How to Choose the Best Sunscreen for Kids

Wondering how to choose sunscreen spf for your baby? Check out our complete guide on different kinds of sunscreens and how to choose the Best Sunscreen For Kids.

[UPDATE] This post was updated on 31 March 2019.

Children’s skin is more susceptible to sunburn than adults, making sunscreen an absolute necessity for them. This is especially crucial during hot Indian summers, where temperatures can soar up to 40 degrees Celsius. Exposure to such extreme heat can cause sunburn, leaving the skin red and irritated. In severe cases, it may even lead to fever and headaches. Therefore, applying sunscreen with adequate SPF becomes vital to protect their delicate skin from these harmful effects.

When choosing sunscreen for kids, it’s essential to opt for products that offer broad-spectrum protection, specifically designed for their needs. Look for sunscreen that guards against both UVB and UVA rays, providing comprehensive coverage against harmful sun rays. Understanding how to choose the right sunscreen SPF for children ensures their safety while enjoying outdoor activities.

Prioritizing your child’s protection is essential in preventing sunburn and discomfort. By selecting the best sunscreen for their delicate skin, you can safeguard them from the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure. Make sun protection a top priority and enjoy worry-free outdoor adventures with your little ones.

Can I use sunscreen for my Baby?

Sunscreen plays a crucial role in protecting our skin, especially during peak sun exposure in the summer months. However, selecting the right sunscreen SPF based on age and specific needs is essential, particularly for infants under 6 months, babies over 6 months, and kids.

For infants under 6 months, adhering to guidelines is crucial. The American Academy of Pediatrics now suggests applying minimal sunscreen with at least SPF 15 on small areas like the face and back of hands when protective clothing and shade are not available. Opt for sunscreens formulated for infants with gentle ingredients for their safety outdoors.

For babies over 6 months and kids, apply sunscreen more generously to all exposed parts of the body. Prioritize broad-spectrum protection against UVB and UVA rays to prevent sunburn and discomfort.

Consider the impact of sunscreen on Vitamin D levels, but remember that a balanced approach is key. Alongside sun exposure, fortified foods and supplements can contribute to meeting Vitamin D needs. Consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

In summary, understanding how to choose sunscreen SPF is crucial for different age groups. Prioritize sunscreens formulated for infants and babies, providing broad-spectrum protection. Maintain Vitamin D levels through a balanced approach. Ensure sun safety for yourself and your family.

What is SPF?

SPF refers to Sun Protection Factor and is a term that’s tossed around a lot when it comes to sunscreens. It can take anything between 5-30 minutes of sun exposure to get sunburnt without sunscreen.  In extreme heat, we are exposed to both UV A and UV B rays, and SPF is a measure of how much protection the sunscreen offers against UV B rays.

More specifically, SPF tells us how long it’ll take for UV B rays to penetrate through the sunscreen and cause sunburn, compared to if there is no sunscreen. This means that if it takes 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure to get sunburn, a sunscreen of SPF 30 will extend this time to 30 times more, i.e. 300 minutes or 5 hours.

SPF ranges from 1-90, dividing sunscreens into four levels:

• SPF 4, 6, 8, 10 – Low
• SPF 15, 20, 25 – Medium (Blocks 93% UV B rays)
• SPF 30, 40, 50 – High (Blocks 97% UV B rays)
• SPF 50+  – Very High (Blocks 98% UV B rays)

An SPF of 15-50 is ideal, offering significant protection against UVB rays. However, sunscreens with an SPF over 50 provide only slightly better protection and may be less effective. To ensure proper sun protection and learn how to choose sunscreen SPF, it’s crucial to apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin and reapply it every two hours or more frequently when sweating or swimming. Seeking shade during peak sunlight hours and wearing protective clothing like hats and sunglasses are also important practices. By following these measures, you can safeguard your skin from the sun’s harmful rays and enjoy outdoor activities safely.

In addition to the SPF rating, it’s important to consider other factors when choosing a sunscreen. One such factor is the formulation of the sunscreen, which can vary from lotions and creams to gels and sprays. Each formulation has its own advantages and may suit different preferences and skin types.

Lotions and creams are popular choices as they provide better coverage and are suitable for dry skin. They offer moisturizing benefits and can help keep the skin hydrated. These formulations are often rich and creamy, making them easier to apply and ensuring a smooth and even distribution of the product. For individuals with dry or sensitive skin, lotions and creams can provide a comforting and soothing experience while offering sun protection.

On the other hand, gels have a lighter texture and are ideal for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin. Gels are lightweight and non-greasy, which can be beneficial for those who prefer a mattifying effect or are concerned about clogged pores. They absorb quickly into the skin, leaving a weightless and refreshing feel. Additionally, gels can be an excellent option for individuals living in humid climates or engaging in outdoor activities that may cause excessive sweating.

Sprays are another formulation that offers convenience and ease of application. They come in aerosol or pump bottles and allow for quick and even distribution of the sunscreen. Sprays are particularly useful for covering large areas of the body or applying sunscreen to hard-to-reach areas, such as the back. However, it’s important to note that sprays should be applied generously and rubbed into the skin to ensure proper coverage. Additionally, it’s recommended to avoid inhaling the spray and to apply it in a well-ventilated area.

Moreover, when selecting a sunscreen, it’s essential to read the label and check for additional features such as water resistance. If you’ll be spending time in the water or engaging in activities that cause sweating, opting for a water-resistant sunscreen is crucial. Water-resistant formulations can provide some degree of protection even when exposed to moisture, but it’s important to remember that they still need to be reapplied as directed to maintain their effectiveness.

By considering the formulation and additional features of a sunscreen, including water resistance, you can make an informed decision on how to choose sunscreen SPF that best suits your specific needs and preferences.

Myths about Sunscreens

1. A smaller quantity of a higher SPF product is enough.

Most people tend to use only half or a quarter of the required amount of sunscreen. To ensure adequate protection, it’s better to go for a little extra sunscreen. An ounce of sunscreen is recommended for the average adult, regardless of SPF

2. Applying sunscreen in the morning offers day long protection when considering how to choose sunscreen SPF.

Whatever the SPF of your sunscreen is, the fact is that it loses its effectiveness after two hours. This is why experts recommend reapplying sunscreen every two hours or sooner if swimming or sweating a lot.

3. Sunscreen offers complete protection from sunburn.

While sunscreen certainly offers a degree of protection, it is by no means complete. In fact, other measures like staying in the shade and covering exposed skin may be more important in protecting the skin from sunburn.

4. A higher SPF means more time in the sun.

A common misconception is that a higher SPF allows more time in the sun. While higher SPF sunscreens offer increased protection, they do not enable extended sun exposure. Regardless of the SPF level, it’s best to minimize sun exposure, especially between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when the sun’s rays are strongest.

When selecting sunscreen SPF, keep in mind that it’s just one component of a comprehensive sun protection strategy. Along with applying sunscreen, seek shade, wear protective clothing, and use accessories like hats and sunglasses to minimize sun exposure.

Combining these measures with choosing a sunscreen with an appropriate SPF is crucial in reducing the risk of sunburn and protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation.

Adopting a holistic approach and understanding how to choose sunscreen SPF will ensure your sun protection routine is effective and provides the necessary defense for your skin. Prioritize broad-spectrum protection and follow application and reapplication guidelines for optimal results.

Types of Sunscreens

Physical Sunscreen

Physical sunscreens, also known as barrier creams, sunblocks, or mineral sunscreens, offer unique advantages when it comes to sun protection. These sunscreens create a physical barrier on the surface of the skin, reflecting and scattering the sun’s rays. They contain minerals such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients, which provide broad-spectrum protection without penetrating the skin or bloodstream. When considering how to choose sunscreen SPF, it’s important to understand the benefits of physical sunscreens.

One of the advantages of physical sunscreens is their longer-lasting protection. Due to their formulation and ability to sit on top of the skin, they can provide extended coverage compared to chemical sunscreens. This makes them particularly suitable for individuals with sensitive skin, babies, and young children who require gentle and non-irritating sun protection. However, it’s worth noting that physical sunscreens can be thicker in texture, so it’s important to apply them carefully and evenly to ensure comprehensive coverage for every exposed area.

When considering how to choose sunscreen SPF, considering physical sunscreens and their characteristics is essential. By understanding the benefits they offer and how to choose sunscreen SPF that includes physical options, you can make an informed decision to protect your skin effectively. Remember to look for products specifically formulated for the needs of your skin type and consider factors such as water resistance and broad-spectrum protection. By prioritizing sun safety and selecting the right sunscreen, you can enjoy the outdoors with confidence while keeping your skin shielded from harmful UV rays.

Chemical Sunscreen

Chemical sunscreens or non-mineral sunscreens are absorbed into the skin. On encountering the sun’s rays, the compounds in the sunscreen convert it to heat and release it from the skin. Active ingredients in chemical sunscreens include avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone.

Due to their being absorbed into the skin, chemical sunscreens are not advised for infants. Besides, they can clog pores and irritate sensitive skin. Chemical sunscreens lose their effectiveness faster and need more frequent reapplication. Consider these factors when choosing between physical and chemical sunscreens and deciding on the appropriate sunscreen SPF and how to choose sunscreen SPF.

Choosing the right sunscreen SPF is crucial for protecting your child’s delicate skin from the sun. SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, indicates the level of protection the sunscreen offers. Opt for SPF 15 for babies and young kids, which blocks about 93% of UVB rays. Higher SPFs like 30 or 50 offer enhanced protection, blocking 97% and 98% of UVB rays, respectively. However, SPFs over 50 provide only slightly better protection and may not be necessary.

Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect from both UVB and UVA rays. Avoid sunscreen sprays and opt for mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium oxide for safety. If you prefer non-mineral sunscreens, look for Avobenzone as the active ingredient to reduce UVB and UVA damage.

Read the ingredient list and avoid sunscreens with Oxybenzone or Retinyl palmitate. Skip sunscreens with fragrance listed at the bottom. Avoid sunscreens with insect repellents, as they may decrease SPF effectiveness. Use separate repellents or apply repellents to clothing instead.

Make an informed decision based on your child’s needs and skin sensitivity. Prioritize sun protection for outdoor activities and choose the right sunscreen that suits your child best. Check out our post on the best sunscreens for babies and kids for additional guidance.