Play Safe in the Sun

Sun exposure is unavoidable. While having a little sun is beneficial, too much unprotected sun exposure can damage skin. Taking simple steps to start healthy habits can help kids stay sun safe every day.

Tips and tools to keep your family sun safe

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What Do Pediatricians Recommend?

The American Academy of Pediatrics is very specific when it comes to sun safety - and for good reason. Children experience a lot more sun exposure than adults. In fact, researchers estimate that we receive up to 80% of our total lifetime sun exposure before we turn 18.

To grow healthy and strong, our kids need the Vitamin D their body naturally produces in sunlight. But too much sun exposure can negatively affect their health. Getting more than 5 blistering sunburns as a child can more than double your risk for skin cancer in the future.

What to do with a Sunburn?
Help heal and soothe your skin while managing symptoms

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What Causes Sunburn?

Two types of UV rays reach the earth’s surface: UVA and UVB rays. Exposure to UVB rays causes skin damage, and our skin reacts by producing melanin as a defense. When there is more UVB exposure than our skin’s melanin can handle, the skin’s DNA is damaged and a sunburn appears.

Sun protection factor (SPF) measures a sunscreen’s ability to block UVB rays. Despite the common misconception, a sunscreen with a higher SPF does not allow you to stay in the sun for a longer amount of time. Every sunscreen should be reapplied at least every 2 hours.

Most pediatricians and dermatologists recommend broad spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 15 to 30+, which block up to 97% of UV rays.

What are Mineral Sunscreens?
Gentle and natural alternatives to chemical sun protection

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Choosing the Best Sunscreen for Your Kids

Sunscreens aren’t a one-product-suits-all solution. If your child’s skin has turned red, swollen or developed eczema when wearing sunscreens, they may be allergic to some common ingredients. The active ingredients in chemical sunscreens, most notably Oxybenzone, are some of the most frequent causes of photo-allergic reactions (aka photocontact dermatitis). Sunscreens made with fragrances and parabens may also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

For sensitive skin, dermatologists, allergists and pediatricians recommend using mineral sunscreens with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Mineral sunscreens work by sitting on top of skin, making them less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

We Love the Reef
Our Baby and Kids sunscreens are made without Oxybenzone, Octinoxate

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SPF Rating and UVB Protection %

Most pediatricians and dermatologists recommend broad spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 15 to 30+, which block up to 97% of UV rays.

Blue Lizard is the #1 pediatrician recommended mineral-based sunscreen brand. We’re proud to provide a full line of mineral and mineral-based sunscreens to keep your family sun safe.