Ultimate Guide to Sunscreen: Protect Your Kids’ Skin Year-Round with Teural

 A few years ago, my sunscreen strategy was, let’s say, a bit one-dimensional — slap it on the kids during sunny days and hope for the best. Broad spectrum? Sounds like a cable package. Mineral vs. chemical? I thought we were talking sunscreen, not chemistry class! But here’s the scoop: sunscreen isn’t just for those sizzling summer outings. It turns out, those sneaky UV rays don’t take a vacation — whether it’s cloudy, rainy, or frosty, they’re always ready to party with your skin. So now, whether my kids are headed to school, playing tag in the backyard, or just daydreaming next to a window, sunscreen is their year-round plus-one. This isn’t just a beach thing — it’s a daily shield against those pesky photo-crashers. This guide will slice through the jargon, laying down the sunny truth about why sunscreen is a must-have, how it works its magic, and how to pick the perfect one for every skin type and season. Buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the world of SPF, UVA, UVB, and everything in-between!

Why Use Sunscreen

Think of sunscreen as your skin’s personal bodyguard against the sun’s sneaky UV rays, it’s like putting up a “No Trespassing” sign — to prevent sunburn, reduce the risk of skin cancer, and combat the premature aging of the skin. Considering our skin is the largest barrier against infection we have, maintaining its health and integrity with sunscreen is our responsibility.

Sunscreen acts as a shield on the epidermis, blocking or absorbing harmful UV rays before they penetrate deeper and cause DNA damage. UVA penetrates deeper in skin as compared to UVB rays.

Understanding Sunscreen Terminology

• Broad Spectrum: Dual Defender — Imagine broad-spectrum sunscreen as your all-in-one superhero suit. This label means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays age skin cells and can drive long-term skin damage, while UVB rays cause sunburn. Both contribute to skin cancer risk.
• SPF: Sunburn Shield — Think of SPF (Sun Protection Factor) as your skin’s superhero, armed with a sunblock shield. It battles those villainous UVB rays that aim to turn you into a red lobster(sunburns) and sprinkle your face with freckles and hyperpigmentation. While SPF 100 sounds impressive, blocking 99% of UVB rays, it’s just flexing a tiny bit harder than SPF 50 (which already blocks a cool 98%).

• PA Rating: Age-Avoidance Ally - Commonly seen in Asian sunscreens, the PA system measures UVA protection level, ranging from PA+ to PA++++, with more plus signs indicating greater protection.

Types of Sunscreen Agents

• Physical (Mineral) Sunscreens:
  These sunscreens contain active mineral ingredients like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which sit on top of the skin to deflect and scatter damaging UV rays. They are generally considered a safer option for kids and babies because they aren’t absorbed by the skin. However, they are less aesthetically appealing due to the white cast they can leave on the skin.
• Chemical Sunscreens:
  Chemical sunscreens contain organic (carbon-based) compounds such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, and avobenzone. These compounds absorb UV radiation through their chemical bonds. While effective in protecting the skin from UV radiation and more appealing aesthetically, they may pose potential side effects, particularly for children with sensitive skin.

Side Effects of Chemical Sunscreens

Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, and Homosalate:
These chemicals can disrupt hormone functions in kids due to their endocrine-disrupting properties. They have been linked to altered estrogen levels and hormonal imbalances. Additionally, they can be absorbed into the bloodstream and detected in urine, raising concerns about long-term exposure and its effects. All three can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, particularly in children with sensitive skin.

Beyond human health, these ingredients have detrimental effects on marine ecosystems. Oxybenzone and octinoxate contribute to coral bleaching and reef damage, and all three can accumulate in marine life, disrupting growth and reproduction. As persistent organic pollutants, they are resistant to degradation and can build up in water systems, posing long-term environmental risks.

How to Choose the Right Sunscreen

Choosing the right sunscreen involves considering your skin type, any skin conditions, and your environment:

• For dry skin, look for formulations with hydrating ingredients.
• Oily or acne-prone skins benefit from lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreens.
• Children’s skin is more sensitive than adult skin, necessitating gentler, fragrance-free, and mineral-based sunscreens or combination of physical and chemical is a better choice.
• Choose right SPF, PA and broad spectrum sunscreens depending on your sun exposure levels. 

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of sunscreens and their ingredients helps us make informed choices about protecting our skin. Stay tuned for skincare offerings from Teural , a skincare brand for kids aged 8–18 years including sunscreens.