A Parent’s Guide to Sun Protection - What is SPF?

(Adapted from The Sun Your Baby and You)

SPF stands for the Sun Protection Factor provided by a sunscreen. It refers to a product’s ability to stop your skin from burning. The higher the number of the SPF, the longer you can stay in the sun before burning.

For example, if it normally takes 10 minutes of sun exposure for skin to get a sunburn, an SPF of 15 would ideally provide 150 minutes of protection. (In actual use, protection is less because sunscreen gets washed off by sweat and water.) An SPF of 15 blocks more than 92 % of the UVB rays.

Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside. As well, sunscreen should be reapplied after swimming or sweating to provide good protection.

Skin may still tan even if a sunscreen is used, since all chemical sunscreens allow some UVA rays to penetrate.

How we can choose and use sunscreen for kids

• Choose a milky lotion or cream for young children. Other types may contain alcohol, which can be an irritant. Sometimes sunscreen can cause the eyes to sting. If a baby cries or a child complains of this, try a different brand.
• Use a broad-spectrum product that screens out most of the UVB and UVA rays as indicated on the label. The sun protection factor (SPF) should be a minimum of 15. To be safe, look for the logo of the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) on the product you choose. That product has been reviewed and approved by the CDA. Consult your dermatologist.
• If your child has particularly sensitive skin, test for an allergic reaction first before using the sunscreen all over the child. Apply it to a small patch of skin on the inner forearm for several days running. If the skin turns red or otherwise reacts, change products.
• Whenever possible, apply the sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside. The active ingredients need time to combine with elements in the skin to offer maximum protection. Cover exposed areas generously, including ears, nose, the tops of feet and backs of knees.
• Apply frequently around the eyes, avoiding eyelids. Children tend to rub their eyes, and stinging could be a problem.
• Reapply frequently and liberally, particularly after swimming or sweating.
• Pass up heavily scented sun-screens to avoid attracting insects to your child.
• Consider applying a zinc oxide product as added protection to such prominent areas as nose, cheeks, top of ears and shoulders. Zinc oxide is a non-irritating and very effective sun block.

REMEMBER: Sunscreens are not intended to increase sun exposure time but to increase protection during unavoidable exposure.

More Information ...

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