So what should you do if you accidentally forget your sun hat before going to the park? Preventing your baby from getting sunburn is Increased incidence of skin cancer laterAccording to the Skin Cancer Foundation, this is a top priority. “It’s a good idea to wear sunscreen even if you can’t avoid direct sunlight or the sun won’t hit certain parts of your body,” says Dr. Chan. The risk of a small surface area of your body becoming inflamed outweighs the risk of sunburn, she explains. Be sure to use a sunscreen formula designed for babies.
Are mineral sunscreens or chemical sunscreens better for babies?
Sunscreens use chemical or mineral-based formulas to prevent sun damage. “Chemical sunscreens use chemicals that absorb harmful UV rays and convert them into non-harmful heat,” says Dr. SmarterSkin Dermatology in New York said before allure. Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which physically block both visible and ultraviolet light. Rather than being absorbed into the skin, these stay on the skin’s surface and act as a barrier, reflecting harmful UV rays before they can cause damage, Dr. Chan explains.
For adults, both options are safe and effective. But for babies with more delicate skin, choose unscented mineral sunscreens that “have a lower risk of allergic or irritating reactions and avoid chemicals such as oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate,” Dr. Chan says. .
What SPF level should a baby sunscreen have?
All sunscreens, whether mineral or chemical, come with a Sun Protection Index rating. “SPF 15 blocks 93 percent of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97 percent, SPF 50 blocks about 98 percent, and SPF 100 blocks 99 percent.” Joshua Zeichner The doctor, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously said: allure.
The best sunscreen for babies is one that’s “broad-spectrum,” meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has at least SPF 30, says Dr. Chan. “It’s also important to reapply sunscreen every two hours for continued sun protection,” she added.
Even with a high SPF, you shouldn’t throw away all your cute sun hats and rash guards. “Even if your baby starts wearing sunscreen, they should continue to wear UV-protective clothing and hats for extra protection,” says Dr. Chan. “The more protection, the better.”
Is sunscreen for babies the same as sunscreen for children?
When trying to find the best baby sunscreen, you’re likely to come across some labeled “for babies” and others labeled “for children.” “Baby and children’s sunscreens are generally similar in formulation. Both are formulated to be gentle and often feature mineral sunscreen ingredients,” says Dr. Chan. Technically they can be used interchangeably, but some formulas can be “thick and difficult to wipe or rinse off”, so they could be safer for babies on the go. says Dr. Greenfield.
