Kids’ sun care tips with an FSA

August is here and your kids are likely enjoying being outdoors with friends, attending summer camps, playing sports programs and generally out and about. Sun care isn't something that comes to mind every day, but as the kids are outside more, it's certainly important.

According to the World Health Organization, pediatric experts estimate that 80 percent of the UV rays that are absorbed during a person's lifetime occur before the age of 18. Because this is the time in a child's life when he or she will be most susceptible to the development of sunburns and skin cancers, you'll have to go the extra mile as a parent to safeguard your kids from the sun's rays.

Luckily, if you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use your tax-free funds on sunscreen, sunscreen lip balm, sun care like the Family Adventure Bundle, and everything else needed to improve your kids' sun care.

Choose the proper sunscreen

First and foremost, you'll need to choose a sunscreen that will provide all-day protection and resilient enough to keep up with your kids' active lifestyles. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are three major factors to seek out. Look for broad spectrum protection sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays, a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more and water resistance to stay effective after swimming or being exposed to sweat.

Apply sunscreen properly and repeatedly

Before your kids will be heading out into the sun, you should generously apply sunscreen 30 minutes before heading outdoors to ensure that it will work effectively. Pay particular attention to sensitive areas like the nose, ears, hands, feet, shoulders, behind the neck and lips that are prone to burning but are often overlooked during the application process. Last but not least, re-apply sunscreen every two to three hours or sooner if your kids have gone swimming or after sweating.

Medication concerns

Whether your child has been taking an antibiotic or is using acne medications, both could increase your son or daughter's sun sensitivity, which could lead to increased risk of sunburn, heat exhaustion and other complications. Be mindful of your kid's daily regimen to prevent any medication-related issues this summer.