As a child I spent summers baking under the Cape Cod sun without a thought to sunscreen. It would be unheard of today, but at the time, tans meant health and beauty. Now I'm paying for those sun-spangled summers, with mile-deep crows’ feet and annual scares at the dermatologist's office. Parents today are much more careful with their children's delicate skin, slathering them with SPF-70 every time they leave the house, but as it turns out, not all sunscreens are equal—especially when it comes to babies' sensitive skin.
Babies are especially vulnerable to the effects of sun exposure. Because melanin takes
up to six months to fully develop, babies’ skin lacks the built-in natural
protections that older children and adults possess, and therefore can tolerate less sun. But the answer isn't to reach for the nearest sunscreen and dip the baby in it—traditional sunscreen
formulas often contain oxybenzone, parabens, phthalates, and other harmful
ingredients. The issue of product safety is especially important for children
because of their high body surface-to-volume ratio. Babies have proportionally
more skin for the size of their body compared to that of an adult, and therefore
get a higher "dose" of chemicals through their skin care products.
Eco-conscious companies companies to the rescue: In recent years, they've begun offering a range of suncare
products that steer clear of the bad stuff. These new sunscreens make safety their highest priority, while avoiding
the goopy textures and chemical smells of yesteryear.
The following sun care products do a great job of protecting
you and your family without the use of dangerous chemicals:
KINeSYS SPF
30 Girl Sunscreen Spray The spray-on application of this non-greasy product ensures even coverage. It
offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and is oil-free, PABA-free,
preservative-free, water-resistant, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic. An
ingredient boost of vitamin E, a topical antioxidant, helps fight free radicals.
KINeSYS is dedicated to keeping our planet healthy, too. That’s why the entire
line of sun care products is carbon neutral and 100 percent cruelty-free, and
the product packaging is made of 100 percent recyclable materials.
Armada Baby 50+ Fortified with antioxidant-rich green tea
and coconut, this cream protects the skin from UVA, UVB, infrared and visible
light. Hypoallergenic, it is perfect for the sensitive skin of babies and for pregnant
and lactating mothers. It is the first rated VH-65—meaning that it is free off
all cosmetic allergens as well as 65 known allergens most recently published by
the North American Contact Dermatitis Group.
Noodle & Boo Play-Day Sunscreen SPF 30 This adorably packaged sunscreen is hypoallergenic, dermatologist and
pediatrician-tested, and lightweight, making it perfect for everyday use. Aloe
and vitamin E hydrate delicate skins. The water-resistant formulation protects
your baby should he or she decide to jump in the sprinkler or splash in the pool.
Lavera Family
Sunscreen Spray SPF 15 With soothing, moisturizing organic
extracts like jojoba and calendula, this formula leaves a fresh hint of natural
scent on the skin. It is BDIH-certified organic, and even the packaging is
ecologically sensitive; in fact, the company was just named one of the greenest
companies in Europe. Light and nearly invisible, the spray protects against UVA
and UVB, and C rays.
Burt’s Bees Chemical-Free Sunscreen SPF 15 This
sunscreen is amped up with titanium dioxide, a naturally occurring mineral that
sits on top of the skin, reflecting and scattering UVA and UVB rays. The
natural formulation makes it perfect for babies’ sensitive skin while providing
broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
Reviva
Labs Beach Baby UVA & UVB Sun Protection Lotion This
SPF 25 lotion is hypoallergenic, perfect for tender and sensitive skins. Made
with soothing allantoin and aloe vera, it smoothes on without leaving a sticky
residue or white film. Made without artificial color or fragrance, it is also
water-resistant, perfect for days at the beach.
California
Baby SPF30+ Sunscreen This water-resistant, chemical-free
sunscreen protects through the use of coated micronized titanium dioxide.
Antioxidants such as vitamin E and oils from the Japanese green tea leaf
protect the skin, and coconut oil and squalene provide a moisture boost. Thanks
to a combination of oils of gardenia, lemongrass, and citronella, the light and
lemony scent also acts as a gentle bug repellant. The sunscreen is also
formulated without nut oils, gluten, soy, oat, or dairy, making it perfect for
both babies and sensitive adults.
For the latest information on sunscreens and sunscreen safety, as well as a list for navigating the more common drugstore brands, visit Skin Deep from Environmental Working Group.
Although there are great options in sunscreens, the best strategy for protecting young babies' skin is to walk on the shady side of the street whenever possible. “When it comes to babies under six months old, the priority should be on sun avoidance, with sunscreen added as a protective measure,” counsels Andrew Adesman, MD, chief of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at Schneider Children's Hospital in New York.
Sun Safe Tips
- During outdoor activities, seek shelter under a tree, umbrella, or stroller canopy.
- Choose a sunscreen that says “broad-spectrum” on the label. Broad-spectrum protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Look for a brand that is specifically designed for babies. Hypoallergenic formulations and those that are naturally fragranced or fragrance-free are best.
- Be careful when applying sunscreen around the eyes. Avoid the area altogether for babies under six months of age. If your baby rubs sunscreen into her eyes, use clean hands and a damp cloth to wipe them. If your child develops a rash, discontinue the product immediately and consult with a pediatrician.
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure so that it has time to absorb into the skin. Then reapply every 2 hours. Remember that sunscreen wears off in the water even more quickly.
Join the discussion! What are you doing to ensure your kids are safe from the sun while still getting enough Vitamin D?
Katherine Stewart is a journalist and author whose novels, The Yoga Mamas
and Class Mothers
, were published in 2005 and 2006 (Berkley Publishing Group). She contributes to a wide range of publications including Parenting, Slate, Healing Lifestyles & Spas, and Santa Barbara Magazine.