Sunscreen for African American children

[Iheoma]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone had any ideas about some types of sunscreen or links to sites about sunscreen for African Americans, children in particular. I grew up in the south and totally understand the importance of using sunscreen on all types of skin, but dh (being a native of Chicago) doesn't believe that he or dd can burn (or need protection) at all from the sun. So I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations for some low to moderate SPF sunscreen for children (young and old) for people of color. TIA

Iheoma

 

[mskani]

used products from Avon. They seemed to work fine. We slathered the stuff on the kids and ourselves every couple of hours or so.

We are also from the Chicagoland area.

 

[gallaj0]

My wife is A/American, and she just uses whatever we buy for the kids, usually something PABA free, but a high SPF. My wife will burn if she's out in the sun enough, but even a little sun can give her hives before she burns.
Our kids have pretty light skin and will burn also if out long enough, especially my son, who's a blonde.

 

[NotUrsula]

Here you go:
http://www.epa.gov/reg3esd1/childhealth/ch5b.pdf

 

[dijid]

DH and I are caucasian, but we are a transracial family through adoption. I just put the same sunscreen on everyone - stuff that's gentle enough for the kids and PABA free. I buy different lotion and hair care products, but it's funny that I never thought about different sunscreen until this post!

 

[Iheoma]

Thanks for the info. BTW what does PABA stand for?

Iheoma

 

[disneyjunkie]

Using sunscreen in Orlando is a must. I've been to Disney twice and each time I got a sunburn. I had suncreen with me but didn't worry about putting it on as often as I should have. I won't make that mistake again.

I don't know much about the different types of sunscreen. I just buy something that's waterproof and has a high SPF. (30-45)

One thing I found strange was that I never had any pain from the sunburn. The area would have a leather look and then start to peel.(YUCK)

 

[MomlovesDad]

I am caucasion, DH is too, but he got all the American Indian genes in his family, is very dark, and therefore, my kids tell everyone their daddy is "black". <BIG GRIN>. Of course, he doesn't "burn" as I do in the sun, but the damage to the skin is the same. I was once a lifeguard at a large waterpark in Mississippi. Tell DH he can definitely burn - I have seen it happen so many times. It doesn't appear red - just really dark - that's the evidence of skin damage. We had regular African American kids that came to the park almost everyday. The ones who didn't bring sunscreen definitely burned. No matter what color your skin is, the sun's rays can cause damage. We spend A LOT of time at the lake and pool and we continuously lather our kids with BullFrog SPF 45. DD has her dad's skin, DS has mine - both using the same SPF. I recommend BullFrog lotion (can get at WalMart - $8.00 or so) because it's water proof , sweat proof, and lasts quite a long time. It also doesn't have that tropical smell - hardly any smell at all. They have a gel, but it is just too sticky to us. We also use a GREAT face sunscreen that won't sweat off as quickly as others. It's at Walmart and is called "Faces" and is $0.50. It lasts us all summer. Can't beat the price or the protection. It's mostly zinc oxide, but it rubs in.
Have a great trip, and by all means - wear sunscreen!

 

[Amirah95]

I sell Avon and I use Avon...use Avon on your kids!