If you’re anything like us, every summer involves a new attempt to figure out the best sunscreen options for our kids – and ourselves. With the constantly evolving perspectives on the frequency of application needed, and which sunscreens actually work and are safe, we turned to Westport mom of four, and renowned Dermatologist, Rhonda (Ronnie) Klein for her “favorites” for this summer – and year round!
The one thing she insists we all remember – Sunscreen & sun protective gear (wide-brimmed hats, UPF clothing, sun glasses) prevent skin cancer. Frequent reapplication of a sunscreen with an SPF 30+ is essential for extended time outdoors and using a shot glass (2 tbsp) amount is necessary for adequate protection.
Dr. Klein’s Favorites
Sunscreens for kids & sensitive skin:
1. Vanicream
2. Blue Lizard
3. Elta MD Pure
4. Neutrogena Pure & Free
5. TIZO2
**For sensitive skin, stick with physical blockers (zinc & titanium)**
Sunscreens for everyday that are more cosmetically pleasing but also very protective:
1. EltaMD UV Clear
2. Obagi Sun Shield Matte
3. Skinceuticals Physical Matte UV Defense
4. MD Solar Sciences Daily Anti-Aging Moisturizer
5. TIZO3
And for a quick touch-up during the day, try Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen SPF 50 Sunscreens with max protection:
1. Bioderma Photoderm Max SPF50+
2. TIZO2 and TIZO3
3. LaRoche Posay Anthelios
4. ThinkBaby & ThinkSport
5. Shiseido Wet Force
Men’s Favorites:
1. Kiehl’s Facial Fuel UV Guard SPF 50+
2. Neutrogena Men Triple Protect Face Lotion with SPF 20
3. L’Oreal Men’s Expert Comfort Max After-Shave Balm with SPF
4. Nivea Men Skin Essentials Protective Lotion
5. Clinique for Men Broad Spectrum SPF 21 Moisturizer
Favorite Liquid Sprays:
1. Bioderma Photoderm Max SPF50+ (comes as a 400ml bottle which is amazing for large families) & Bioderma Photoderm Kid SPF50+
2. Kinesys High Performance Sunscreen
3. Kiss My Face Sunspray Lotion SPF 30
4. Elta MD UV Spray
5. Babyganics Sunscreen Spray
**Please avoid aerosolized sprays which not only contain a large % of alcohol which can be irritating but are also bad for the environment & require approximately 7 layers to yield the same protection as a cream/lotion/liquid**
Favorite Sunscreen Sticks:
1. Kinesys Sun Protection Stick
2. Neutrogena Pure & Free
3. Bioderma Photoderm Max Large Stick
4. Babo Botanicals Super Shield
5. Mustela
**Sunscreen sticks are great for reapplication on the face, especially near the eyes. For or all of us bargain shoppers, the new Trader Joe’s zinc sunscreen stick is a steal at $5.99; while not as cosmetically pleasing (it leave a white residue), it is a great addition to camp bags for the little ones to use on their faces**
Favorite UPF 50+ Sun Protective Gear:
1. Anything at Costco or BJs (load up on UV Skinz if you see it)
2. Coolibar
3. Cabana Life, Boden, or Hannah Anderson for more upscale outfits
4. Lands End or REI for sportier gear
5. Don’t forget your surfing brands for more stylish adult gear (Hurley, Billabong, Roxy)
Dr. Rhonda Klein is a Yale-trained board-certified dermatologist and Westport mom of four kids. She practices at Connecticut Dermatology Group in Norwalk and Milford, providing medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology for adults and children. She has been voted Top Doctor by Connecticut Magazine in 2016 and 2017 based on a survey of over 5000 physician recommendations.
http://www.ctdermgroup.com/team/rhonda-q-klein-md-mph
This story originally appeared on The Local Moms Network.