- Myth 1: SPF100+ sunscreen provides three times the sun protection of SPF 30: A higher SPF sunscreen may block 99% of UVB rays, though it’s only a very slight increase. Use a high SPF if you do not apply enough sunscreen, or if you do not reapply it often.
- Myth 2: You can’t get a sunburn on a cloudy day. The FDA says that even on an overcast day, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can get through the clouds. So even when the weather is overcast, your kids need sunscreen to avoid getting a sunburn.
- Myth 3: If the sunscreen is waterproof, you don’t need to reapply it: According to the FDA no sunscreen is truly waterproof or sweat-proof. However, it can be water-resistant. All sunscreens, even those that are said to be waterproof should be reapplied after a swim.
- Myth 4: Sunscreen doesn’t work on my child. If despite using sunscreen your kids are still getting a tan, you are likely not applying enough sunscreen, or not reapplying it often enough.
- Myth 5: My child is allergic to sunscreen. It is highly unlikely for a child to be allergic to sunscreen. They may instead be allergic or sensitive to a particular sunscreen ingredient. Under the direction of your pediatrician, consider switching to a different sunscreen with different ingredients and apply a small amount to one part of your child’s body to see if it is safe to use.
- Myth 6: My kids use sunscreen, so they are safe from the sun. Sun safety goes beyond protecting your kids from ultraviolet radiation using sunscreen. Sun safety tips include using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing sunglasses that offer 99 to 100 percent UV protection as well as wearing as much protective clothing as possible, including a hat. Seek shade when available and limit exposure to the sun when it’s strongest – between 10am and 4pm.
- Myth 7: My kids already have a tan, so they don’t need sunscreen. There is no such thing as a healthy tan. Your kids need to use sunscreen to prevent further skin damage from the sun’s UV rays.
- Myth 8: I shouldn’t use sunscreen so my kids will get more Vitamin D. There are safer ways for kids to get vitamin D. Include vitamins, milk and other vitamin D fortified foods in their diet.
- Myth 9: My kids have dark skin and don’t need sunscreen. When going out in the sun, everyone should use a broad spectrum of sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to 30. Even if your skin is dark, or rarely burns, it is important to use sunscreen as according to the Environmental Protection Agency, ‘everybody, regardless of race or ethnicity is subject to the potential adverse effect of overexposure to the sun.
- Myth 10: SPF measures how much protection sunscreen offers. SPF may stand for sun protection factor, however it is only a measure of the sunscreen’s level of protection against UVB rays, which typically causes sunburn. However it does not take into consideration whether the sunscreen protects against UVA rays. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and cause premature aging of the skin.
- Final Tip: Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 to 30 to ensure that it offers both UVA and UVB protection.
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By training, I am a American Board Certified Pediatrician. But in my younger years I grew up with natural alternatives. As a mom I have tried to incorporate both for my kids and it has worked wonders. And finally, as I am studying natural & alternative medicines, I realize the beauty and wisdom of living closer to earth. Hence in my practice I integrate both...for acute ailments I follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation but for simple and/or chronic conditions I prefer natural alternatives.
In western training we were raised to think that "health is the absence of symptoms and problems". But eastern sensibilities has educated me that "Health is state that allows one to use the full capabilities of their body, mind and intellect. Therefore, healthy living is a balanced state of well being: physically, mentally, socially and spiritually." This implies that healing is not a "one-pill-fits-all", but a personalized experience.
