If you're like the typical parent, you've probably found yourself in the drug store staring at the wide selection of sunscreens available for your family. Then you've probably found yourself chasing the children around the beach as you try and ensure their entire body is covered, while they can't wait to play. And you may have asked yourself these questions: “Are some sunscreens better than others?” “Do I really need a kid formula?” and “Have I missed a spot?”

While the Okanagan sun provides us with a summer full of sunshine and hot days, we need to ensure that we're protecting ourselves (yes, don't forget about you!) and our children from the perils of that very sunshine that we love.

Sunscreen Tips For the Entire Family

Choose sunscreens that are water resistant, but re-apply often. Drying your kids with the towel could rub off their sun protection.

Apply to clean, dry skin for best protection.

Choose a sunscreen that is easy for you to use. Whether it is a stick, a spray lotion, continuous spray, or a lotion, be sure to choose an application that you know you can apply on your own kids.

Children's/Baby formulas usually are not much different from adult formulas. They may be gentle to the skin and fragrance free but you can also find these features in adult formulas as well.

Sensitive skin? Look for hypoallergenic, fragrance free, or PABA free.

The Best sunscreens don't always equal $$$.

Choose a Broad Spectrum sunscreen (UVA and UVB Protection).

Check the ingredients because some brands say they are Broad spectrum but are not. Look for avobensone, titanium dioxide, or zing oxide on the ingredients.

Physical or Chemical-Free sunscreens (made with sinc oxide or titanium dioxide) are recommended by many studies/experts. They form a barrier against the sun instead of being absorbed. And, they start protecting as soon as you apply.

If you're not using a physical/chemical free sunscreen, apply 15-30 minutes before exposure.

Don't forget the ears, nose, back of legs and neck, and tops of the feet
100% UVA sunglasses are recommended.

Don't forget the hat and sunsuits.

Check the Expiry Date – sunscreen expires.

Apply liberally. If you're using sunscreen properly you should go through at least 1 bottle per person each summer.

The Environmental Working Group's Sunscreen Summary put a variety of sunscreens to the test and recommend the following for their sun protection, and health protection. The following are some brands they highly recommend:

California Baby

Badger SPF 30

KINeSYS Spray SPF 30 (available at Costco!)

Mustela

Badger and KINeSYS can be found at:

Badger and KINeSYS

and some health stores, pharmacies and drug stores.

If you can't get a hold of any of the above brands, try one of the following more popular drugstore brands:

Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection SPF 40

Burt's Bees Chemical Free Sunscreen

Coppertone Spectra 3 SPF 50

Nutrogena Sensitive Skin SPF 30

Ombrelle Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

Ombrelle Sunscreen Spray SPF 15

Coppertone Kids Stick SPF 30

Aveeno Active Naturals Baby

Nutrogena Healthy Defense Oil Free Stick SPF 30

For the Best & Worst Lists according to the Environmental Working Group view their study:

Best and Worst Lists