There are hundreds of different sun care products on the market, but a surprisingly high number of people don’t use them. Sunburns are more severe than many people realize and they can cause severe health problems. Sunscreen is the best way to protect yourself and your children from sun exposure that could cause permanent damage to the skin.
What Is A Sunburn
Sunburn is a radiation burn that occurs with a person is exposed to UV rays without protection. The radiation burns the skin and causes it to turn red, feel hot, and sometimes even blister and peel. UV rays can penetrate the skin and damage it.
The damaged skin eventually dies and falls off the body so a new layer can protect it. Even a tan can be considered sun damage and the more people are exposed to the sun and suffer from sunburns and sun damage, the more likely they are to suffer from various skin problems later in life.
Why Children Should Wear Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a great way to protect children from sun damage. When appropriately applied, it can reflect the sun’s rays, so they are unable to penetrate the skin and cause damage. There are many different types of sunscreen on the market, and they all contain different ingredients that make them useful.
Kids who are active or will be in the sun for long periods may need to apply sunscreen several times a day, as it can come off when sweating. Since children have sensitive skin, they are more likely to suffer a sunburn than most adults. Teaching children how to protect themselves from the sun is something every parent should do.
Signs Of Sun Damaged Skin In Children
While most people think that sunburn is the only sign of skin damage, there can actually be damage that you don’t yet see. Dermatologists can check the skin and look for signs of sun damage that the untrained eye can’t find. They will check moles, age spots, freckles, and uneven skin patches to see if a health problem or sun damage caused these conditions. Some people don’t notice the sign of sun damage until years after it occurs. Some common symptoms of sun damage in children include,
- Pain
- Discomfort
- Burning Sensation
- Red Skin
- Skin that is hot to touch
- Nausea
- Exhaustion
- Sweating
- Dark Spots
- White Spots
- Moles
- Freckles
- Blisters
- Peeling
- Headache
Complications Of Frequent Sun Exposure Without Sunscreen
It’s no secret that the rays of the sun are dangerous. Many people don’t realize how dangerous they can be and don’t wear sunscreen or apply it to their children when they should. Some people assume they only need sunscreen if they are outside for long periods or in an area that doesn’t have shade, such as the beach.
The truth is, kids should wear sunscreen every day. They are exposed to the sun constantly, and each time they go out without sunscreen, they face sun damage. It can lead to serious health problems later in life. Some common complications of frequent sun exposure without sunscreen include,
- Cancer
- Moles
- Scarring
- Wrinkles
- Dark Spots
- Premature aging
- Heat stroke
- Skin infections
Best Sunscreen For Kids Comparison Table
How We Choose Our Ratings
The thought of having a child with sunburn can be scary. Parents are learning about the risks and complications of sun exposure every day. While we can’t keep our children away from the sun completely, we can protect them when they are exposed to it. Sunscreen is the most effective way to do this.
We know that you want to choose a sunscreen that is safe for your child and will allow them to enjoy the outdoors without sun damage. We consider many things when creating our ratings and we strive to provide honest and accurate information about each product. We look at the reviews from other customers, company data, scientific research, and the types of ingredients used in each product to create out lists. Other things we take into consideration include,
- Cost
- Reapplications
- Water resistance
- Fragrance
- Application process
- Speed of application
- Effectiveness
- SPF Ratings
- Consistency
- Packaging
Top Ten Sunscreens For Kids
If you want to me be sure you are using the best sunscreen for kids, consider trying on of these products.
1. Neutrogena Pure and Free Baby Sunscreen Lotion
Features
This sunscreen is so safe an effective that the National Eczema Association has given it the Seal of Acceptance. That means it is entirely safe for children and even babies. It won’t harm or irritate the skin but can block harmful rays. It features an SPF 50 mineral-based barrier that allows it to prevent both UVA and UVB rays from penetrating the skin and causing damage.
It smells nice and doesn’t feel greasy or sticky when applied. It’s also waterproof, so it’s perfect to use at the beach or by the pool. It’s also made for people with eczema-prone skin, so it’s safe to use on all skin types. Many parents say this is the best sunscreen for kids on the market.
2. Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen
Features
Thinkbaby is a brand that cares about the ingredients they use in their products. They made a sunscreen for children and babies that don’t contain any harmful chemicals. You don’t need strong chemicals for reliable sun protection, and this sunscreen is effective at blocking out both UVA and UVB rays.
The Environmental Working Group even gave the sunscreen a low toxicity rating. The sunscreen still provides maximum protection, and it’s waterproof. Some parents do complain that this sunscreen is very thick and it takes a while to apply it and rub it into the skin thoroughly.
3. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen
Features
This sunscreen is made in Australia, where the standards for sunscreen are pretty high. It is a mineral-based lotion that is broad spectrum and effective. Blue Lizard managed to create a sunscreen that doesn’t have any harsh chemical or toxins but can block out harmful rays for hours. The neatest thing about this sunscreen is the bottle.
It turns colors based on the number of UV rays that are present. It can also help remind parents to keep applying it to their children or decide when to use more throughout the day. The bottle is BPA free and is it fragrance-free. Some users did complain that it goes on oily and appears shiny on the skin even after it is put on thoroughly.
4. Baby Mineral Sunscreen By Nurture My Body
Features
This sunscreen is one of the safest on the market. It doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, and it’s safe for all skin types. It was given a toxicity rating of zero by the Environmental Working Group. If you are worried about the environment, you will be relieved to know that it comes in a BPA-free bottle and it won’t leak chemicals when heated.
It is also completely vegan and made with certified organic ingredients. It’s a thick lotion, and it can go on patchy if you don’t rub it in well. It’s also a little pricey when compared to other sunscreens.
5. Babyganics Mineral Based Sunscreen Spray
Features
This sunscreen is a spray, which is perfect for kids because they don’t like to sit still while lotion is rubbed on them. This spray is safe to use on kids and babies, and because it’s a spray, it’s easier to get more coverage. It does need to be rubbed in for the best results.
If you are worried about your baby or child inhaling the sunscreen, rest assured that there is no mist, so it goes exactly where you spray it and doesn’t linger in the air. Its broad spectrum and perfect for sensitive skin. Be careful if you are using this sunscreen around white or light clothing, as it can stain.
6. Aveeno Baby Natural Protection
Features
Aveeno is known for its natural ingredients, and when it comes to their sunscreen, they didn’t change anything. They added oatmeal to soothe the skin and help make the application more comfortable and to avoid breakouts. It's mineral-based, so it creates a barrier on the skin that blocks out the rays of the sun and prevents skin damage and burns — it 100% natural an safe for all skin types.
It’s water and sweat resistant, so it’s great for active kids or kid that love to play in the water. It is somewhat expensive too.
7. CeraVe Baby Sunscreen
Features
The lotion is perfect for babies, but it is also okay to use on older children and even adults. It uses natural ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about putting chemicals on your child’s sensitive skin. It feels delicate and smooth during application.
It is also a broad spectrum. It’s fragrance-free and waterproof for up to 80 minutes. The only complaint from other users is that the package is so small and they had to buy more than one tube at a time.
8. Badger SPF 30 Baby Sunscreen Cream
Features
This sunscreen uses zinc oxide as its active ingredient and offers broad-spectrum protection. There are no harsh chemicals, and it contains a variety of soothing ingredients such as beeswax and sunflower oil. The ingredients are all organic, so it is gentle enough to use on babies.
The bottle is made from recyclable plastic, so it’s safe for the environment. The sunscreen works quickly and performs best if lathered on. It’s water and sweat resistant for up to 40 minutes. Some people do complain about the smell of the lotion even though there are no added fragrances.
9. Burt’s Bees Baby Nourishing Mineral Sunscreen
Features
Burt’s Bees is a well-known brand that uses the best natural ingredients possible. Their sunscreen is no different, and it can protect babies and children without leaving their skin feeling greasy. Not only does it protect from the sun, but it also nourishes and hydrates the skin.
It’s hypoallergenic and water resistant. It is very thick and leaves a white cast on the skin. It may need to be reapplied every 40 minutes even though it is water resistant.
10. Alba Botanical
Features
This sunscreen comes in an attractive bottle and doesn’t look like sunscreen. It’s a spray, so it’s easy to apply. It also smells amazing.
Unlike other sunscreens that either has no fragrance or a fragrance that is so strong it’s hardly bearable, this scent is light and pleasant. The spray comes out without creating a mist, but it does need to be rubbed on the skin. It offers broad spectrum protection and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Other Ways To Protect Your Children From the Sun
Using the best sunscreen for kids is one of the most effective ways to protect your children from the sun, but it isn’t the only way. Parents should apply sunscreen daily and find other ways to lessen their children’s exposure to the sun when possible. Some different ways to protect your children from the sun include,
- Hats
- Long sleeves
- Umbrellas
- Tents
- Avoid playing outside during the hottest parts of the day
- Find shady areas for outdoor activities
Treating Sunburns At Home
If your child does get a sunburn, you can handle them at home. There is little that can be done for a sunburn other than managing the pain and discomfort that comes with them. Remove clothing that can rub or irritate the area and apply aloe vera or another soothing skin lotion to the burn area. Keep the child cool and provide plenty of water.
Cold compresses can be applied to the burnt area to help number the pain and over the counter pain medication may also help. Do not allow the child to scratch or pick at the area, even after the skin blister and peels as this can cause infection. Most sunburns last less than a week. Once the sunburn has healed, children should avoid the sun and continue to wear sunscreen anytime they go outside.
Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to protecting your children from the sun, you can’t be too careful. There are many different types of sunscreen on the market. They are all different and what is right for one family may not be right for another.
Read the labels and research the products before you use them. If one product doesn’t appeal to you, try another one. Trial and error is sometimes the best way to test products. Sun damage is a severe health problem and protecting your kids from the sun now could help them avoid a lifetime of skin problems.
