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Question about sunscreen...

Jennifer - posted on 04/20/2012 ( 7 moms have responded )

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So, lately when I take my kids to the doc for a well check, she has a list of items that she goes over each visit. One of the things, is about sunscreen. Of course she says to make sure if the kids are going to be out in the sun for longer than 15min, they need it on. The other thing she says is that if you have leftover sunscreen from the previous year to throw it out, even if it hasn't expired. Does anyone know why this is? Sunscreen is expensive, and I hate to throw it out if there isn't a major reason for this, but also I want my kids protected.

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Louise - posted on 04/21/2012

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I use a product called P20 which is water based and you only apply it once a day it lasts for 10 hours. Obviously if you are swimming you need to put it on again, Its a great product and goes on very easily as it looks like water. Once dry it has no smell and does not leave grease marks on clothes. We all use this now as my youngest is 3. This product has a longer shelf life and is no more expensive than the others. None of us have burnt with this.

Kelly - posted on 04/20/2012

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If it is not expired you *can* use it the following year as long as the bottle has not been opened and it has been stored in a cool, dry place. If it has been opened, or if you've left it in your hot car for any amount of time beyond the trip home from the store, it is best to throw it out.

Jennifer - posted on 04/20/2012

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The only kind I can get is SPF 50, because I have to stick to the Zinc Oxide based ones. My boys are allergic to all other ones, and I've never seen one with Zinc Oxide with less than 50. :( Thanks for the info ladies. I am very careful with sun protection, because I want to make sure I am keeping my kids healthy, and not exposing them to something that could cause harm later in life.

Kaitlin - posted on 04/20/2012

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Totally agree with Kimberly

Kimberly - posted on 04/20/2012

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Also meant to say get a SPF 30 as this is the ideal amount, anything over or under doesnt work as good. The Cancer Council recommends this grade

Kimberly - posted on 04/20/2012

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Its true sunscreen loses its block agents over time so it is best to buy a new bottle every year. I live where we need sunscreen on year around so we go through alot but it is worth it. Another way to protect them is to wear light cotton long sleeved shirts, wide brimmed hat not a ball cap and try to keep out of the sun between 10 - 2 which is the most harmful time for UV. Try to keep them covered up as much as possible when swimming and always reapply. Sun damage happens everytime we go into the sun not just when you burn, I see people all the time with skin cancers getting cut out and they had never sun tanned. Teach them sun protection while there young and they will thank you when they are older

Kaitlin - posted on 04/20/2012

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Yes, i do, and the reason is that it doesn't work after that much time. here's my beef: After a year of sitting in our closet, it does diddly. We're all VERY fair and burn in ten minutes flat. I can slather them (and myself for that matter) every half hour with the old stuff and it doesn't do anything. I HAVE to buy new stuff every year because if I didn't they would be burnt to a crisp. Learned the lesson the hard way. It is expensive, but one bottle v. one bad sun burn (and the harm one bad burn can do) is worth it to me, even though we're on a very strict budget. Now, my punk sister can go without anything at all and be perfectly brown and golden, never gets burned. I kind of hate her. ;)

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