The Best Sunscreens For & The Best Ways To Apply It

Ah, the dog days of summer.

The sun is shining (and shining, and shining...) and you're spending most of your day chasing your kids around the yard trying to apply sunscreen. Before you cover your kid with the bottle that's been collecting dust since last summer, there are a few things to keep in mind in terms of the best sunscreens for kids.

"Look for a sunscreen with zinc oxide, with or without titanium dioxide," recommends Dr. Harry Falick, creator of CoTZ skincare. "Always look at the back of the package in the 'drug facts' section to see what ingredients are used."

In terms of getting your kids to sit or stand still so you can apply sunscreen, Ashley Magovern, MD, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Project Sunscreen recommends doing your best to make it fun. And while you're at it, make it part of your routine. "I have also found that you shouldn’t wait until you get to your destination to apply sunscreen," says Magovern. "Kids are too excited and ready to roll. Try putting it on before you leave, either while you're getting dressed or at the breakfast table. Keep several bottles lying around so you don’t have to look for it!"

Another tip for toddlers who can't stay still? Apply the sunscreen to your Blender Ball first and then apply to face, even involving your tot. Easy-peasy! So now that that's handled, what is the best sunscreen for kids' faces? And how about the best spray sunscreen for kids? Here are the best options to choose from.

Best Sunscreen for Kids

Best sunscreen for babies

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CōTZ Baby is SPF 40 and non-tinted. It's also extra gentle on even baby's sensitive skin. ($25.00, cotzskincare.com)

Related: Best Sunscreen Brands 2020

Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Sunscreen spray is made specifically to be applied to wet skin, so you can give your kiddo a spritz before or after the pool or beach.

Best Easy-to-Apply Sunscreen

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Project Sunscreen was created by two moms, including Rachel Henderson, who has a background in public health and education, and Dr. Ashley Magovern, a prominent Los Angeles dermatologist, who wanted to create a better sunscreen for their kids. It's easy to use (hello roll-on suncare!), is easy to carry around and can be personalized. The rollerball also makes it super easy to apply to wiggly kids, roll it on, rub it in, and there you go. ($16.99, Project Sunscreen)

Related: Best Baby Safe Sunscreens

The Sunscreen You'd Use:

A few years back, there was a lot of beauty chatter about the newest innovations in sunscreen, with the findings being to use products with broad spectrum protection. La Roche-Posay now makes their best-selling product in a kids' version. It's extra gentle, SPF 60 and works on face or body for up to 80 minutes.

The Go Anywhere Sunscreen:

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