Parental guidance: Spray-on sunscreen vs. lotion

Q. Is there a difference in quality or efficacy between spray-on sunscreen and lotion? Is one better for children?

A. "What's critical is not the consistency of the sunscreen, (or) whether it's spray or lotion or cream," says Dr. Pamela Basuk, a dermatologist in private practice in Bay Shore. What's important is the sun protection factor, or SPF, which measures protection from UVB rays. A product will hold up to its number, she says, no matter what form it's in. The American Academy of Dermatologists recommends the SPF be 30 or higher, Basuk says. An SPF of 30 protects against 97 percent of the sun's rays.

Also important is whether the product offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA rays as well, she says. UVB rays cause basal and squamous cell carcinomas and melanoma; UVA rays cause wrinkling and leathering. Basuk prefers sunblocks with the ingredients titanium dioxide or zinc oxide for maximum UVA protection.

Remember to apply sunscreen before going into the sun, and to reapply every two hours and after swimming.

Use a liberal amount - most people don't apply it thickly enough, she says. The drawback to the spray is that spray can sting if your child has a cut, Basuk says. Cream or lotion makes it easier to avoid injured areas.