Back-to-school season means new schedules, new routines and a new season of practices and games. Soccer, football, cross-country and other fall sports can mean hours outside each week.
The season may be changing, but the sunscreen habit you built all summer still has a place in the fall routine.
Sun Protection Doesn't End With Summer
Kids playing outdoor sports can spend significant time in the sun during afternoon practices, weekend games and meets.
Make sunscreen part of getting ready for practice just like filling a water bottle, grabbing the right shoes or packing the sports bag. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen before heading outside, and remember that reapplication matters when kids are outside for extended periods.
Sunscreen That Fits the Sports Routine
For sports, think about water resistance, portability and how easy sunscreen will be to reapply once practice or a game is underway. Brush On Block offers a few different formats, so families can choose what works best for the moment.
From the sports bag to the sidelines, sunscreen belongs in the fall sports routine.
Before heading outside: BOB KIDS SPF 30 Sun Lotion and BOB KIDS SPF 50 Mineral Sun Spray make it easy to cover larger areas like arms and legs before practice or a game.
For face reapplication: BOB KIDS SPF 30 Brush On Mineral Powder is especially handy once kids are already playing. The dry mineral powder keeps sunscreen off their hands, and the brush is small enough to tuck into a sports bag or backpack. During a break, kids can quickly reapply to the face without adding lotion to sweaty hands.
For targeted application and reapplication: Quick Stick SPF 40 is another portable option that's easy to keep in a sports bag. Its stick format makes application simple when you're on the go, and it's water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
For practices and game days, look for sunscreen that fits easily into the sports routine.
Having more than one format can also make sense. Lotion or spray can handle broader coverage before heading out, while a brush or stick can make reapplication easier when you're already at the field.
Making Reapplication Part of the Game Plan
For extended time outdoors, reapply sunscreen at least every two hours and after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating when using an 80-minute water-resistant sunscreen. Towel drying is another cue to reapply.
For young athletes, breaks, halftime or time between games can be useful reminders. Keeping sunscreen in the sports bag means it's there when they need it instead of back at home.
And while kids may be increasingly independent about sunscreen, younger children will still need help applying it thoroughly. Older kids can gradually take on more of the routine themselves, with an adult check when needed.
Don't Forget the Sidelines
Fall sports aren't just outdoor time for the athletes. Parents, coaches, siblings and spectators can spend hours outside at practices, games and tournaments, too.
Game days mean plenty of outdoor time for the people in the stands, too.
A cooler morning can turn into a sunny afternoon, and cloudy skies don't mean UV exposure disappears. Keeping sunscreen in your bag makes it easier to reapply when you're settling in for another game.
Brush On Block Mineral Powder Sunscreen is particularly convenient for face reapplication, including over makeup, without having to start your routine over.
From Summer Days to Game Days
Back-to-school season changes the schedule, but it doesn't have to change the SPF habit.
Apply before heading out, pack an option that's easy to reapply, and make sunscreen another familiar part of getting ready for practice or game day. A little planning can make it much easier to keep sun protection in the routine all season long.
FAQ
What sunscreen is good for kids who play sports?
Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that's easy to apply and reapply and appropriate for the activity. For outdoor sports where kids are sweating, a water-resistant sunscreen is especially useful. The format matters, too: lotions and sprays can work well for broader coverage, while portable sticks and brushes can be convenient for reapplication during practices and games.
How often should kids reapply sunscreen while playing sports?
In general, sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours when outdoors. If the sunscreen is labeled water resistant, follow its specific water-resistance time and reapply after swimming or sweating for that amount of time, as well as after towel drying.
Is powder sunscreen useful for kids’ sports?
Powder sunscreen can be particularly convenient for reapplication. BOB KIDS Brush SPF 30 has a dry mineral powder format, so kids can reapply to the face without getting sunscreen on their hands. Its portable brush format also makes it easy to keep in a backpack or sports bag.
Should kids wear sunscreen for fall sports?
Yes. Kids can still be exposed to UV radiation during fall practices, games and other outdoor activities. Sunscreen should remain part of the outdoor routine even after summer ends.
