Protecting Your Little Ones: The Best Sunscreens for Babies, Children, and Pregnancy
There’s truly one simple answer to “What’s the best sunscreen for babies and children?”
Physical sunscreen, which is also called Mineral Sunscreen.
Read no further if you know what that means.
If not, let’s dive in!
I generally recommend:
PRO TIP: The most important thing is that you wear sunscreen consistently and remember to reapply it for optimal sun protection.chemical SPF ingredients.
Mineral sunscreens provide physical protection by reflecting and scattering UV rays, while chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat energy. I go in more depth about this on my Ultimate Guide to Sunscreen.
Prioritize Mineral AKA Physical sunscreens for children and in pregnancy since they protect our skin from UV rays by physically blocking and reflecting ultraviolet (UV) rays and are not absorbed through the skin.Physical sunscreens contain active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are known for their gentle nature, providing effective sun protection without causing irritation or allergies.
When you get into the nitty gritty, mineral sunscreens are perhaps best for everyone.
Chemical sunscreens protect the skin from UV rays by undergoing a chemical reaction upon application. These sunscreens typically contain avobenzone as the main ingredient, which effectively shields the skin from UV radiation. However, it's essential to be aware of two key aspects related to the mechanism of action of chemical sunscreens:
- the concern regarding the potential systemic absorption of chemical sunscreens. From a dermatology perspective, this absorption can sometimes lead to cystic-type breakouts, especially in individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
- many people are unaware that chemical sunscreens require approximately 20 minutes to be absorbed and start working effectively. It's crucial to apply these sunscreens before going outdoors to ensure proper protection. If you've experienced sunburn despite applying sunscreen, it's important to consider whether insufficient absorption time might have been a contributing factor.
The term "Broad Spectrum" is an essential feature to look for when selecting a sunscreen.Broad Spectrum indicates that the product provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to premature aging, while UVB rays primarily cause sunburn.
For visual learners (like I am!) this reel explains the sunscreen filter ingredients courtesy of EltaMD.
PRO TIP: Simply flip any skincare product around to see the rectangular active ingredients box on the back to know if it’s a mineral or chemical sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens will typically list zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as their active ingredients while chemical sunscreens will list avobenzone as well as other chemical SPF ingredients.
It's important to note that some sunscreens may contain a combination of mineral and chemical filters. In such cases, you may come across the term "100% Mineral" on the packaging, indicating that the sunscreen only contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as its active ingredients and not a combination of a mineral filter mixed with a chemical filter, which is usually accomplished to This handy trick can help you make informed decisions about the type of sunscreen that best suits your skin and preferences.
Choosing Sunscreen for Babies and Children
When you see the term "baby" on the front of a sunscreen product, it typically indicates that it is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens contain active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are known for their gentle and non-irritating nature, making them ideal for sensitive skin, including baby's delicate skin.
The truth is, mineral or physical sunscreens used to have a reputation for being white and pasty on the skin. However, in recent years, sunscreen formulations have become much more elegant and aesthetically pleasing, even those found at the drugstore. At Skincare by Sydney, I want to emphasize that while the brand doesn't dictate which sunscreen you should wear, I'm here to guide you in finding one that you'll not only like but possibly even love.
What about babies under 6 months old?
Sun protection for babies under 6 months old is crucial due to their delicate and sensitive skin, as well as their increased risk of sunburn and sun damage. It's recommended to keep infants under 6 months old out of direct sunlight, especially during peak hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If sun exposure is unavoidable, dress babies in lightweight, protective clothing, use a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and seek shade whenever possible. Apply a small amount of mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to areas of the skin that cannot be covered, such as the face and hands, but consult with a pediatrician before doing so. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Overall, the best approach is to prioritize sun protection strategies that minimize sun exposure and risk for babies under 6 months old.
Choosing Sunscreen for Babies and Children
You most likely won’t see marketing on the front of sunscreens about a sunscreen being “pregnancy safe” so what you do need to know is mineral sunscreens are best advised since there is not systemic absorption.
Wearing sunscreen during pregnancy is not only important for protecting the skin from harmful UV rays but also for addressing cosmetic concerns that can arise during this time. One significant cosmetic reason to wear sunscreen during pregnancy is to prevent the occurrence or exacerbation of a condition called chloasma, also known as melasma or "pregnancy mask."
These dark, discolored patches tend to appear on the face, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip and can be triggered or worsened by hormonal changes, including those that occur during pregnancy. UV exposure can further stimulate the production of melanin in the skin, leading to the darkening of existing chloasma patches and the development of new ones.
In addition to wearing sunscreen with broad-spectrum sunscreen protection, expecting mothers can shield their skin from UV radiation by applying sunscreen with IR (infrared) protection before exposure to heat sources, such as drying hair or prolonged sun exposure This helps create a barrier against IR-A rays and minimizes the risk of triggering or worsening melasma.
Alastin Hydratint is my go-to for melasma conscience patients since it offers IR protection.
The best sunscreen is the sunscreen you will wear AND reapply every 2 hours!
...better yet wear UPF clothing.
As we wrap up, it's crucial to reiterate the significance of sun protection for every member of the family, especially the most vulnerable ones like children. Sunscreen is not just a cosmetic product but a vital shield against the harmful effects of UV rays that can lead to sunburns, premature aging, and even skin cancer. At Skincare by Sydney, our mission is to empower you with knowledge and confidence in making informed decisions about sun care products. We believe that education is the key to transforming lives and ensuring the health and well-being of your loved ones.
As a dermatology PA, I often recommend physical sunscreens for individuals with sensitive skin or those prone to skin reactions, as they offer broad-spectrum protection while being gentle and suitable for all skin types, including babies and children.
PRO TIP: YOU CAN CHANGE CHILD’S CANCER FUTURE BY APPLYING SUNSCREEN ON THEM TODAY!