The Washington Sun is Back: Let’s Talk About All Things Sunscreen!
- Serena Larsen, MD
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Protecting your child from sun damage is an important part of keeping them healthy, reducing their risk of sunburns now and skin cancer later in life. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reports that about 80% of sun exposure occurs before age 18. We will talk about all things sunscreen, like which ones to pick, how often to apply, other ways of preventing UV, and how to treat sunburns at home!
Sunscreen Overview: Choosing the Right Sunscreen
Types of Sunscreen:
Mineral Sunscreens: These contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Per the FDA, Zinc oxide is the ingredient that gives “extensive protection against both UVA+ UVB”. Mineral sunscreens work by reflecting + absorbing UV rays. They can be gentler on sensitive skin and work immediately upon application. They may leave a white cast.
Tips: You can wipe off mineral sunscreen with unscented gentle cleansing wipes or gentle soap + water. Some people even say that using an oil based cleanser, like a gentle oil based pediatric one, can help if it is particularly difficult to remove.
Chemical Sunscreens: These work by absorbing UV rays to protect the skin. Apply at least 15 minutes before going outside.
For babies under 6 months: No sunscreen has been “officially” approved for kids under 6 months, which you may have seen on the back of sunscreen bottles! The goal for this age group is to use barriers as a main source of sun protection, like keeping them out of direct sunlight, using shade, and dressing them in sun protective clothing. However the AAP says it is ok to apply small amounts of sunscreen to your infant when needed.
What if my child has sensitive skin? Like mentioned above, sometimes mineral sunscreen can work well with kids and sensitive skin. This may not be true for every kid! You can always test a small patch of skin (arm/leg) prior to applying to the whole body. There are also sunscreens out there specifically labeled as "sensitive" that families find work well too!
What to Look For on the Bottle
-SPF 15-50 (ideally at least 30 or higher)
-Broad-spectrum (this includes both UVA+UVB)
-Water-resistant (for swimming and sweating)
Spray vs. Stick vs. Lotion
-Lotions + creams are a reliable choice because they are easiest to apply evenly and thoroughly.
-Sticks are convenient, especially for faces and noses. It is important to apply them evenly by gently spreading the sunscreen with your hands after application.
-Sprays are also a convenient option. The spray can lead to uneven application, so it is important to keep the following tips in mind: make sure to hold about an inch from the skin and spray as evenly as you can, rub in to help spread evenly, and never spray directly on the face as it can be irritating for the eyes/lungs (always spray into hands first!)
When to Apply and Reapply Sunscreen
Initial application:
Apply 15-30 minutes before going outside (chemical sunscreen) or immediately (mineral sunscreen). You’ve got skin in lots of places! Don't forget tops of ears, back of neck, tops of feet, and scalp/hairline
Reapplication:
-Every 2 hours when outdoors
-Immediately after swimming or sweating, even with water-resistant sunscreen. “Water proof” sunscreen lasts about 30 min in the water.
Additional tips:
-UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
-UV rays reflect off water, sand, and snow
-You still need sunscreen on cloudy days. Cloud cover only reduces UV rays by about 20-40%.
-Did you know sunscreens expire? Check the expiration date on the bottle before you put it in your travel bag!
-Teen Tip: Parents of teens, remember to please never have your teen use a tanning bed. This is direct UV exposure and can increase cancer risk.
Sun-Protective Clothing
Clothing is an effective way to protect your child from the sun.
What to use:
-UPF clothing
-Sun-blocking swim shirts
-Long-sleeved shirts and pants that are light and tight woven.
-Wide-brimmed hats with a brim all around
-Sunglasses with UV protection
Remember: For babies under 6 months, this is a primary route for sun protection. Keep them in shade using stroller covers, umbrellas, or portable shelters.
Treating Sunburn at Home
Immediate care:
-Cool (not ice-cold) water/compresses in 20 min intervals
-Moisturize (petroleum jelly, aloe vera etc)
-Leave blisters intact if possible. If the blister is open, you can apply topical antibiotic cream like bacitracin twice a day
Pain relief:
-Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen
-Hydrocortisone 1% applied topically 2-3x a day (available over the counter)
-Cool (not cold) baths may help as well
Ongoing care:
-Keep your child well-hydrated
-Dress in loose, soft clothing for comfort
-Keep in a cool environment
-Continue applying moisturizers
When to seek medical care:
-If you are concerned about your child’s sunburn or level of pain, please be seen
-If you are concerned about infection
-Seek immediate care if there are signs of heat exhaustion: Fever, chills, severe pain, headache, nausea, or vomiting
Wrap up
We are so excited for the sun and summer to be here in Washington! We hope these tips can help keep you and your family protected from those UVs while you are out having fun this summer! Stay tuned as later this month we’ll be covering another common warm weather skin topic: bites and stings.
Sources Cited:
American Academy of Pediatrics. Keep Kids Safe from Sun’s Harmful Rays. Available at: https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/article/29/6/28/7670/Keep-kids-safe-from-sun-s-harmful-rays. Accessed May 2026.
American Academy of Pediatrics. Sunscreen 101: What to Look for in Sun Protection for Kids. Available at: https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/article/34/5/31/10874/Sunscreen-101-What-to-look-for-in-sun-protection. Accessed May 2026.
Seattle Children’s Hospital. Begin a Lifetime of Sun Safety Early in Childhood. Available at: https://www.seattlechildrens.org/healthy-tides/sun-safety-early-in-childhood/. Accessed May 2026.
Seattle Children’s Hospital. Sunburn. Available at: https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/sunburn/. Accessed May 2026.