We’ve got the answers to your
most pressing sun care questions.
Q:What’s the difference between SPF 15 and 30?
A: Despite what you may think, SPF 30 doesn’t have twice the protection as SPF 15. In fact, an SPF of 15 shields skin from 93 percent of UVB rays, while an SPF of 30 provides 97 percent protection. Keep in mind that SPF measures blockage of UVB rays only. Look for sunscreens with “broad-spectrum” or “broadband” protection, which also guard skin from UVA rays.
Which sun care product fits your lifestyle?
Everyday/Year-Round SPF 18 Moisturizing Lotion 
doubles as a morning moisturizer thanks to its super sheer formula and light texture. Nervous that you’ll smell like a coconut? Don’t be! The scent is clean and refreshing, not “beach-y.”
Calming Soothing and Healing Spray is great for the whole family. Designed to heal sunburns with aloe vera, yucca and herbs, it is also extremely hydrating. Take it to the beach and use it as a moisturizing spritzer in place of plain water.
No Fragrance SPF 30+ Sunblock Stick is ideal for little faces and hands (and adults too!) The solid formula gives you precise control over application, plus it won’t drip. Use it for mid-day touchups to your nose, cheeks and other hot spots.
Citronella SPF 30+ Sunscreen keeps bugs at bay, plus it smells delish! Instead of DEET, it contains citronella and lemongrass essential oils, all of which are safe and effective bug repellents. Bonus: it also soothes existing bug bites.
California Baby Designer Sunglasses offer style with a purpose! For newborns to age 2, these sunglasses provide 100% UV protection. Get your kids wearing sunglasses early, and it will become second nature.
Q:Should I use a chemical or physical sunscreen?
A: Physical. Chemical formulas use ingredients like avobenzone, PABA and benzophenones (dixoybenzone, oxybenzone) to absorb UV rays. Since they penetrate the skin, some people experience adverse reactions such as acne, burning, itching, redness and swelling. Physical blockers such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide sit on top of the skin to reflect and scatter UVA and UVB rays, and they typically don’t cause skin reactions.
Q:Will physical sunscreens leave a thick white residue behind?
A: Not with California Baby formulas, which use coated micronized titanium dioxide (Ti02 for short) as the active ingredient. Ti02 particles are first coated and then suspended into a base that further encapsulates the particles, keeping the size uniform, even and stable. This process ensures that the sunscreen provides high SPF broad-spectrum protection without the telltale whiteness of regular non-chemical sunscreens.
Q:How often do I need to reapply sunscreen?
A: When you’re at the beach, apply sunscreen every two hours and more often if you’re swimming or perspiring. If you’re just tooling around town, you’ll still need protection but you most likely won’t need to reapply. Using SPF in the morning should be enough to keep you covered throughout the day.
Q:What's the best way to treat a burn?
A: There are several ways to do this. A cool compress (try a washcloth soaked in cold milk) can be very soothing. Avoid soaps, which can be too drying. Instead, check out California Baby bubble baths—they cleanse the skin without stripping it of moisture. Aloe vera is fabulous at reducing inflammation and chilling the skin (see Spotlight for the scoop on aloe) as is calendula cream. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and as little of it as possible to cut down on chafing.
Q:In what order should I apply my skin care products?
A: It goes like this: cleanser, toner, moisturizer, then sunscreen. You get the best results when you use products in this order. We like California Baby Shampoo & Bodywash to cleanse, Non-Burning & Calming Diaper Area Wash to tone, Calming Botanical Moisturizing Cream or Everyday Lotion to moisturize and Everyday/Year-Round SFP 30 + Sunscreen Lotion to protect. You can even cut out a step by using SPF 18 Moisturizing Lotion—it hydrates skin and blocks UV rays. Genius!
Q:Will my child’s clothing give her adequate sun protection?
A: Yes and no. Her clothing will offer protection, but not enough to forgo sunscreen. A white T-shirt has an SPF of about 7, but when wet the SPF drops to 3. Protect your child with sunscreen (especially on areas that clothing doesn’t cover like the face, neck and hands) and don’t forget to have your little one wear a hat. Many companies offer clothing specially made to block UV rays. We like sun protection clothing from coolibar. Visit coolibar.com.
Q:Should my baby wear sunglasses?
A: Yes! Sun exposure can put your baby at risk for eye problems later in life. If your little one absolutely refuses to wear shades, opt for a hat that keeps the sun out of his eyes. The American Cancer Society recommends using sunglasses with at least 99% UV absorption for the best protection.
Q:At what age can I bring my baby into the sun?
A: Babies under 6 months old should be kept out of direct sunlight since their skin is more sensitive and thinner than adult skin. If you can’t keep your baby out of the sun, it’s fine to apply non-chemical sunscreen. But before you cover him head-to-toe in non-chemical sunscreen, apply a dab on a small patch of skin to test for adverse reactions. Don’t forget to use non-chemical sunscreen on areas that aren’t covered by clothing, such as the face, neck, tops of the feet, and backs of hands.