Stop! Look & Listen! If your baby is under 6 months it is recommended to keep your baby out of the sun.
I am not a doctor or a dermatologist, but per the American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation, they state that babies under 6 months have little melanin in the skin which makes them very susceptible to skin damage.
Skin damage is very serious at any age!
Many baby boomers are seeing the negative effects that their past sunscreen habits have caused. Their lack of sunscreen usage has caused them to have skin cancer, melanoma, sun spots, and other sun caused skin conditions. And for what? To have a sun kissed glow?
Parents and guardians need to think about sun protection for their babies. Choosing the correct natural sunscreen and organic ingredient sunscreen based on your needs is quite important. It is even more important when you are dealing with the safety and protection of your loved ones…especially kids and babies!
There are a lot of considerations to take into account when choosing the correct kid sunscreen that will protect from harmful rays. There are many benefits for using sunscreen on your kids as well as yourself.
Benefits of Using Kid Sunscreen
- Sunscreen is sunscreen. There is no difference from adult sunscreen and kid sunscreen. It is only important that it is applied and of course reapplied when needed
- Sunscreen protects from harmful UVA and UVB sunrays
- Helps protect from premature aging like wrinkles and fine lines
- Lowers risk of skin cancer like melanoma
- Prevents Sunburns and sun damage which weakens the skin
- Protects skin from tanning and harsh UVB rays
- Encourages healthy skin because it is protected by sunscreen
How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for Your Kids
There are many types of kid sunscreens so it is important to pay attention to the labels. One tip would be to choose a sunscreen that is a broad spectrum sunscreen. This means that it will protect your face and skin from harmful rays. These would be UVA and UVB rays that we talked about previously.
Another consideration when you are choosing a natural sunscreen or organic sunscreen is to have SPF in mind. You should think about how long you will be in the sun, what types of activities will you be doing, and also if your sunscreen needs to be water resistant. First, let’s look into what makes up these products like SPF for instance. Is there a difference from using SPF 30 to SPF 50 or more?
What Exactly is SPF?
SPF stands for sun protection factor. It basically is a measurement that lets you know how long a sunscreen will work. You may have noticed on many sunscreens, the label states the SPF. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, we all need to use minimum SPF 30.
If you have pre existing melanoma or skin cancer, you should use a higher SPF since you are very susceptible.
This is one of the situations where bigger (or more) is better. We used to think that a tan meant that you were healthy. In actuality, a tan is a sign of DNA damage and cell mutations. It is important to keep in mind that just because you are using a high SPF, that doesn’t mean that you can be in the sun all day without a care in the world. The sun is extremely powerful and needs to be respected. That means that sunscreen and appropriate habits are needed.
How Much SPF is Needed in Kid Sunscreen
The truth of it all is that no matter which sunscreen you use, there is no sunscreen that exists that blocks out 100% of the Sun’s rays. Using a broad spectrum sunscreen can help block out a good amount but not all of the Rays. Also, super high SPFs do not work better than SPF 30 or even SPF 50.
See below for the various levels of protection from SPF. As you can see, after SPF 30, there is a slight increase in protection. But even with SPF 100, it still doesn’t block out 100% of UV rays. When choosing kid sunscreen or baby sunscreen, always choose broad spectrum kid sunscreen. Also, use minimum SPF 30 when choosing a kid sunscreen.
SPF
15 – Blocks 93%
30 – Blocks 97%
50 – Blocks 98%
100 – Blocks 99%
Now that we have learned which SPF to use when picking out a safe, kid sunscreen, it is important to review what type of ingredients we should be avoiding and also which ingredients we should use and look for when picking out a safe baby or kid sunscreen.
Stay Away from These Ingredients In Kid Sunscreen
The following list are ingredients that should be avoided when choosing a kid sunscreen. These ingredients are harmful and over time can cause more harm than good. Companies have created products that are not safe to use on the skin and are not safe to breathe in.
Many companies have created aerosol sunscreens. These are the worst for you and for your families. Never use aerosol sunscreen for a kid sunscreen option. They have been created out of convenience since they are easily applied. But the chemicals we are breathing in during application are atrocious. Do not use aerosol sunscreen.
Here is a List of harmful ingredients that are found in sunscreens:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Homosalate (HMS)
- OD-PABA (Octyl-dimethyl-para-Amin-benzoic acid)
- 4-MBC (4-methy-benzyldencamphor)
- Oxybenzone
- OMC (Octyl-methoyl-cinnamates)
- Benzophenone-3
- avobenzone
- ecamsule
- octisalate
- Octocrylene
Instead of using chemical derived products, we can use natural sunscreen and organic kid sunscreen. These products are safe to use on kids and babies. They are non toxic kid sunscreen options.
Natural Sunscreens – The Better Option for Kids
Natural kid sunscreens are hypoallergenic and safe for all skin types. They contain far less allergen causing ingredients. They cause less skin irritation and skin reactions. We should not have to worry about acne and skin reactions when we are applying sunscreen.
These products are gentle on the skin and are kid friendly. Mineral based sunscreens are far more gentle on babies and kids. Their skin can be very sensitive to harsh chemicals and allergens.
Natural sunscreen products are made with better and safer ingredients. They are formulated with various minerals and natural ingredients to protect the skin. These minerals and safe ingredients protect your skin from harmful UV rays. These safer ingredients do not permeate the skin like other chemical sunscreens.Natural sunscreens are more effective because they are actively blocking harmful UV rays.
Also, the better ingredients help to nourish and hydrate the skin. They are actively protecting our skin.
But natural sunscreen is not considered organic…but why?
Is Organic Sunscreen Safe?
Unfortunately, Sunscreen is not organic. There is no such thing as a fully organic kid sunscreen. Even mineral based natural sunscreens are not technically organic. There are many very sneaky marketing geniuses out there that like to use the word Organic on their products. So technically speaking, titanium and zinc oxide do not contain any carbon. Carbon is necessary in order for it to be organic matter. Since it has no carbon, it cannot be considered organic.
What you can check for is that the majority of the ingredients are natural ingredients. More importantly that they are organic ingredients. There are certain natural sunscreens that you can find that are made with a certain level of organic ingredients.
There are many types of organic ingredients or naturally derived ingredients that you can look out for when you are choosing a kid sunscreen.
What Are The Ingredients in Natural Sunscreen?
There are a few natural minerals that are used to create natural sunscreens. These mineral based sunscreens are a great alternative to chemical sunscreens. They do work a bit different than the chemical sunscreens we are used to. They do not soak into the skin and break down quickly. The white spots are sunscreen that might not totally rub into the skin. You can always use non nano mineral based sunscreen. Non nano helps the natural sunscreen rub on the skin easier. It makes the natural sunscreen more sheer which helps eliminate the white spots.
Zinc Oxide
Incredible anti viral, anti bacterial, and anti inflammatory properties. This ingredient is a godsend. It is extremely healing and great for all skin types. It is safe for those who have acne and sensitive skin. Zinc Oxide is great at fighting UVA and UVB rays. It is a very white mineral and is an active ingredient in mineral based natural sunscreens.
Titanium
Effectively blocks UV rays without absorbing into the skin. It works with zinc oxide to protect your skin against UVA and UVB. It helps to boost the efficacy in its UVB protection.
Cocoa Butter
Moisturize your skin with cocoa butter! This ingredient is extremely moisturizing and hydrating. It protects the skin from drying out and leaves your skin feeling smooth, supple, and soft.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil is a antiseptic and also stimulates blood flow. It pumps your damaged skin full of nutrients and the vitamins it needs to repair itself.
Vitamin E
Combat free radicals and environmental factors with Vitamin E! Vitamin E protects the skin and prevents sun damage from occurring.
Avocado Oil
Not only protects the skin, it also provides it with hydration and relief
Sesame Oil
Not just as a part of a salad dressing, this Oil combats UV rays! It has UV resistance percentage of 30
Aloe Vera
The ultimate ingredient if you are suffering from a sunburn or skin reaction. Aloe Vera is incredibly soothing, providing instant relief when applied. It helps to speed up the healing process by encouraging cell growth.
Green Tea
Green Tea is full of antioxidants! These antioxidants protect the skin from environmental factors that try to permeate the skin. The antioxidants in green tea help to protect the skin and skin cells.
Grape Seed Oil
This oil is also full of antioxidants! Grape seed oil helps to protect the cells of the skin. The top two ingredients to look for in natural kid sunscreen are titanium and zinc oxide. These two ingredients are mineral based ingredients and are used in most natural sunscreens.
Best Selling Non Toxic Kid Sunscreen
Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Cream for Kids by Badger
- SPF 30
- EWG Approved!
==> Available at Amazon! Free Shipping!
Use this sunscreen if you or anyone in your family has sensitive skin. It is made with 100% certified natural ingredients and 98% organic ingredients. Badger is Broad Spectrum SPF 30, verified certified non gmo, and non nano uncoated zinc oxide. It is also water resistant and sweat resistant for 40 minutes. Most importantly it is biodegradable and safe for the ocean and marine environments. It has zinc oxide water for its minerals. Badger broad spectrum protects from both UVA and UVB rays. This product is cruelty free. The ingredients are very nourishing to the skin. The packaging itself is made from #2 recyclable plastic and is BPA and phalate free. This is a great kid sunscreen cream for the whole family. It is hypoallergenic and made in the USA. This product is scented, Tangerine & Vanilla. Badger kid sunscreen is one of the EWG’s top rated sunscreens available.
To see more Badger safe, natural, mineral sunscreen check out this video! They are safe for the whole family!
Best All Natural Baby Sunscreen For Your Baby
Adorable Baby by Loving Naturals
- SPF 30 Kid Sunscreen
- EWG Approved!
==> Available at Amazon! Free Shipping!
Loving Naturals created a 100% Natural Ingredient sunscreen for your baby. There are no synthetic, chemical, or harmful ingredients included. This kid sunscreen and baby safe sunscreen is made with zinc oxide, grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter. It is broad spectrum kid sunscreen so it protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Adorable Baby is water resistant and sweat resistant for 40 minutes. It also goes on clear which is a great feature for a natural, mineral based sunscreen. As we have learned, sometimes mineral based sunscreens can be white and not rub in all the way. This natural kid sunscreen is not just for kids and babies! It is a great sunscreen for adults! The whole family can use this natural sunscreen. Adorable Baby is made with uncoated, non nano zinc oxide. This type of zinc oxide is unable to enter our bloodstream, making it safe for use. It is made with minimal ingredients so it is hypoallergenic and should not cause skin reactions. It is also cruelty free and gluten free. This is one of the EWG’s top rated kid sunscreens available.
EWG Approved Kid Sunscreens that Adults Can Use Too!
Kid sunscreen isn’t just for kids and babies! Adults can use kid sunscreen too! Just because you have to take care of someone else doesn’t mean you neglect yourself! It is so important that the whole family properly protects their skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. It is unnecessary to have to buy multiple types of sunscreen in order to protect the adults and the kids in your family. These sunscreens are made safe enough for kids and adults meanwhile protecting from the sun. The following are mineral based, EWG approved, and at least SPF 30. Since they are EWG (the Environmental Working Group) approved, they all do not have hormone disruptors.
Kid’s Sunscreen by All Good
- SPF 30
- EWG Approved!
==> Available at Amazon! Free Shipping!
All Good is SPF 30, water resistant, and broad spectrum protecting from both UVA and UVB rays. It is coral reef safe and is made with the non nano minerals, zinc oxide. It is water resistant up to 80 minutes. The formula is not greasy, it is very lightweight. All Good uses organic chamomile in their formula to be very soothing And gentle on sensitive skin.
Mineral Sunscreen Lotion Baby by Bare Republic
- SPF 50
- EWG Approved!
==> Available at Amazon! Free Shipping!
Bare Republic Baby Sunscreen is SPF 50 and mineral based. It is water resistant up to 80 minutes. Bare Republic is formulated with non nano zinc oxide. It is broad spectrum and created for sensitive skin. Bare Republic has no active chemicals or synthetic fragrances. It includes plant derived ingredients like coconut oil, meadow foam oil, Shea butter, and chamomile extract. This sunscreen is not just for babies, it is great for the whole family.
Kids Sunscreen by Burn Out
- SPF 35
- EWG Approved!
==> Available at Amazon! Free Shipping!
BurnOut Kids Sunscreen is SPF 35 and is recommended by pediatricians and dermatologists. It is hypoallergenic, not greasy, non comedogenic, fragrance free. It is the ideal sunscreen for those with sensitive skin. This is also broad spectrum kid sunscreen. There are no chemicals. It is parabens free, petroleum free, and biodegradable. BurnOut goes on white and rubs into the skin. It is formulated with non Nano particles.
The best thing about all of the mentioned natural mineral based kid sunscreens are the limited ingredients. There is less of a chance of an allergic reaction with limited ingredients.
Kid Sunscreen Safety Checklist:
The following are things to keep in mind when purchasing a new sunscreen. The above mentioned sunscreen are the best available, but if by chance you are helping a friend decide. Here are the best tips to choosing the best, non toxic kid sunscreen.
- Must be Broad Spectrum
- Minimum SPF 30
- Water Resistant if Swimming
- Mineral based – titanium, zinc oxide
- Use stick sunscreen or sunscreen cream!Avoid using a spray sunscreen- no direct application, squirts everywhere
- Apply every 2 hours or more frequently depending on if there is water involved or if the kid sunscreen states so
- Great keywords for products are: pure, natural, organic. This will mean better quality of ingredients and less chance of allergic reaction
- Avoid kid sunscreen with oxybenzone
- Avoid kid sunscreen spray lotions, we don’t want any chemical based lotions coating our lungs or our families lungs
More sun tips!
The sun is no joke. The sun is extremely powerful. Kids and babies under 6 months should not be out in the sun. If you do choose to have your kids in the sun, there are other ways to protect them. There are great brands that create SPF clothing for babies and kids. Also, hats and sunglasses are always a great idea. Use umbrellas to protect from direct sunlight.
Check out the video below for tips on how to apply sunscreen on kids!
==> If your interested in a full guide to organic shampoo check out this article here!
