The matching shorts are super-stretchy and feature an elastic waistband with a drawstring, so you’ll have esay access for changing that swim diaper. $29, mec.ca
Planning family outings is hard enough when you’re trying to sync up nap schedules, pool hours and mealtimes, especially if you have multiple kids. But experts say most of your fun-in-the-sun activities should occur during off-peak hours, before 11 a.m. and after 3 p.m., when the sun isn’t at its strongest. “Especially for children, the most important strategies for protection are behavioural modifications related to sun exposure,” says Beecker. “If you want to go to the park, get up early and do that first.” While you’re at the playground, stick to the shade to keep kids cool and out of the glare of the sun, but don’t be fooled into thinking you’re completely safe from those rays under a tree. “It’s better than being out in full sun, but it’s not enough on its own,” says Beecker. Kids still need to be covered to protect from the UV rays scattering and reflecting all around—even in the shade, and even in the morning hours.
If you’re confused about what type of sunblock you should be buying, you’re not alone. They basically fall into two camps. Mineral, or physical, sunscreens contain titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide to scatter and reflect UV rays. Mineral sunscreens tend to look slightly chalky because they sit on top of the skin instead of being absorbed. For a time, some brands were trying to make the mineral particles smaller so that products would have a completely sheer finish, but in recent years a concern about the environmental effects of nanoparticles has pretty much put a stop to those formulations. As a result, many mineral brands are now boasting “non-nano” on their packaging.
Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients like avobenzone or oxybenzone to absorb UV rays. According to a small study run by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and released in the Journal of the American Medical Association in May, these ingredients also absorb into the skin (and pass to breastmilk) at potentially dangerously high rates, but more thorough research is needed. In their guidelines, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents “may want to select a sunscreen that does not contain the ingredient oxybenzone, a sunscreen chemical that may have hormonal properties.”
All of this probably makes you wonder whether the tube of chemical sunscreen in your cupboard is OK to keep using. “ [The] made people think they’re unsafe products, but that’s not quite it,” says Beecker. “More study is needed, and there isn’t enough data to recommend against [these] at this time.” She points out that in the FDA study, the 24 participants “used the equivalent of two bottles of sunscreen over four days. It has been estimated the average person uses one bottle per year.”
Beecker adds that “just because a product is absorbed doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, but we certainly need more research into sunscreen safety to get more information.”
The FDA is requesting further testing on 16 ingredients currently found in chemical sunscreens to ensure these products are better understood.
Until we know more, Beecker advises that parents should go with their guts, especially if they have really young children. “In kids under three years, the skin is very thin and will absorb things very easily, so if you are concerned, use a physical [or] sunscreen,” she says. Sometimes kids with sensitive complexions do better with mineral sunscreens anyway. “There’s no study to back this up, but some people find the physical sunscreens are less irritating,” says Beecker.
Once you decide on a type of sunscreen, there’s a range of formulations to choose from. Classic creams and lotions are your best bet for covering little arms, legs and torsos. It’s easy to control how much you put on—make sure you’re applying a thick layer without missing any spots. For a day at the beach in a classic swimsuit (not a rash guard), the guideline is two ounces of product (about enough to fill a shot glass) to cover an adult, so children will probably need half that much, depending on their size and whether they’re wearing long-sleeved tops or not.
Sunscreen sprays are convenient but they’re not ideal for little ones, because the particles floating in the air can be inhaled and they don’t provide reliable coverage. (When you’re spraying, it’s hard to tell exactly how much is going where.) However, many parents swear by these products because they say spraying is the only way they can get sunblock on squirmy, uncooperative kids. Beecker recommends doing a solid base layer with lotion 30 minutes before you hit the beach or pool and then reapplying with the spray later, when you’re mid-outing and it’s harder to get them to stay still for a cream or lotion. Spritz the product into your hands instead of directly on their skin, and be sure your kids are upwind when you’re spraying, so it’s not blowing into their face.
We've rounded up some of the best sunscreens for 2019 here:
Get head-to-toe protection against UVA and UVB rays with this new take on an old favourite. The cream literally “melts” into your skin for a non-greasy finish that leaves skin feeling soft. $30, laroche-posay.ca
If you have any questions on One Piece UV Protection Swimsuit. We will give the professional answers to your questions.