For a lot of parents, sunscreen is synonymous with summertime, sunshine, and beach time. Kids love to spend time on the poolside and swim a lot in summer. But, no it is advisable to use sunscreen all throughout the year. As the ultraviolet rays of the sun reach the planet earth all the time, it is very important to protect the kid’s skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Your kid might be spending most of the time inside the house, but, still applying sunscreen is very important because kids’ skin is very delicate, which can easily get damaged by the UV rays of the sun and by harsh chemicals. So, choosing the right sunscreen for the kid is very important. Let us have a look at the Best Sunscreen for kids that are available and choose from that.
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Why do we need sunscreen for kids?
The main aim of using sunscreen is to prevent having bad sunburns and prevent immediate and long-term skin damage from the sun. The long-term effects of sun exposure include premature aging and an increased risk of skin cancer.
The Sun emits two types of rays UVA and UVB. According American Dermatological Association both UVA and UVB rays are responsible for causing skin cancer. The UVA rays are more responsible for sunburns, while UVB rays go deeper into the skin and are responsible for causing skin cancer later.
All the sunscreens perform the same action whether it is labeled for kids or not. For example, a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen for kids will provide the same protection that the broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen of adults provides us. The main difference is that the sunscreen made for kids does not contain any harmful chemicals. But, adult sunscreen contains certain chemicals.
While sunscreen is very important, additional measures like wearing hats, full sleeves, and other measures are also needed to protect our kids from sun rays.
What to look for while choosing the best sunscreen for kids?
There are various factors that you should keep in mind while choosing proper sunscreen for your child. Let us have a look at these factors.
- Usually, it is not recommended to put sunscreen on infants. Infants should be protected from the sun by making them wear a hat or by making them wear long-sleeved clothes. You can also keep the infants out of the sun by using an umbrella, or by standing under a shady tree.
- For older children, sunscreen should have an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of a minimum of 15 according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. American Association of Dermatology suggests using sunscreen of SPF30 or higher.
- Sunscreen containing minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are recommended for children as they cause less irritation on the sensitive skin of children. Also, these minerals do not get absorbed into the skin and sit on top, so, it minimizes the risk of harmful exposure to chemicals.
- Try to avoid sunscreen that contains oxybenzone as it may contain hormonal properties according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- The sunscreen should be applied plentifully and often when outdoors and particularly to the kids who love to spend their time outdoors in pools during summertime.
How to choose the best sunscreen for kids?
The few things that you should keep in mind while choosing the sunscreen for the kid are:
- The sunscreen should be a broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Should have a minimum SPF of 30
- Free from any harmful ingredients
- Are relatively easy to apply to active children.
Here are the best pick of the best sunscreen for kids
Thinkbaby safe sunscreen
- It provides SPF 50.
- The ingredients include Purified Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Capric Caprilyc triglyceride, Coconut based Sorbitan Stearate, Pinewood Resin, Vegetable Glycerin, Cetyl Dimethicone, hydrogenated castor oil, Magnesium sulfate, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherols, Olive Oil, Raspberry seed oil, Cranberry seed oil, Hyaluronic acid, Papaya, Glucose, and Glucose oxidase, and Lactoperoxidase.
- The mineral-based sunscreen is free of any harmful chemicals.
- It is the first sunscreen to pass whole food premium care requirements.
- It is SPF50+, is water-resistant, and is a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Cost:
$15.47
Purchase:
You can purchase it from here.
Best Sunscreen for kids with sensitive skin
Here is the best sunscreen for kids with sensitive skin.
Aveeno Sunscreen lotion for kids with sensitive skin
- It provides SPF50+ protection from sun rays.
- Contains Zinc Oxide as an active ingredient (21.6%). The inactive ingredients include water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Octylodecile Citrate Crosspolymer, Phenyl trimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Polyhydroxy Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Ethyl methicone, Silica, Cetyl Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylyl silane, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl behenate, Sodium Chloride, Acrylates, Chlorphenesin, phenethyl alcohol, Oats (Avina Sativa), Kernel Flour, Caprylyl glycol, Cetyl dimethicone, and Chrysanthemum Parthenium flower, leaf, stem.
- It is an SPF 50 cream with broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB sun rays.
- It is as mild as water to sensitive skin and applies to kids skin easily to lock in moisture without stinging irritation.
- Aveeno kids is a pediatrician recommended brand which is parabens and phthalates free.
- Use this sunscreen everyday on your children to protect them from sunburn while outdoor family activities. Reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating after towel drying or every 2 hours.
Cost:
$7.89
Purchase:
You can purchase it from here.
Best Sunscreen for kids with eczema
Let us have a look at the special sunscreen for kids with eczema. Here is one of these sunscreens to think about.
Wax head sunscreen for kids with eczema
- It is an all natural sunscreen made from 25% zinc oxide and it is safe for babies and adults both.
- The sunscreen contains no oxybenzone, no octinoxate, no avobenzone, and no petrochemicals.
- Parents love the broad spectrum, fragrance free sunscreen for their kids.
- It is made up of 6 natural ingredients 25% non nano zinc oxide, water, organic olive oil, organic beeswax, non GMO Vitamin E, and vitamin D.
- The cream works as a great tattoo sunscreen too. It will not sting your eyes and gives UVA UVB broad spectrum coverage.
- All the sunscreens are coral reef safe, approved for Hawaii, all marine environments, and water parks. This sunscreen stays on top of the skin and does not get absorbed into the blood stream.
- You should know how to apply this cream. You need to knead the tube to mix ingredients as they are not homogenized by chemicals. Make a dot of it, spread, and rub. It is thicker than other sunscreens and goes a long way.
Cost:
$29.99
Purchase:
You can purchase it from here.
Best natural sunscreen for kids
Natural things are very good for our skin. In the same way, they are also effective in kids’ skin. So, let us have a look at the natural sunscreen for kids.
Alba botanica kids tropical fruit sunscreen lotion
- The Alba botanica sunscreen lotion is SPF45 certified and protects the kids skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
- It is made with botanical ingredients like aloe leaf juice and chamomile, and is made with tear free formula.
- The sunscreen is recommended by the Skin care foundation and is water resistant for upto 80 minutes.
- The reef-friendly formula is made with 100% vegetarian ingredients and it does not contain any oxybenzone, octinoxate, or gluten.
Cost:
$9.99
Purchase:
You can purchase it from here.
Best Sunscreen spray for kids
Sunscreens can not only be applied like a lotion but also, can be used as a spray. Let us have a look at Sunscreen sprays that are good for your kids.
Babyganics SPF50 kids sunscreen spray
- The Babyganics SPF50 kids sunscreen spray is made with non-aerosol component.
- It is made with children’s developing skin in mind and contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
- Made without PABA, parabens, phthalates, fragrances, or nano particles.
- It is non-allergic and dermatologically tested.
Cost:
$16.97
Purchase:
You can purchase it from here.
Best sunscreen stick for kids
Sunscreens are not only available in the form of lotions or sprays, but, it is also available in the form of sunscreen stick. Let us have a look at the best sunscreen stick for kids
Aveeno kids sensitive skin protection sunscreen stick
- It provides SPF50 level protection and is made of 100% naturally available zinc oxide.
- Specifically designed for children’s delicate and sensitive skin.
- Along with zinc oxide it also contains oat oil. It is suitable for sensitive skin of your children and is soft as water on your kids skin.
- The stick is water and heat resistant for upto 80 minutes.
- It is suitable for application on both face and body. It leaves no residue and glides softly over the kids skin.
- It is free from phthalates, dyes, parabens, and fragrance and is suitable for kids sensitive skin.
Cost:
$10.62
Purchase:
You can purchase it from here.
Best Organic Sunscreen for kids
Sunscreens are also available in all organic forms. Let us have a look at sunscreen that is totally organic and is very good for kids.
Babo botanicals best organic sunscreen stick for kids
- It is a fast absorbing and non-greasy sun block for the face, lips, noxe, and ears.
- Water resistant and is perfect for babies, kids, and adults.
- It is developed with 100% non nano zinc, which provides 80 minutes of resistance from sweat and sun.
- Made up of skin soothing organic oils like jojoba oil. It is oxybenzone and octinoxate free.
- It is enriched with babo organic nutrisoothe complex and is reef friendly.
- Has no harsh chemicals and is clinically tested for environment safety.
Cost:
$11.50
Purchase:
You can purchase it from here.
So, these are a few sunscreens for kids that are available. This is what we wanted to share with you regarding the best baby sunscreen for kids. If you know of anything else do let us know in the comments section below.