Don't let lawsuits turn you off sunscreen

Different kinds of UV rays
Yet, dermatologists also agree that proper application alone won’t solve all sunscreen problems. Another issue with sunscreens is that they advertise “broad-spectrum” coverage, leading parents to believe they are protecting children from both UVA (the rays associated with skin discoloration and sagging) and UVB (rays associated with burning and skin cancer). This is especially misleading when products claim a high SPF along with the words “broad spectrum” coverage. Most consumers are then led to believe the high SPF is blocking both types of rays.

However, the SPF number only applies to UVB rays. There are UVA ratings in other countries but currently in the U.S. there are no standard measures of UVA protection.

“The front of the bottle may say that it blocks UVA and UVB rays. Maybe it does this enough for labeling criteria but the truth is that the product may not be a very good UVA blocker,” warns Harmon.

Dermatologists say that, barring label reform, the only way to ensure adequate full spectrum protection is to be a careful label reader. There are only a few ingredients that work well to block or absorb UVA rays. Make sure your children’s sunscreen has an SPF 30 to block UVB rays and also contains at least one of these ingredients to block UVA: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or avobenzone (parsol 1789).

Other options for protecting your family
Moreover, don’t rely solely on sunscreen.

“In fact, sunscreen should be viewed as a last line of defense,” says Harmon. “Sun avoidance is the first.”

That doesn’t mean staying indoors, though.

"It's a misconception that dermatologists don’t want you to go outdoors. We just want you to be strategic in how and when you do outdoor activities.”

Picking a sunscreen — The American Academy of Dermatology recommends everyone should wear a Sun Protection Factor 30 sunscreen or more. — Don't believe the “broad-spectrum” claims on sunscreen labels. The U.S. has no standard measurement of blockage for the other kind of harmful rays, UVA. — The best consumers can do for now is read the label for these UVA blocking ingredients: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or avobenzone (Parsol 1789).

If children can do outdoor activities in the shade or before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m., encourage them to do so. They’ll get substantially fewer harmful rays.

Also, encourage the use of protective clothing. There is now surfer-inspired SPF swimwear (often called “rash guards”) and other clothing made of breathable, UV-shielding fabric. It’s difficult for very young children, but encourage kids to wear sunglasses to protect their eyes. Most importantly, try to get children to wear sun hats. A hat with a 6-to-8 inch brim all around is optimal.

“If kids wear a hat and a hat alone they’ll get the equivalent of an SPF 8 for the face, tops of ears and back of neck,” says Harmon.

Lastly, strongly discourage teens from sunbathing and visiting tanning beds. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Cancer Institute say each year more than 1 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed. Since 1981, the incidence of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, has continued to increase and has become the most common cancer among young adults. Many pros point their fingers at the popularity of tanning beds.

“There’s no way to live on this earth and not get radiation,” says Harmon. “The idea is to use everything in your arsenal — including but not only sunscreen — to minimize your sun exposure.”

“I’d never not use sunscreen on my son,” says Parker. “But regardless of what the label says I realize the best solution is shade.”

Victoria Clayton is a freelance writer based in California and co-author of "Fearless Pregnancy: Wisdom and Reassurance from a Doctor, a Midwife and a Mom," published by Fair Winds Press.