Sunblock ?

[Connorsmom0]

Just wondering what SPF you put on your kids in the world. My kids are almost 3 and 6. They both have pretty good tans now and generally don't burn. We spend alot of time in the pool at home and they often go with SPF 30. Do you think that is enough for our trip at the end of August since they have nice base tans and will be less likely to burn or should I go out and buy 50 anyway (we don't even have any of that). We are in PA, I know Florida sun is much more intense. Thanks!!

 

[PurpleSurfer]

Love the sprays for kids and they think it's fun too! I have found that my kids get a little red (not burned) with anything less than 50 spf.

 

[sonnesolsun]

My kids are darker skinned anyway and tan very well, but I even used SPF50 when we were there July6-13. We live in the midwest and usually use 30, but FL sun IS different.

I use the spray on as well. So much easier and less of a hassle w/DD6 and
DS4.

Have a magical trip!

 

[MickQuinn]

We haven't had many sunny days here, but I have to coat my sun with at least spf 50 or he burns badly. We like the neutrogena cool mist. It sprays easy, has sunblock and cools you off some too!

 

[Macduffy]

I'm a fan of the spray too (Aveno especially more b/c the spray is just better LOL). I literally chase the kids while they are running (3 and 18 months) and spray them down. They will stay still long enough to do the ears and face Thank goodness. They are both pasty white like their mom and I use SPF 50.

 

[skip323]

We are dark brown skinned and usually use 45 spf lotion here in the midwest (I actually use a 100+ on my facee) every day. At WDW this past June we used 50 spf lotion first thing and then a 50 spf spray for reapplication while in the parks and before swimming. After swimming the kids would shower then put the lotion back on.

 

[3boymthr]

My kids had lightly tanned skin to start and I use SPF 50 no matter what even here in NE and we never got even a hint of pink. But I've read that the important part once you've reached SPF30 or higher is to make sure that you get the water proof/sweat proof sport stuff for days of lots of activity so I made sure I got that when we were in WDW.

 

[laughinplace199]

I've read that after SPF30, there isn't much difference in protection. The key is to reapply frequently, especially after swimming.

 

[RMulieri]

FYI.. as someone who works with cancer patients. USE a high SPF. First, any tan is SKIN DAMAGE.Second, even dark complected and tan individuals can get cancer.Our biggest new group of skin cancer patients with Basal cell carcinoma or melanoma are ALL UNDER 18 YRS OLD.Please use sunscreen and reapply.I have just seen an agonizing ordeal with a 12 yr old with melanoma.

 

[Schmeck]

Yes, a tan is a sign that the skin is trying to block the damaging rays of the sun - so if you have a tan, some damage has been done already. Of course, not everyone is going to get melanoma, even if you burn/tan (I did though) but what parent wants to be the one who let a kid tan, and he/she got melanoma?

Use a 30-45 SPF and reapply every two hours. Use tons of it - as a population, we don't apply enough for it to be truly SPF 30.

Also, if you don't want to mess with the chemical block (which might not be all that good for your skin either) Neutrogena makes a 30 SPF physical block. It works as soon as it is applied, so no waiting before going out in the sun. It's not water resistant though.