Are you worried about finding suitable baby sunscreen for your little one’s sensitive skin or have concerns about potentially harmful ingredients? You’re not alone.
Read on as we discuss natural suncare, shedding light on dependable ingredients, an appropriate application of natural sunscreen and other similar topics. Learn how you can start including sunscreen in your family’s lifestyle. Here’s some insight into baby sun protection: your ultimate guide to sun safety for your little one.
Step #1: Select The Appropriate Sunscreen
Opt For Mineral Sunscreens
Mineral sunscreens create a physical barrier to protect your child’s skin from the sun. These are often aptly referred to as ‘physical blockers’.
The minerals used in these products, usually zinc oxide, provide protection by reflecting or scattering harmful UV rays. They’re often seen as the more suitable choice for little ones due to their minimal to nonexistent absorption into the skin.
Broad-Spectrum Sunscreens
When it comes to securing optimal skin protection, broad-spectrum sunscreen is a great option since it generally shields the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
While UVB rays contribute chiefly to sunburn, UVA rays penetrate deep, resulting in skin damage like premature ageing or sagging. With this in mind, broad-spectrum sunscreens can help maintain the natural beauty of your child’s skin in the long run.
Water-Resistance
Baby’s first dip in the pool is delightful, but not without introducing new skincare challenges.
Keep in mind that no sunscreen is entirely waterproof since it’s typically washed off in the water or with sweat, providing a much shorter period of comfort and protection. But there are sunblocks with water-resistant features that can provide sun protection even while your child wades around in shallow water or even sweats after a heated game of tag.
Informed selection of sunscreen is the first hefty step towards successful sun protection. The winning combination for your child’s tender skin would be a mineral, broad-spectrum, and water-resistant sunscreen. It shields, it reflects and it stays!
Step #2: Proper Sunscreen Application
Early Application And Regular Reapplication
When it comes to protecting your little one’s delicate skin, time is of the essence. Sunscreen should generally be applied at least 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure. This allows the active ingredients to interact with the skin and offer the intended protection.
But the job’s not over just yet.
Like clockwork, around every two hours, aim to reapply sunscreen. It’s a simple yet effective way to ensure an ongoing skin shield. Moreover, if your little one is splashing around in the water or breaking a sweat, reapplication should be done sooner.
Keep in mind that even water-resistant options can wear off after four hours of water exposure.
Coverage Areas You Can Focus On
Just a dab of sunscreen on the nose and cheeks won’t do the trick. You need to ensure strong sun defence, which requires a thorough application from head to toe.
Around the ears, under the chin, and at the back of the neck – these are all potential sunburn zones often overlooked. The same goes for the tiny tops of the feet and under the arms. Notably for babies, remember to apply sunscreen to the scalp area, particularly if your little one has thin or very little hair.
All in all, the trick is to cover all the exposed skin surfaces.
Sunscreen is no magic shield, but it’s typically a barrier against harmful UV radiation when applied diligently. Remember, mastering sunscreen application is vital to your child’s sun protection strategy.
Step #3: Additional Sun Protection Measures
Shield With Shades And Shelters
Sunlight is a wonderful natural blessing, but excess exposure to its ultraviolet radiation can also be damaging to your little one’s skin. In addition to sunscreen, sunnies and places under the shade provide protection from UVR on a sunny day.
Whether it’s a trip to the beach or a picnic in the park, portable umbrellas and sunglasses can help reduce the sun’s impact and offer a cool, shady retreat for your loved ones.
Protective Clothing
While sunscreen serves as a crucial first line of defence against the sun, protective clothing adds an extra layer of protection.
Look for outfits with UV protection built into the fabric, like a light, long-sleeved shirt and wide-brimmed hat, to shield your child’s sensitive skin from harmful rays. Added to this, UV-protective swimwear for those beach outings can also minimise sun exposure.
It’s always better to be protected than sorry when it comes to sun protection, so it helps to cover up.
Avoiding Sun At Peak Hours
The sun’s rays are potent during peak hours, typically between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Shielding your child from the sun during these hours can help decrease potential sun damage. However, if you need to be outdoors during this window, continue to make sure that you have adequately applied sunscreen, use the shade available, and incorporate protective clothing.
At the end of the day, while sunscreens are usually a big part of sun protection, there are supplemental ways you can protect yourself and your kid. These additional measures, from using cover to wearing UV shielding clothing, can help fortify protection against harmful rays.
So, the next time you’re planning outdoor family time on a sunny day, be sure the fun is backed by suncare and cover!
Key Points To Remember
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Choose Mineral Sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens, which contain zinc oxide, act as physical barriers that reflect harmful UV rays. These are suitable for children because they generally don't absorb into the skin.
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Opt For Broad-Spectrum Protection. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can cause deep skin damage, like premature ageing, while UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburn.
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Select Water-Resistant Sunscreen. For activities that involve water or cause sweat, choose a water-resistant sunscreen to maintain protection. However, remember that no sunscreen is 100% waterproof, so reapplication after around four hours of water exposure is a must.
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Apply Sunscreen Carefully. Sunscreen should be applied at least 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating. Coverage should include often missed areas like ears, the underside of the chin, and the scalp for babies with thin or no hair.
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Supplement With Additional Sun Protection. In addition to sunscreen, make use of shade and clothing with UV protection to enhance your defence against the sun, especially during bright, peak hours, which typically range from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Rooted in nature’s nurture, Little Urchin creates high-quality suncare and skincare products that utilise organic, cruelty-free, and broad-spectrum elements. As a proud Australian company, we strive to protect and nourish your skin while helping ensure a sustainable future for our planet and communities.
