Sunscreen and Insect Repellents
Updated May 11, 2013.
When outside, unless you want to deal with a miserable kids with sunburn and covered in bug bites, you have to protect your kids from both the sun and bugs.
Does a combination sunscreen and insect repellent provide good protection against both the sun and insect bites and stings?
While you can use a combination product to protect your children against both the sun and bugs, it may not be a good idea.
Remember that you should reapply sunscreen every few hours, while you usually don't reapply an insect repellent often, or at all. Also, most experts think that insect repellents lower the SPF of sunscreens. So while a combo product might provide protection, it likely doesn't provide the best protection, unless your child is only going to be outside for a few hours.
They can be more convenient to use though.
After applying your sunscreen, following the manufacturer's instructions on the label for applying your insect repellent.
And while you should then reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours or sooner if your child is in the water, simply follow the insect repellent's recommendations to see if you need to reapply it again.
In general, if your child is getting bitten by mosquitoes or other bugs, then you may need to reapply your insect repellent or consider using one that is stronger and more long lasting.
Sources:
CDC. Insect Repellent Use and Safety. August 3, 2005.
When outside, unless you want to deal with a miserable kids with sunburn and covered in bug bites, you have to protect your kids from both the sun and bugs.
Sunscreen with Insect Repellents
While most parents use a separate sunscreen and insect repellent, products, such as the Coppertone Bug & Sun Sunscreen SPF 30 with Insect Repellent, provide protection against both insect bites and sunburn.Does a combination sunscreen and insect repellent provide good protection against both the sun and insect bites and stings?
While you can use a combination product to protect your children against both the sun and bugs, it may not be a good idea.
Remember that you should reapply sunscreen every few hours, while you usually don't reapply an insect repellent often, or at all. Also, most experts think that insect repellents lower the SPF of sunscreens. So while a combo product might provide protection, it likely doesn't provide the best protection, unless your child is only going to be outside for a few hours.
They can be more convenient to use though.
Using Sunscreen and Insect Repellents
If not using a combo product, it is usually best to apply your sunscreen first, and use a sunscreen with a high SPF in case the insect repellent does lower the SPF of your sunscreen.After applying your sunscreen, following the manufacturer's instructions on the label for applying your insect repellent.
And while you should then reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours or sooner if your child is in the water, simply follow the insect repellent's recommendations to see if you need to reapply it again.
In general, if your child is getting bitten by mosquitoes or other bugs, then you may need to reapply your insect repellent or consider using one that is stronger and more long lasting.
Sources:
CDC. Insect Repellent Use and Safety. August 3, 2005.
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