Parents have choice to make when it comes to safe sunscreen for kids

PITTSBURGH — A recent Time Magazine article suggested that 80 percent of sunscreens don’t work or contain questionable chemicals, and one local doctor said families must make a choice when it comes to their children.

Dermatologists recommend two types of sunscreen for children. The first is chemical sunscreen, which obviously contains questionable chemicals but tends to last longer.

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The other type is called physical sunscreen, with is better for kids with sensitive skin but is likely to wash off with water or sweat.

At the end of the day, it’s up to parents to determine which is better for their children.

“It’s going to be up to each family,” said Dr. Robin Gehris of Children’s Hospital. “Do they want to go with a chemical sunscreen that might be more effective at blocking the sun’s rays, but then they’re exposing kids to chemicals?”

Dermatologists recommend using an SPF-30 or above sunscreen applied every two hours.

RELATED CONTENT:

• CLICK HERE for more information on EWG's 2015 Guide to Sunscreen

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