John Browning, MD, provides practical skincare reminders ahead of summer season

As summer approaches, pediatric dermatologist John Browning, MD, Chief of Dermatology at Children’s Hospital of San Antonio and Organon Health Partner, is reminding families to stay vigilant about sun safety, especially for children and those with sensitive skin.

“As always during the summertime, I'd like to remind everybody to wear your sunscreen and stay protected and be smart when you're outside,” Browning said. “And of course, if you do have sensitive skin, be sure to take care of it. Moisturize with a gentle product that's fragrance-free, and don't forget to see your dermatologist if needed.”

When it comes to choosing the right sunscreen, Browning compared the process to picking a toothpaste or shampoo, as there are many options, and several can be appropriate depending on the individual.

“Most dermatologists would agree with me… there's lots of good choices out there,” he said. “You do want to look for something that's going to be SPF 30 or higher. It's usually pretty easy to find 50 or higher. It should say broad spectrum, UVA and UVB, and water resistant up to 80 minutes.”

Browning also emphasized the advantages of mineral sunscreens over chemical options, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin.

“In general, I think we would all agree that the physical blockers are better,” he said. “Those are the ones that have zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in it. And that's because those physical blockers will actually scatter those UV rays rather than trying to absorb it.”

Patients with atopic dermatitis or other skin sensitivities often fare better with physical sunscreens, according to Browning, who noted that these formulations tend to be better tolerated. Additionally, physical blockers are typically considered reef-safe, making them a good option for families planning ocean activities like snorkeling.

Still, Browning acknowledged that some chemical sunscreens—particularly those made with newer ingredients—can be suitable for many users, provided they don’t cause irritation.

“There are also lots of great chemical sunscreens out there, and you can pick the ones that have the newer ingredients,” he said. “Don’t use it if it burns or stings. At the end of the day, the best sunscreen is the one that you're going to use,” Browning said. “So pick one out that you know you're going to use.”