The quick truth is that you need to check the ingredients list of these marketed cuties to learn if it’s actually different from adult sunscreens. Long story short, an ideal baby sunscreen should contain mineral actives instead of chemical actives.
Now keep reading to see why,
Why choose baby sunscreen?
Babies don’t have a fully developed skin defense system until the age of three. The chemical actives like Oxybenzone and Avobenzone in a chemical sunscreen may irritate the delicate and sensitive skin of infants. The worst part is that it seeps into the skin, and bloodstream and ends up in the amniotic fluid, breast milk, and urine. Children may be more likely to suffer harmful effects than adults due to the higher absorption phenomena. These formulations get easily absorbed into the skin leaving a ‘No White cast’ look. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says that these chemical filters in sunscreen can accumulate in dolphin & coral tissues, cause reproductive issues in fish, and were researched for interference with the endocrine system. However, chemical sunscreens or any sunscreen is safer in older children when compared to unprotected exposure to the sun.
Meanwhile, mineral sunscreens contain safe and inert mineral ingredients say Zinc Oxide which you might have often learned from baby diaper creams or calamine lotions. These are non-irritating, gentle and safe for daily use on face and body of baby’s skin as well as proposed ‘Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective’ (GRASE) by FDA. The chemical sunscreen absorbs and converts sun rays to heat through a chemical reaction whereas the mineral version absorbs and scatters those risky rays just like millions of tiny mirrors bouncing away the sun beams that fall on your little one.
How to choose a baby sunscreen?
Remember though, NO sunscreens for your little ones less than 6 months. As mentioned earlier, hunt down your go-to ingredient list for Zinc Oxide, Titanium dioxide. Then scour around for Tear-Free, Fragrance-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free products alongside pampering skin-loving gentle ingredients like Shea butter, chamomile, avocado extract, calendula, aloe vera, and many more. For those squirmy toddlers, a spray application of sunscreen might be a favorite choice, however, caution has also been advised as they might be inhaled as well as chances of inadequate coverage too. Pick out a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher appropriate to your child’s skin type and suitable for child’s activities be it, water splashing, kids high jump or picnic outdoors.
Why is Mineral sunscreen a PRO?
- Safe and effective sun protection
- Non-toxic mineral filters approved by FDA.
- Absorbs and deflects sun rays.
- Ideal for sensitive skin prone to dryness
- Oil free and less likely to clog pores.
- Naturally broad spectrum protection (UVA and UVB)
- Lasts longer in direct ultraviolet light.
- Leaves behind a residue which means they are not absorbed in.
What else for baby sun defense?
- Plan your child’s outdoor timings and encourage indoor activities during the peak sun between 10 AM to 3 PM.
- Dress them in appropriate sun-protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats covering the face and neck.
- Babysit under a tree shade or umbrella or beach tent to avoid direct sunlight exposure.
- Be sure to not leave them naked in the harmful sun rays.
- Have the child wear sunglasses outdoors to protect the vulnerable eyes.
- Let the skin glisten while using a spray sunscreen and rub it gently afterwards.
- Be it protest or cry, reapply sunscreen to continue splashing in water.
Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a Healthcare Professional.
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