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Dr. Catherine Palmier – Best Sunscreen for Kids Ask the Experts – UHC TV Here’s a question I received from a viewer concerning sunscreen—what they should use and how often they should apply it to their child. Sun protection is a very important issue particularly as we seem to be getting more and more sun exposure due to changes in atmosphere. Overall, you want to choose a sunscreen that is appropriate for the activity your child is going to be participating in and that is also appropriate for their age. In general, the younger the child is, the more you have to worry about sensitivity and sensitive skin. Zinc oxide based sunscreens are usually best because that’s considered a non-chemical sunscreen. Basically, the zinc oxide—even though you can’t see it in the sunscreen—forms a reflective barrier. Usually, those kinds of sunscreens are a lotion or a cream that you put on a child. What’s convenient though for older children, two and older, are these spray on sunscreens. Those are chemical sunscreens, and they are convenient because some of the formulations can be applied to wet skin. The key to using sunscreen is to use the correct amount. And, for a lotion or cream it’s the size of a shot glass for a child and a little bit more for yourself as an adult. And also, to reapply it often. Even though many sunscreens say all day protection, the FDA and consumer groups have come down on manufactures because really there is no such thing as all day protection for sunscreen. They do recommend that sunscreen be applied every two hours. One thing also I’d like to mention, which I think is a little easier on parents and it’s something we use—my husband and I when our kids were young—is sun protection clothing especially if you have a child who seems to have some sensitivity to sunscreen. Those are basically t-shirts made of special material and/or nylon zip-up, modified wet suits. Usually they have short sleeves and short bottoms, and those provide a real easy way to zip your child into that and then have to use a minimum of other types of chemical sunscreens. Also important is a hat, hopefully covering the neck. The kind that looks squared off in the back. And also, sunglasses. Sun protection is really important and is something as the weather gets warm we want to make sure parents pay attention to.

Ask the Expert

Best Sunscreens for Kids

Question: Which sunscreen is best for a child? How should I apply it?

Answer from: Dr. Catherine Palmier, M.D., pediatrics expert

No sunscreen provides all-day protection. The key is to use the correct amount for kids and to reapply often.

kids, Ask the Expert, Healthy Kids, skin, sunscreen

The content of these videos is for information only and is not intended to be medical advice. Refer to your health plan benefit guide for coverage details, and consult with your doctor to determine what is best for you.

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Best Sunscreens for Kids

Question: Which sunscreen is best for a child? How should I apply it?

Answer from: Dr. Catherine Palmier, M.D., pediatrics expert

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