Sunscreen for children [TOP 4 sunscreen]

Features of children’s tanning

A family vacation at sea is a long-awaited event, especially for children. The main thing that parents should remember is that in order for the trip to bring positive emotions and not harm the health of the baby, it is necessary to take care of sun protection for the child in advance.

Why is it important to use sunscreen for children?

The skin of babies and children under 3 years of age is delicate and especially vulnerable to the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation, since it synthesizes the protective pigment melanin in insufficient quantities and quickly burns. Unlike the skin of an adult, the epidermis of a child only starts the formation of immunity and learns to respond to aggressive environmental factors – this process usually ends by the age of 12.

For a baby’s hypersensitive and defenseless skin, sunburn is a special test – such damage provokes the onset of cancer at an older age, which is why it is so important to protect children’s skin from ultraviolet radiation and be sure to apply safe sunscreens with a high broad spectrum UV protection factor.

Types of sunscreen for children

Sunscreens for children vary in texture and age categories.

According to the textures, the following types of children’s sunscreens are distinguished:

1. Cream – dense textures, one layer is enough to provide the skin with reliable protection, often leave marks on the skin.
2. Milk – due to its light texture, the product is easily and evenly distributed over the skin.
3. Spray (dry spray) – easily sprayed, quickly and evenly distributed, often has an “anti-sand” formula, so that sand does not stick to the skin after application, which is especially important when relaxing on a sandy beach or in a sandbox.
4. Gel – light non-greasy texture is easy to spread and instantly absorbed, leaving no streaks.

There are the following formulas for sunscreens:

• for babies from 6 months;
• for babies from 1 to 3 years;
• for children over 3 years old.

How to choose a sunscreen for children of different ages?

In children from 3 years old, the skin begins to synthesize the protective pigment melanin, before this age the epidermis is especially sensitive – this explains the differences in the composition of children’s sunscreens. First of all, pay attention to the age marking on the product packaging: formulas for babies should not include alcohol and other harmful components (flavors, preservatives).

Experts categorically do not recommend that babies stay in the sun for more than 10 minutes to avoid burns and the risk of heat stroke, so sunscreen for children under one year old is extremely rare – the best protection against UV rays for newborns will be in the shade, light, covering the whole body , clothing and headwear made of natural fabrics.

It should be noted that children from 3 years old become more active, spend more time playing in the open sun or in water, so choose formulas marked “water-resistant” – such a cream is resistant to water and sweat for up to 40 minutes or “very waterproof” – Resistant to water and sweat for up to 1 hour 20 minutes.

It is important to note that the degree of protection for children’s products is maximum – SPF 50 or 50+. This is due to the fact that an adult can get a sunburn after 15-20 minutes of exposure to direct rays, and a child after 5 minutes.

What composition should a good baby sun cream have?

Every parent asks the question: “what is the best sun cream for children?”. Formulas for the smallest should be safe, based on natural ingredients and hypoallergenic.

The composition of natural children’s sun protection often includes:

• Safe chemical (UV-absorbing) and physical (UV-reflecting) filters to protect against UVB and UVA rays;
• Waterproof components that allow you to maintain protective functions during and after bathing;
• Thermal water for moisturizing and additional skin protection;
• Corn starch (natural sorbent) – protects and softens the skin;
• Antioxidants (vitamin E) to counter the negative effects of free radicals;
• Oils or plant extracts for additional nutrition and hydration of the skin.

Avoid dangerous ingredients: preservatives, fragrances, parabens.

How to properly apply sun protection for children?

To benefit from sunbathing and a long walk during the hot season, follow the simple rules for using sunscreens. This will allow you and your baby to fully enjoy the sunlight, under the influence of which the production of endorphin, the hormone of good mood, is enhanced.

And also get a dose of the necessary vitamin D, which is responsible for the strength of bone tissue and teeth, the synthesis of which is also accelerated by the sun.

How to use baby sun cream correctly:

1. Before using the product, test it for tolerance: apply a small amount of the product to the skin in the crook of the child’s elbow and wait for the reaction. If after 10-20 minutes redness appears at this place, then exclude the use of this sunscreen.
2. Apply the product 15-20 minutes before going outside so that it has time to be absorbed and create a protective film on the surface of the skin.
3. Treat all exposed areas of the child’s skin with sunscreen, paying special attention to the protruding parts of the body: ears, nose, forehead, shoulders, knees, parting on the head.
4. Use a sufficient amount of the product: the coating layer should be no thinner than 1-2 mm. So that the cream is evenly distributed over the skin, has time to be absorbed and does not leave marks and streaks, apply first one layer and on top of it – the second.
5. The photostability of SPFs decreases over time, so reapply protection every 2 hours and after every swim with an extra layer.
6. When you get home, be sure to wash your baby’s sunscreen off and apply a moisturizer or nourishing after-sun cream.

La Roche-Posay Best Baby Sunscreen Rating

Especially for young parents who are planning a sea vacation with their children, below is an overview of the safe sunscreens from the Anthelios Dermo-Paediatrics range.

Baby Sun Moisture Milk, SPF 50+ / PPD 38

Invisible sunscreen for children, SPF 50+ / PPD 25

Baby sunscreen with wet technology for face and body, SPF 50+ / PPD 25

Baby Sun Milk for Babies & Children, SPF 50+ / PPD 39