What kind of sunscreen to choose for a child

The best manufacturers of sunscreen products for children

High-quality cream should consist of natural and safe ingredients, easy to apply, not cause allergies and protect the delicate skin of the baby from UV radiation. These requirements are met by products of the following brands:

1. Babo Botanicals. The products of this company contain only natural ingredients, including zinc, emollient organic oils, antioxidants and vitamins. They are completely safe for the child and do not cause allergies.

2. Töpfer. The main goal of the company is the creation of cosmetics from organic products. Its products are certified by BDIH - the Association of Manufacturing Companies and Distributors of German Pharmaceutical Products. This means that only natural components are included in Töpfer products, and vegetable raw materials are collected on environmentally friendly fields.

3. Mustela. The company pays special attention to newborn skin research. Scientists of the company even reproduced the child's epidermis (outer layer of skin) in the laboratory to study the peculiarities of the baby’s skin and the effects of cosmetics on it.

4. La roche-posay. The company's products enter the market only after rigorous clinical research. Products are manufactured taking into account the therapeutic needs of the child and the recommendations of dermatologists.

5. Coola. In the production of sunscreens for children, only natural ingredients are used: zinc oxide, vitamins, antioxidants, vegetable oils. Each company product contains more than 70% certified organic ingredients.

6. Alpha Nova. The company's products are absolutely safe, it can be used for small children, pregnant women and albinos.

What degree of protection to choose for a child

The level of protection depends on the SPF value (sun protection factor) indicated on the package. SPF shows how well the product protects the baby’s skin from UV radiation.

SPF index varies from 2 to 100 units. But do not think that SPF 50 is much better than SPF 30. The cream with indicator 50 protects the skin from 99% of UV radiation, and the product with marking 30 is from 97%. And one more interesting nuance - products with a sun protection factor of 100 are no different from products with a score of 50. They are, rather, a good marketing move, rather than a “super protection” from the sun.

When choosing a cream should take into account the color of the skin and hair of the baby. Blond and blond-haired children with fair skin need to choose products with SPF 40-50, and a child with dark skin will be more suitable with SPF 15-30.

Any means, regardless of the level of protection, should be used every two hours.

What should be the composition of the cream

Protection against ultraviolet rays is carried out by chemical or mechanical (physical) components. Chemicals (with benzophenone and avobenzon) are usually waterproof, they do not leave white marks on the skin. They penetrate the skin and into the bloodstream and can cause the development of allergies and dermatitis. They cannot be used for children under three years old. And although it is believed that a low concentration of chemicals can not harm the health, it is better for the child to choose products created on the basis of mechanical filters.

Sunscreens containing physical ingredients are completely safe for the baby. Unlike chemicals, they do not penetrate the skin, but form a protective cover on it that blocks ultraviolet rays.

Moreover, the effect of the cream with physical ingredients begins immediately after application, and products with chemical filters - only after 20 minutes.

Before buying, examine the composition of baby cream. It should not contain:

1. Parabens (for example, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben). Some scientists believe that these substances increase the likelihood of developing malignant tumors. The permissible concentration of parabens in one medium should not exceed 0.4%.

2. Bronopol. This substance leads to carcinogenic cell mutations, causes allergies and dermatitis. Prohibited for use in the EU and the USA.

3. Phenoxyethanol (Phenoxyethanol) is a toxic compound. Its concentration in a cosmetic product should not exceed 1%. Phenoxyethanol can cause allergies and dermatitis, and during its disintegration, substances that stimulate carcinogenic processes are formed.

4. Alcohol denat - dries and irritates the skin.

5. Disodium EDTA - contributes to the development of cancer.

6. Citrus essential oils - reduce the resistance of cells to ultraviolet radiation, which increases the likelihood of burns.

Why do we need funds with a wide range of protection

On the skin are two types of ultraviolet rays: UV-A (UVA) and UV-B (UVB). UV-A rays are one of the causes of carcinogenesis. They also contribute to sun aging. UV-B rays are the reason that a person “burns” in the sun. Like UVA, they are associated with the occurrence of malignant neoplasms.

Some sunscreens protect the skin from only one type of UV rays. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a broad-spectrum product, i.e. inhibiting effect of UV-A and UV-B.

What else to look for when buying

Choose only those products that have a label for children. For babies, you need to buy special products with the label “0+” on them. Normal children's cream, as a rule, is designed for children older than 3 years.

Be wary of funds with SPF 50 and above. The higher the sun protection factor, the more potentially dangerous substances may be in its composition.

Before you buy, be sure to review the composition of the product you like. It should not contain parabens, perfumes, preservatives, etc. If the baby is not yet three years old, use products created on the basis of mechanical ingredients: zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.