Experts Suggest Wearing Sunscreen Every Day—Even When Your Kids Are Indoors!

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Most of us wear sunscreen when it's extremely hot—when we hit the beach or during the summer. But have you heard that wearing sunscreen is necessary, even on cloudy or rainy days?

In the Facebook group, Smart Parenting Village, Mommy Gladys Tuvera asked for sunscreen recommendations among the 100K mom and dad members.

She said, "[My son] is 4 years old po, and whenever we go out, I want him to be sun-protected."

Mommy Loren Moraga, meanwhile, shared that her dermatologist advised her to apply sunscreen to her kids even when they're at home. Is this really necessary? We asked an expert, and found out that yes, wearing sunscreen, even when staying indoors, is a must.

READ ALSO: Sunscreen Is A Must: Smart Parenting Village Members Recommend Brands Of Lotion With SPF

Why wearing sunscreen indoors is important

1. Protection against UV exposure

Smart Parenting reached out to Marie Len Camaclang-Balmores, MD, FPDS, DDSP-PDS, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist and fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society, for insights.

Dr. Camaclang-Balmores, who is a visiting consultant at the University of the East-Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center explained, "If your kids spend time indoors, but often stay close to open or glass windows or doors, wearing sunscreen is crucial. It protects their skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, which can still penetrate these windows and doors. This is especially important for kids with photosensitivity, whose skin is susceptible to turning red or burning upon sun exposure."

She added, "So wearing sunscreen indoors is highly encouraged for those with exposure near windows or doors, and an increased risk of sun damage, which could be due to personal, family or medical history of photosensitivity or skin cancer."

2. Protection from blue light emitted by electronic devices

Apart from shielding your kids from UV rays, you can think of sunscreen as a regular lotion, particularly if you choose a lightweight, non-greasy option. With our constant use of electronic devices, which emit blue light, daily sunscreen application can help protect your child's skin from potential harm caused by this light.

Dr. Hadley King, a New York-based dermatologist was cited in an article by The New York Magazine The Strategist, saying, blue light exposure is not associated with skin cancer like UV rays are, but it can cause skin to age prematurely.

3. Prevention of harmful skin damage and illnesses

Dr. Camaclang-Balmores emphasized that when their skin is well-protected, they will be able to enjoy more time under the sun. "Wearing sunscreen does not only protect the skin from immediate damage such as sunburn, but also protects them from the long-term, cumulative effects including premature skin aging and risk of developing skin cancer."

When it comes to choosing sunscreen for your children, Dr. Camaclang-Balmores advised, "Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Opt for mineral or physical sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. For kids with photosensitive skin prone to hyperpigmentation, go for tinted sunscreens. Re-application of sunscreen every two hours is recommended."

She concluded, "For any skin concerns, it's always best to consult a board-certified dermatologist."

Parent-recommended sunscreen for kids

From the recommendations to Mommy Gladys' query in the Smart Parenting Village, we listed the top-recommended sunscreen for every day use.

1. Orange and Peach Sunblock for Babies and Kids SPF 50 (Php 349)

Mommy Penelope Baria recommends Orange and Peach sunblock and shared: "I have tried [three brands] for my kid. So far, Orange and Peach are less sticky among the three. Almost same like halos ng ordinary lotion and texture."

It is FDA-approved, safe, affordable, and effective for your baby's skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy, so your child would feel like it is just an ordinary moisturizer.

Buy it on Shopee here

 2. Human Nature SafeProtect SPF30 Sunscreen for Babies & Kids 50g (Php 500)

Human Nature is a Filipino brand known for using natural, organic, and safe ingredients. It is also free from parabens, mineral oil, and synthetic fragrances. It is safe for babies 6 months and older and has a mild, sunshiny vanilla-orange scent.

Buy it on Shopee here

Buy it on Lazada here

3. Mustela Very High Protection Sun Lotion 40ml (P860)

Mustela is a trusted brand that has worked with parents since the 1950s. The brand is committed to giving "natural origin skincare brands" and standing by parents.

What sets their sunscreen apart from other brands is that they use a patented ingredient, avocado perseose®, to reinforce the skin's moisture barrier and preserve the richness of baby's delicate skin. It has a Vitamin E that is known for its antioxidant properties.

Buy it on Shopee here

Buy it on Lazada here

 4. Sunplay Kids Sunscreen Lotion SPF60 (Php 401)

Another good choice for moms is this Sunplay Kids sunscreen, which is hypoallergenic tested and safe for kids with sensitive skin. This brand is produced by the Mentholatum Company, Inc., a maker of non-prescription healthcare products in the United States.

Buy it on Shopee here

5. Beach Hut Kids SPF 100 - 50ML (Php 355)

If you are traveling or on a long trip, moms use this Beach Hut Kids SPF 100 for double protection. Beach Hut Kids SPF100 Lotion Sunscreen claims to be a light and moisturizing sunblock that provides extreme sun protection against sunburn and skin damage. It is paraben-free, Vitamin E-enriched, hypoallergenic, and ultra-mild, specifically made for your kid's delicate skin.

Buy it on Shopee here

6. Biore UV Kids Pure Milk Sunscreen (Php 640)

This brand is made in Japan, and most moms in the Smart Parenting Village swear by it. It is also resistant to sweat, water, and rubbing and safe for everyday children's outdoor play.

Buy it on Lazada here

Check out the sunblock brands that are safe to use on baby's skin here.

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