As a forgetful person who almost never remembers to carry my sunscreen with me, I’ve amassed quite the collection of OTC kiddie, budget-friendly sunscreens that I keep grabbing on the go. And I realised these baby sunscreens also work wonders, especially on my sensitive skin. Read on to explore the surprising but obvious reasons why baby sunscreen is better than your regular ones.
First And Foremost, Is It Necessary For Everyone To Wear Sunscreen?
Obviously! Men, women and children over 6 months of age must apply sunscreen every day of their lives. This applies to both those who tan readily and those who don’t too. Keep in mind that sun exposure damages your skin over the course of your lifetime, whether or not you notice instantly visible sunburns.
The only exceptions are infants younger than six months old, whose skin is particularly sensitive. The easiest approach to protecting infants from the sun is to keep them out of it; use things that give shade constantly and picking sun-protective clothes is recommended.
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Can Adults Really Use Kids’ Sunscreen?
Some adults might think that sunscreen is not necessary for their kids. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Kids should apply sunscreen starting at age six, and in some situations, even infants above 6 months of age. Although there isn’t any difference between sunscreen for kids and adults, kids’ sunscreens almost always have a mineral base.
However, the truth is that sunscreen can be used by both adults and children. Most dermats state that you categorically do not need to acquire distinct formulations for different members of the family. In fact, it’s okay to purchase infant versions for your own use too. What does that imply, then?
Opt For A Mineral-Based Formula When Applying SPF For Kids
Mineral-based sunscreens are generally safe for both adults and kids because they may cause less skin irritation. Two naturally occurring minerals, zinc oxide and titanium oxide are used as active ingredients in these formulations.
Zinc is converted into zinc oxide, which is then processed into tiny particles with a size range of 30 to 200 nanometers. Concentrations as high as 25% can be present.
Titanium Dioxide, which comprises smaller particles with a size range of 10 to 100 nanometers, is generated from titanium. As much as 25% of the concentration can be used.
It’s A Must To Review The Ingredient List Before Using Any Sunscreen
One of the main factors that make mineral sunscreen safer for kids and therefore for adults too, is the fact that it does not penetrate into the body. Contrary to popular belief, not all children’s sunscreen complies with FDA regulations and is safe for use. Regardless of whether you’re using sunscreen on yourself or your child, you must take the time to read the ingredients list. Unfortunately, chemical blockers including avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate are present in some kids’ sunscreen products, which may cause these ingredients to irritate the skin. You might want to steer clear of those products.
Bottom Line:
In the end, there is no discernible difference between kids’ and adults’ sunscreen. They can be chemical or physical in both circumstances. Because young skin is more sensitive to irritants, child-safe sun protection has fewer additional ingredients than adult formulations. As a result, ingredients such as essential oils or shine enhancers that provide additional skin care and aesthetic benefits for adult skin are not included in child-safe sunscreens because younger skin does not require or tolerate them.
What matters most are the ingredients (as mentioned above) and frequent reapplication (every two hours if you or your kid is outdoors).
And that’s about it!
Featured Image: Instagram
