It is getting warmer outside causing the children to spend more hours outside. Over the winter, we all got out of the habit of carrying our sunscreen with us. Last week, I took my two granddaughters and seven of my children to the zoo for the afternoon and totally forgot the sunscreen. I thought I would offer a little reminder and look at what sunscreens have to offer this year.
If you have young children, you probably noticed how Sunscreens are a little different every summer. They have gone from old-fashioned have someone rub it on, to spray dispensers and roll-ons. Every year, there seems to be an added protection, at least the SPF numbers keep increasing. Last year we saw sunscreens with insect repellant included. This year we should see formulas offering smoother application, enhanced protection from ultraviolet (UV) light, higher Sun Protection Factors (SPFs), smaller particles of active ingredients, and enhanced stability.
What about those sunscreens combined with insect repellent, should you use them on your children? I know it is tempting to use the combination stuff, especially when you have several children who need help with application. Unfortunately, there is some evidence that you shouldn’t use the combination sunscreens.
The combination may cause the SPF to decrease, which reduces the effectiveness of the sunscreen component. Another problem with combining the two lies in the application times. Most sunscreens recommend reapplication every two hours with liberal use. However, insect repellents are usually applied only every six hours sparingly. That seems to make the two incompatible, doesn’t it?
Apparently, the FDA is looking into the development of a regulatory position on this combination product. While it would save time, better to protect the child and use separate products. Ultra Violet (UV) light comes from the sun. UVB rays are the sun’s shorter wavelengths that have been linked to cancer and sunburn. UVA rays are longer wavelengths that have been linked to premature aging and wrinkles although new evidence suggests that they may also contribute to skin cancer. These longer wavelengths can pass through window glass and penetrate deeper into the skin. The SPF number that you see on the sunscreen container reflects the ability of the product to screen out the UVB rays, not UVA rays. Products that say broad-spectrum on the label will also offer protection from UVA rays. Apply water-resistant sunscreen generously choosing one with a SPF of at least 15 and broad-spectrum protection. Remember to apply it every two hours, even on cloudy days, after swimming, or sweating.
If you want more information about sunscreen, visit the website of the American Academy of Dermatology or call 
1-888-462-DERM (3376) For information about skin cancer, visit the SkinCancerNet section .
by Julia Fuller
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