In India, we have fair-skinned people use Amalaki. It is a fruit that has been shown to reduce the adverse effects of radiation, both from the sun and from exposure from X-rays during medical testing. My radiologists and radiology technicians, airline pilots, tennis players, and post-chemotherapy patients take 2 tablets of Amalaki regularly. So when you go to the beach, take Amalaki with whichever SPF you use or not use.

spf of 30 or higher applied at least hourly because no sunscreen is completely waterproof Higher for more light complexion children..since I work in an urban area I recommend the same for my Black patients
Loris Rayner MD
pediatrician AMG Chicago

Dermatologists recommend sunscreen with a SPF (sun protective factor) of 45 or greater all times of the year when children are in the sun. Yes, 45 is enough, but the higher the SPF, the better. The sunscreen should be applied liberally to all areas of sun exposure every 2-3 hours while in the sun. If not water resistant, then the product should be applied much more frequently. Damage done to skin cells over time is cumulative so every sun exposure without protection increased the risk of skin cancer as one ages. Skin cancer is increasingly common and the incidence of fatal malignant melanoma is rapidly increasing so the risk of not applying screen is significant. There are many products on the market. Maybe you could find one that your children might not mind putting on so much. Good luck! Hope this helps. Norris Payne, M.D.

Thank you so much for your question. This is an important topic and a frequently asked question.


The FDA will soon be changing the labeling requirements on sunscreens to simplify labeling in order to help consumers choose sun screen products and avoid misleading claims of manufacturers regarding sun protective factors. The new guidelines will require labeling that states that the SPF greater or not and if the product provides UVA and UVB protection. These changes will be implemented in the near future.


In general SPF 50 or greater with both UVA and UVB coverage is recommended for direct sunlight exposure. Sunscreen needs to be applied adequately to provide protection and reapplied every 2 hours or sooner if swimming, exercising, etc to maintain protection. Avoiding extensive exposure during the peak hours of sun between 10am and 2pm and wearing sun protective clothing that includes long sleeves, wide brim hates when possible, and sunglasses is also helpful to avoid excessive sun exposure. Many dermatologists recommend at least SPF 30 for indirect sun exposure on a daily basis, however, this may be inadequate for certain individuals with fair skin or those with an increased risk of skin cancer, or in climates where the sun exposure is very intense. Sun protection is very important for children, including sun protective clothing and bathing suits, avoiding over exposure, and the use of child safe sunscreens.


The American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation websites are an excellent resource for patients that you may find helpful:
http://www.aad.org/spot-skin-cancer
http://www.skincancer.org/


Thank you for your inquiry.
Andrea Willey, MD

Using more than SPF 30 gives very little increase in protection. It is important that the sunblock covers both UVA and UVB rays. Apply liberally to sun exposed skin (even under clothing that does not block the rays) up to 2 hours before exposure (read the label). Use a water resistant or water proof if you are going to sweat alot or are going into the water. ALL sunblocks need to be reapplied every 1-2 hours. Also you should use UV opaque sunglasses (increased risk for cataracts) and a hat if possible since it seems the head is hit with sunlight the most.
Nancy Sheehan, MD, MPH, FACPM

Excellent question. You and your children should wear sunscreen all year-round to protect from the strong UV rays we have in Texas. There are two types of sunscreens: chemical and physical. Physical blockers contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These reflect the sunlight, like tiny mirrors, and are safe in children. Chemical sunscreens absorb the light. I recommend Neutrogena Pure and Free for the whole family. It is a true physical blocker that comes in several vehicles: facial stick, lotion and cream. I hope this helps and remember to be sun safe!