Summer rashes, eczema, and allergies are just some of the common skin conditions that affect children.
It’s essential to be extra cautious when applying products to babies and children because their bodies absorb more per pound of weight than adults do. This is why it’s so critical that whatever you put on their skin is made with only the purest ingredients. It’s important to remember that a good sunscreen should provide adequate sun protection for several hours, even in hot and humid weather.
One of the most exhausting tasks of parenthood is applying sunscreen to children. If you have kids, you’re probably used to the daily sunscreen battle of chasing them down with a sunscreen bottle in hand as they run to the pool or the beach with their friends. It usually entails a scuffle with a wriggling child and the application of an elbow to the face. It’s possible that when you catch up to them, you’ll hear things like, “It stings my eyes,” “I don’t want to wait 30 minutes before I get in the water,” and “This feels sticky and smells.” We have to do it every 90 minutes on sunny days, which is particularly taxing.
Knowing which baby sunscreen is best for your child’s delicate skin can be challenging as a parent with eczema, so reading ingredient labels is essential.
For six-month-old babies, look for sunscreen safe for everyone in the family. Look for sunscreens rated by the FDA to be water and sweat resistant for at least 80 minutes. The gentlest sunscreens are usually those derived from minerals. They are less likely to clog pores and irritate the skin for acne-prone skin. Zinc oxide is a common primary ingredient in mineral sunscreens because it is hypoallergenic and can be produced in a light formula that provides conditioning to moisturize the skin. In most diaper rash creams, it serves as the primary ingredient because it soothes irritation and is also ideal for those with rosacea and redness.
In addition to this, it is wise to look for products with the Environmental Working Group (EWG) label on them.
These items are not allowed to contain any of the components on the EWG’s Unacceptable List; in addition, the ingredients used must be declared on the product label in a clear and understandable manner, and they must adhere to them to high production standards. On the 1081-page list of ingredients published in 2021, aniline, hydrazide, and atropine are only a few of the names that appear.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) provides product recommendations for sun care, skincare, haircare, and nail care goods and offers for makeup, fragrance, oral care, products for babies, and things for men’s grooming.
To help you find the best baby sunscreen for a day in the sun, we’ve compiled this top handy list of brands to get you started in your search.
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunblock Stick SPF 60+
This sunscreen stick provides broad-spectrum SPF 60 sun protection. It is made with 100% naturally sourced ingredients to be gentle on the most sensitive skin. Suitable for use on even the littlest people managing eczema. It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and has the NEA Seal of Acceptance.
Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Zinc Oxide Sunscreen
The National Eczema Association has given this sunscreen lotion its seal of approval because it contains zinc oxide, a skin-protecting ingredient (NEA). Some of our other options are easier to rub in, but this is non-greasy and doesn’t have a “sunscreen smell,” as customers have reported. Aside from its low price and high rating, this is one of our top picks.
CeraVe Baby Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen
Dermatologists love CeraVe’s mineral baby sunscreen because it’s gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin, including that of children with eczema.
In this sunscreen, hyaluronic acid, a key ingredient, is responsible for locking moisture into the skin’s cells. In addition to three ceramides, a class of fatty acids known as lipids, the more expensive sunscreen contains. The National Eczema Association has given this sunscreen lotion its seal of approval because it contains zinc oxide, a skin-protecting ingredient (NEA).
Since it doesn’t contain any of these ingredients and doesn’t contain any oil or dye, this sunscreen is an excellent option for children with dry skin or eczema.
Neutrogena SheerZinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 50
With just zinc oxide as its active ingredient, this sunscreen is safe for all skin types. It is even suitable for those more sensitive to chemicals in other sunscreens. Neutrogena’s SheerZinc is hypoallergenic and free of fragrance and dyes to protect your child’s delicate skin. It’s also water-resistant for up to an hour and a half. On Neutrogena, more than 200 people have given it a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars.
BOBob Kids SPF 30 Brush-On Mineral Powder Sunscreen
As a result, this sunscreen is a favorite of King’s because it is small and portable, making it easy to carry around with you. As a powder, it’s easy to apply, there’s no smell, and it’s translucent. And the brush is soft and brightly colored, so using it is a lot of fun.” More than 300 customers have given it a rating of 4.1 stars on Amazon.
Coppertone Sunscreen Lotion
For children, zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide-based mineral block sunscreens provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB radiation. This zinc oxide-based sunscreen is also tear-free and eco-friendly, earning top marks from the Environmental Working Group regarding the best sunscreens for children.
Notice we didn’t mention any spray-on sunscreens. Why? While it’s much more convenient and super easy to spray a wiggling little one, chances are they could inhale sunscreen chemicals into their lungs. Sticking to sunscreens in the form of creams or lotions gives solid sun protection and safeguards a young, growing body. As always, check the ingredients to make sure there are no allergens in the ingredients. Now that your children are protected, it’s time to treat yourself to one of these sunscreens. Choose what’s best for your children based on their sensitivity. After all, “Mom knows best”!
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Works referenced:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/products/reviews/best-sunscreens-eczema/
https://www.healthline.com/health/childrens-health/best-sunscreen-for-kids#A-quick-look-at-the-best-sunscreens-for-kids
https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/best-sunscreens-kids-according-dermatologists-ncna1019866
https://www.oprahdaily.com/beauty/skin-makeup/g27367862/best-sunscreen-for-kids/?slide=3
https://www.greenmatters.com/p/what-is-ewg-verified