If you’re going to come to Costa Rica, you should plan to re-apply a lot.
We are so glad you want to come to Costa Rica. We are doubly glad you want to bring your kids – this country is built for them. Practically every restaurant has a play area and you will find that Ticos welcome them with open arms. There are myriads of activities in even the smallest, most modest hotels. Inevitably at some point, while watching your children frolic about in the pool, your internal alarm will come on and you’ll think…”It’s been an hour and a half since I applied sunscreen on them…I should probably do something about that.” So while your children have the time of their lives watching monkeys and macaws, you will interrupt everything and slather on the white stuff as they groan “mawm” and you will groan “too bad” and they will ask “Now can I get back in the pool mawm??” and you will say “not yet….not yet…not yet…” then rinse and repeat until 5:00pm when you realize they were right when they said “with kids it’s not a vacation, it’s a trip.”
Anyway, we are good parents here, and good parents must prioritize sun protection, especially during outdoor activities that are common in Costa Rica’s vibrant environment. A high SPF is crucial in safeguarding young skin from the dual threats of UVA and UVB rays. While UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin, contributing to premature aging and potential long-term damage, UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburn. An SPF 50 sunscreen provides a robust shield, blocking around 98% of UVB rays.
Also, if you like money and don’t want to see yours wasted, for the love of all that is good and holy buy your sunscreen in your home country and bring it with you. Recently we visited the RIU Guanacaste and it was a whopping $50 at their local shop. Buy ahead and buy a bunch.
Top-Rated Sunscreens: Our Picks for SPF 50+ Kids’ Protection
We know you’ve got a lot to do. Choosing the right sunscreen for your child becomes essential and, often, overwhelming. To simplify this task, we have curated a list of top-rated sunscreens specifically formulated to provide SPF 50+ protection for kids.
1. Babyganics SPF 50+ Sunscreen Lotion
This sunscreen is a favorite among parents due to its gentle formulation, which includes plant-based and certified organic ingredients. It offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with zinc oxide as its primary active ingredient. Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, it’s perfect for swimming and beach outings. We appreciate its smooth application and non-greasy finish.
2. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen SPF 50+ for Kids
Highly recommended by dermatologists, this sunscreen features both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide comprehensive protection. Its water-resistant formula lasts up to 80 minutes, making it ideal for prolonged outdoor activities in Costa Rica’s humid climate. Parent reviews commend its ease of application and effective sunburn prevention.
3. Banana Boat Kids UltraMist Continuous Spray SPF 50+
If you are looking for speed and convenience, this spray sunscreen is a fantastic choice. It offers broad-spectrum coverage and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It’s hypoallergenic, free from added fragrances, and contains aloe vera and vitamin E to soothe and nourish sensitive skin. Parents praise its no-mess application and long-lasting effectiveness.
4. Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen SPF 50
Formulated with 100% naturally-sourced ingredients, including zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, this product is gentle on even the most sensitive skin types. It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and has received endorsements from pediatricians and dermatologists alike. Real-world reviews highlight its non-irritating formula and excellent sun protection.
Have a great time.
P.S. This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission when you click and buy. Your purchases will help us buy more sunscreen and/or gallo pinto.