Sun Protection for Kids

Summer time and everybody's outdoor. Fresh air is good but we must not forget that children should be protected from direct sunlight. We dont want our kids to have problems later in life because of excessive exposure to the sun, right?

I am very vigilant with sun protection with my kids; thus, we use Nivea Sun Spray SPF 30. We have tried different sunscreen products but we decided to stay with Nivea because it is mild and is good for sun sensitive skin. Even my youngest daughter, who still struggles with skin problem, uses this comfortably. It has enhanced UVA/UVB filter system and is extra waterproof. It can be easily applied and quickly absorbed. Plus, it's green colored spray sun protection adds excitement to kids.

And then after the romp under the sun, we rub them with Eucerin Kinder After Spray after bathing. This is to refresh the skin from being under the sun. Eucerin is perfume-free, with Vitamin E that regenerates and moisturizes.

Some more practical tips from Ask Dr. Sears.com:

1. Avoid the intensive heat of the sun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
2. Children should wear appropriate clothings. Cover baby with a long, white shirt and a wide-brimmed hat.
3. Dont leave them under direct sunlight. Protect your children from sunrays reflecting off the white sand by placing them under a large sun umbrella while at the beach.
4.Use the appropriate sunscreen;for particularly exposed areas, such as the nose, cheeks, and ears use an opaque zinc oxide sun block.
5.Apply lip balm with sun protection factor of at least 15 to avoid sun blisters.
6. Protect the kids' eyes from the harmful ultraviolet rays by letting them use the right sunglasses.

Here are Dr. Sear's tips on choosing and using sunscreen for your little one:

1. Avoid sunscreen for infants under six months old. Although it hasn't been proven harmful, there simply isn't enough evidence that sunscreen is danger-free for this age group.
2. A lotion or milky, gel-like product with an SPF between 15 and 30 is better. Baby's skin may burn from clear alcohol-based products.
3. Test first. Dab a small dose on a small area of baby's arm to find out if she's sensitive to a particular sunscreen.
4. When there is no adverse reaction after the test, apply generously. Around one or two tablespoons would be needed to cover an average sized preschooler. Re-apply every couple of hours especially if the kids are busy with water play.
5. Apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before enjoying the outdoor.
6. Choose a waterproof product.

This was first posted at PMN: Fashion and Lifestyle.