Sunscreen vs. Sunblock

• Before you purchase any sun protection products, you should know that there is a difference between sunscreen and sunblock. The main difference is that sunscreen uses chemicals to absorb UV rays, whereas sunblock is made from physical or inorganic ingredients that deflect UV rays away from skin. For children and people with sensitive skin, sunblock is best because it is less likely than sunscreen to cause a rash as its ingredients typically do not irritate skin or cause an allergic reaction.
  
  

SPF

• The sun protection factor, or SPF, indicates the length of time that a sunblock will protect skin from burning due to UVB rays in comparison to how long it would take for skin to burn without any sunblock or sunscreen. Sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 is best for children, especially those with fair skin. Protection of up to SPF 50 and higher is also available in products for children. However, you should take care when using a high SPF sunblock, as this can lead to over-confidence about the level of protection provided and the amount of time that can pass before re-application is required.
  
  

Ingredients

• Not all products that describe themselves as sunblock actually contain sunblock ingredients. The only sunblock ingredients that are available in the United States are titanium oxide and zinc oxide. These are natural UV blockers that remain on top of the skin. Types of sunblock that protect against both UVA and UVB rays are best, and they should contain one of these chemicals. Titanium oxide and zinc oxide should be at least 5 percent for the most protection. For children that suffer from rashes when using sunblock, the best products are those that are fragrance free, hypoallergenic and PABA free. Look for products labeled "broad spectrum," which contain ingredients that provide protection against both aging UVA rays and burning UVB rays.
  
  

Water Resistance

• The best sunblock choices for kids are either water-resistant or waterproof products, especially if it is likely that children will get wet at some point when they are wearing sunblock. Water-resistant sunblock maintains its SPF rating for at least 40 minutes after exposure to water while waterproof sunblock is able to maintain its SPF rating for 80 minutes after exposure to water. Even if children don't plan on going swimming or running through the sprinkler, perspiration can cause non-waterproof sunblock to wear off more quickly than a water-resistant or waterproof kind.
  
  

Babies

• When infants are younger than 6 months old, their skin is too sensitive for sunblock or sunscreen. Instead, they should stay out of the sun altogether and remain in the shade. Babies should have their skin covered and wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade their necks, faces and ears.
  
  For infants over the age of 6 months, sunblock should be used but they should still wear a hat to keep their face shaded. Fragrance-free formulas are best for this young age, as they do not sting the eyes.