, if sunscreen kills the coral, isn’t that bad for not just the coral but us too?

A: Chemical based sunscreens are implicated in killing coral and affecting the nervous system of fish who live among the coral reefs. Oxybenzone is a chemical contained within some sunscreens that has been labeled to potentially have hormonal properties and has actually been outlawed in legislation passed in Hawai’i and set to be enforced starting 1/21/2021 due to its deleterious effects on our coral reefs. Many people have begun to use reef safe sunscreens in the intermediate period and an overall trend toward orienting ourselves to this has been positive. Octinoxate has been identified as another culprit.

Parabens such as methyl paraben and butyl paraben or phenoxyethanol are sunscreen preservatives that have been implicated as originally being used as a mass fish anesthetic. It was estimated in 2015 that 14,000 tons of sunscreen were ending up in the world’s vibrant coral reef ecosystems and likely causing irreparable harm and damage to the delicate balance of life within them.

Good alternatives to look for include non-nano titanium dioxide which you can evaluate for on your next bottle of sunscreen purchase.

Q: What about spray sunscreens? I mean they are just soooo much easier?

A: There are both chemical based and also mineral based spray sunscreens available now, so these options can be very convenient. Just don’t assume that if you waft it through the air it will magically with unicorn precision land upon your children and/or yourself for perfect coverage. The chemical ingredients are microscopic, inhaled into the lungs and dispersed in an aerosolized airborne method into the environment. Aim for closer application to the intended area than just a clean sweep of your environment hose style. Mineral sprays can be easier to visualize to ensure you have adequate coverage, otherwise with chemical base just be sure you spray and then spread the coverage around.

Q: Speaking of SPF, what is that and is there a certain limit to which it is all a little hullabaloo?

A: SPF= Sun Protection Factor. It is intended as a marker to identify how long it takes sun exposed skin to redden/burn. It is recommended to use a SPF of at least 15. If you find a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 that is effective for yourself and your family, this is probably a harmonious happy medium, as it likely has been through rigorous FDA testing to demonstrate water resistance. The additional benefits of using SPF 50+ are limited.

Q: What are the different types of UV rays?

A: UVA and UVB rays are the two types. UVA are ultraviolet A and UVA are ultraviolet B, or known more as the “bad” rays. They get this reputation because UVB rays are responsible for sunburns via damaging DNA to the more superficial layers of your skin, and they contribute to skin cancer. UVA rays penetrate deeper into your thickest skin layer, the dermis and are behind premature aging of the skin and wrinkle formation or “photoaging.” UVA rays can also play a role in the development of skin cancer. Try to select a sunscreen with the terminology “broad-spectrum” as this typically indicates that the sunscreen contained within will protect against both forms of UV rays. Water-resistant sunscreens are important if you or your family members plan on water based activities.

Q: When can I start putting sunscreen on my young infant?

A: Overall consensus is waiting until 6 months, but in some areas (we live in Hawai’i), infants are out in the sun earlier. For these circumstances, I recommend using sunscreen sparingly on exposed areas and utilizing sun protective clothing on body and a hat for head and limiting total sun exposure time. A lot of strollers these days have nifty sun canopies as well that can be helpful when the family is out and about in the sun. In general except for short spurts to enjoy memory making time with the whole family, infants should be kept out of direct sunlight. In my opinion, no baby is too young for sunscreen for areas that will be exposed. Try to dress your infant in light weight clothing and with a wide brimmed hat to provide as much protection as you can from clothing. I’m not personally aware of any contraindication to sunscreen in young infants, and at times complete avoidance is impossible, so use some sunscreen preferably with physical blocker properties.

Q: How often should we reapply sunscreen?

A: Every 90 minutes to 2 hours or after swimming or sweating is recommended. Sunscreens should be utilized as a method of protection from UV rays from the sun, but not regarded as an invincible shield to stay in the sun indefinitely.

Q: Should we use separate face sticks or can we just use the lotion form of sunscreen for the face just like we apply it to the rest of the body?

A: You can use the lotion form on the face as well, it just seems to irritate some people’s eyes more and run down through the eyebrows causing children to wipe the eyes and undereye area leaving it potentially vulnerable. Using Zinc Oxide on the face or face sticks, specifically to the nose, ears, cheeks and tops of shoulders can be very effective protection for these exposed areas. You can use a lip balm as well for lips with at least 15 SPF or else just apply your lotion and/or spray to your lips as well.

Q: Rash guards/sun protective clothing- Is it worth the hype? Can it take the place of sunscreen?

A: Yes! There are lots of great one piece rash guards or even two pieces which have sun protection built into them. They can make it easy for you to spot your children and the fashion show can continue into the pool and beach or wherever with all of the fun options! Also, it is less body surface area you have to be concerned about with regard to sun exposure. We always playfully joke in medicine we can tell the Dermatologist and the Derm’s family by the extent of sun protective clothing worn, and these are the experts in all things skin related!

There are so many forms of sun protective clothing such as swim shirts, rash guards that are ¾ length, full body, cute rashies for the keiki (children), and just generally a lot of options for along the lifespan. I have some fun long sleeve rash guards I use for surfing or just swimming and this cuts down on the amount of sunscreen I have to apply. I would recommend them for yourself and your children as they are fun to select and add another layer of protection!

Q: What is UPF/What Does it Mean?

A: UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is an important factor to pay attention to when selecting sun protective clothing. It is intended to describe how much of the sun’s UV radiation can be absorbed by wearing the clothing. For example, a rating of UPF 50 will allow only 1/50th of UV rays from the sun to pass through. Also, wearing UPF sun protective clothing can cut down the amount of sunscreen you’re wearing which is easier on you and the environment!

Q: What amount of anticipated sun exposure needs sunscreen? Say for example we’re only going to be outside for 20 min?

A: I mean we’ve all heard that a little bit of Vitamin D is good for the body and soul, and that we need some Vitamin Sea right? The sun’s rays are most concentrated and pack the most punch between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM, so know that sunscreen is warranted for sure during these times and pay attention to reapplication to keep yourself and family’s skin pristine. In the earlier morning and the later afternoon there are still UV rays that come through the clouds and although not as concentrated are still reflecting off water, snow, sand, concrete and other surfaces you’re exposed to when out and about. So it is probably always safest to have some sort of sun protection plan- sunscreen on exposed areas and covering others with hats and sun protective clothing.

Also, we’re typically out longer than we would guesstimate because we start having fun and lose track of time. Don’t play that game with yourself and your skin. Sunscreen and sun protective clothing in place are best house rules when going outside into the sun.

Q: We have different skin types in our family, does this mean we need different sunscreens?

A: Different skin types are common among families. In our ohana, I am definitely the fair and freckled one meant to be frolicking along the Northern latitudes amongst the moors of Scotland where my ancestors come from. But I have lived in Florida and now Hawai’i my whole life!

My husband on other other hand, has golden brown skin from his Filipino heritage and is often regarded as a local here in Hawai’i for his hapa skin. Our daughter tans well too, but hasn’t had the chance to burn as we try to be vigilant about her sunscreen application. We all use the same sunscreen and I don’t think there is any need to change it up from one family member to another unless there are sensitive skin issues or eczema and in that particular case, other recommendations can be made.

Q: To Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide or not to Zinc/Titanium?

A: I would Zinc & Titanium Dioxide it up! You can get many different forms and color options for zinc now and the protection is typically reef safe and also tend to be friendlier to sensitive skin.

Q: How do I prevent sunscreen from stinging in my eyes? My eyebrows don’t seem to be doing the trick?

A: Try face sticks or physical sunscreen application for your face.

Q: Do I have to be dry to reapply?

A: Sunscreen application is much easier and more effective on dry skin, so yes try to towel off prior to reapplication. Wet skin can dilute the SPF of the sunscreen.

Q: How do I apply without becoming the phantom ghost of summer?

A: Some of the sunscreens, particularly the mineral/physical based ones will go on more white or the zinc oxide ones in color. This can be a good thing though as it depicts what areas you have covered and which still need attention lessening your chances for burns for those hard to reach spots!

Q: Can parents just wear the baby sunscreen we purchase for our littles?

A: Yes, of course. If it’s good enough for their precious skin, it’s good enough for ours.

Q: Sorry, I don’t have time to read the whole ingredient list label- so what ingredients should I look to avoid?

A: If going for reef safe, look to avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Q: Any other body areas to pay particular attention to?

A: Nose, Ears, Bottoms of feet! Child’s scalp especially if you did fun pigtails or ponytail for your mermaid! If there is a lot of exposed scalp and your child won’t be wearing a sun hat, consider putting some sunscreen on the exposed scalp. The back of the hands are sometimes a neglected area. Under eyes are a popular area for children to wipe off so these areas may warrant more concentration during the reapplication process. Feet- including tops and bottom for infants and children! Hats are great but typically only work until a certain age and then forget it! Eyes! Wearing sunglasses that have UV protection is a good idea for yourself and your children.

Reminder: You can utilize your FSA(Flexible Spending Account)/HSA (Health Savings Account)/HRA (Health Reimbursement Account) for sunscreen purchases! This can be a good use of your HSA allotment if you are looking for ways to apply your designated funds!

Sending aloha vibes for basking in those summer rays!

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