9 best kids sunscreen sticks to protect little faces

Hello, sunshine! As much as we all love summertime sunshine, the sun doesn’t necessarily love us back. Remembering to apply (and reapply) sunscreen is a big ask for adults and children alike. Nobody loves the slippery, gooey mess that comes as a result of applying sunscreen to a wiggly kid. But, that’s where sunscreen sticks come in to save the day.

The best sunscreen sticks are easy to apply and they protect against the sun’s harmful rays. They’re compact which makes them great for throwing in your beach bag and heading out for the day. Plus, the stick form means your child can apply it themselves! (With you to check their work, of course!) Scroll down to check out our favorite sunscreen sticks for little faces, including mineral sunscreens.

How to apply stick sunscreen

Sunscreen sticks make life a whole lot easier but you might be wondering how to use sunscreen stick. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has two recommendations. First, you’ll want to “apply four passes back and forth.” Second, be sure to rub it in afterwards. These rules apply for every area of the skin you cover.

Are sunscreen sticks effective?

The long and short of it is, yes! Your sunscreen is only as effective as your use of it. This means that it’s a good idea to apply before your fun in the sun, every two hours and especially right after your children are done swimming. The golden rule is to make sure that you rub it into the skin just as you would with a lotion. Because they make a kind of film on the skin, that increases the protective barrier and therefore makes it even more effective. The AAD recommends sunscreen be just one tool in your arsenal. Other tools could be sun hats, protective clothing and sun glasses. Check out these indestructible sunglasses that even your toddler can’t break.

How to clean sunscreen stick

Cleaning your sunscreen stick is easy peasy. Just wipe the top with an alcohol wipe or with some rubbing alcohol. If you’re in a bind, then some warm water and a clean cloth can also do the trick. You don’t necessarily need to wipe it after every single use but somewhere between two and three uses is a good idea.

Original Article Source | Author