Why You Should Stop Using Spray Sunscreen On Your Kids Right Now

We all love the summer and the hot sunny days, right? But, we also know that the sun can be brutal. So, if you’re a parent, keeping your kids safe from the sun’s harmful UV rays is among your top priorities. And you always get the best and most expensive sunscreen, with the highest SPF.

Yes, applying sunscreen to squirming children every two hours can be a difficult task. But, this is much easier now, with the “amazing” spray-on sunscreen. But, what if we tell you that these, spray-on-sunscreen’s, are not good for you? And yes, they are not good for you – an investigation by the Food and Drug Administration has prompted Consumer Reports to urge parents not to use spray-on sunscreen on or near children.

Here’s what you need to know – according to Consumer Reports, the FDA began investigating the risks of the chemicals in spray-on sunscreen being inhaled during application in 2011, but has yet to reach a verdict. While the investigation is ongoing, Consumer Reports is urging parents to stop using sunscreen of the spray variety on children until the FDA completes its analysis.

So, if you use these spray-on-sunscreen’s, your child will be inhaling toxic chemicals. And you should also know that these spray-on sunscreens are flammable if they get too close to an open flame (like a grill) before thoroughly drying. You should also know that the American Academy of Dermatologists has issued a similar warning about spray-on sunscreens, saying using them often results in uneven coverage as well as inhalation.

Note: but, if you already have a spray-on sunscreen, it’s better to use it on your kids rather than leave their skin unprotected, but you should spray it onto your hands and then rub onto your child.

The American Academy of Dermatologists advises:

“Never spray sunscreen around or near the face or mouth. Spraying adequate amounts of the sunscreen into your hands and then applying the sunscreen can help avoid the fumes while also ensuring adequate coverage. When applying spray sunscreens on children, be aware of the direction of the wind to avoid inhalation.”

Useful Tips for Keeping Kids Safe from Sun

• Here’s what you need to know – the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) highly recommends that you should avoid exposing babies under 6 months to the sun and to dress infants in lightweight long pants and shirts and brimmed hats. A minimal amount of sunscreen with at least 15 SPF can be applied to small areas, if necessary.
• But, if your children are older, than they should also wear hats with a brim, sunglasses and clothing with a tight weave to protect against UVA and UVB rays, the AAP says. They should also stay in the shade when possible and limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Note: all children should use a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or greater that protects against UVA and UVB rays and reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating, the AAP says.