Everyone knows you need sunscreen when you head to the beach, but few people actually use enough, or the right kind of sunscreen. People with sensitive skin, including children and babies, can react to many things including the chemicals in sunscreen, the preservatives, or even the base itself. It is important to take care when choosing a sunscreen to make sure it offers ‘broad spectrum’ protection, without harsh chemicals.
#Ad – I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Neutrogena. I received samples to facilitate my review, Learn Sunscreen Facts to Protect Sensitive Skin, and a promotional item to thank me for my participation. #ChooseSkinHealth #IC
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My grandmother had melanoma and had to have a skin graft on her face. She was so self-conscious about it. I remember that after the cancer was removed, how frustrated she was with her new appearance. After her cautionary story, I take the time to wear sunscreen. I also see my dermatologist twice a year to monitor my skin – especially one little freckle that’s not quite like the others.
Sunscreen Facts to Protect Sensitive Skin
1. Always use a 
broad spectrum sunscreen, even on overcast days
2. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every 2 hours, or after swimming
3. Protect your eyes with sunglasses, and wear a hat that blocks harmful UVA/UVB rays
4. Know your risks for skin cancer, and get spots checked out
5. Teach your children sun protection safety
Whether you’re spending the day at the beach, a few hours at the park, or hiking in the woods, you need to wear ‘broad spectrum’ sunscreen. According to a recent NPR article: ‘broad spectrum’ sunscreen offers protection against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays — two types of radiation that are both associated with cancer. An SPF of 15 or higher is recommended, but the FDA says there’s no evidence that SPFs of higher than 50 provide additional protection.
There are thousands of sunscreen products out there, so how do you know what to choose? Consider this, five Neutrogena Sun products were recently awarded the National Eczema Association (NEA)Seal of Acceptance:
- NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free® Baby Faces Ultra Gentle Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45+
- NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free® Baby Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 60
- NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free® Baby Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 60+
- NEUTORGENA® Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 60+
- NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free™ Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Eligible sunscreens must meet the following:
- Mineral based sunscreen ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO)
- Alcohol free
- SPF 30 or greater
- “Broad-spectrum” protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays
Sunscreen Facts – Did you know….
- One in five Americans will develop skin cancer, yet only 20% use SPF daily.
- Sunburns in children increase the odds of developing skin cancer later in life.
- Five sunburns can double your risk of melanoma.
- SPF only measures UVB rays; it doesn’t tell you anything about protection from UVA rays – look for the words the words “broad spectrum” to make sure your sunscreen offers full coverage protection.
For more details on sunscreen protection, including SPF, UVB, UVA, read this great article from TIME magazine by .
Be prepared for the beach with a variety of sun protection, including ‘broad spectrum’ sunscreen, hats that block UVA and UVB rays, and sunglasses, which protect your eyes and the skin around your eyes from harmful rays. See what I pack in my Beach and Boat Tote.
Tips for Applying Sunscreen
Most people do not use enough sunscreen . These Tips from National Exema Foundation website will help you make sure you protect your skin.
- The first time you apply a new product use a small amount (about the size of a pea) to the pulse of your wrist or the crook of your elbow. Do not wash the area for 24-48 hours and watch for any allergic reaction such as redness, a rash, any form of breakouts on the skin, itchiness, pain, flaking etc.
- Apply sunscreen evenly to all uncovered skin, especially your lips, nose, ears, neck, hands, and feet.
- Apply 15 minutes before going out in the sun.
- If you don’t have much hair, apply sunscreen to the top of your head, or wear a hat.
- Reapply at least every two hours or immediately after swimming.
- Give babies and children extra care in the sun. Ask your health care professional before applying sunscreen to children under 6 months old.
- Never apply sunscreen to damaged or broken skin.
Teach Your Children Sun Safety
The Skin Cancer Foundation has developed the free Sun Smart U education program to help teachers expose students to the importance of sun protection and give them the tools they need to prevent skin cancer. Download it here.
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