1. Mustela bebe Sunscreen cream for newborns SCF50+ (50ml) price about 1200 rub.
From them: Delicate children's skin reacts very negatively to aggressive sun rays. Therefore, it needs special care and protection. Mustela children's sunscreen has a completely natural composition and perfectly protects the skin in two stages. On the surface it protects it from burns and the negative effects of ultraviolet and infrared rays, creating a repulsive layer. In the deep layers of the epidermis, it actively moisturizes and saturates the skin with essential microelements to restore the skin’s natural protective reaction. Soft structure, pleasant aroma and natural composition do not cause allergies, easy to apply, gives instant results.
Gag: In general, I trust this company, the composition is without fragrances, dyes and alcohol, the cream is white - which will allow you to notice the unsmeared areas. The reviews are good - here is an interesting excerpt from one:
... There are two, in my opinion, absolutely identical products: Mustela Children's Sunscreen Cream SPF 50+ for especially sensitive areas 75 ml and Mustela Children's Sunscreen Cream SPF 50+ for sensitive skin 50 ml. I still can't understand the difference between them. The protection factor is the same, the tube is larger for the cream for sensitive areas, the price is the same. On the body they both also behave absolutely the same. The only difference in composition is that the cream for sensitive areas contains more herbal additives. But then it should cost more, and there should be less of it in the tube, since there are fewer particularly sensitive areas on the body than just sensitive skin. I can’t understand why the first cream turns out cheaper, but has a larger tube. Therefore, if you are tormented by the question of which cream to choose, like I was at one time, take it for sensitive areas. There's more cream...
2.La Roche-Posay Antigelios Dermo-Kids for children spray, SPF50+/PPD20- costs about 1100 rubles for 200 ml
From them: The Mexoryl® SX and XL solar filter system provides photostable protection against the negative effects of UVB/UVA rays. UVA-ULTRA protection: the product meets stricter* requirements than the European standard to prevent negative effects UVA rays on the skin. The product is resistant to water, sand, and sweat. Easily absorbed and convenient to apply. Contains La Roche-Posay Thermal Water, naturally rich in Selenium, a powerful antioxidant. Without perfumes. No parabens. Resistant to water and sweat.
Gag: very good reviews, I found an incredibly detailed and useful review ((I can give the link upon request))) as they explained to me, you can’t post it here)), it follows (when analyzing the composition, among other things) that the cream is of good quality
3. CHICCO SUN CREAM “BABY MOMENTS”, SPF 50+ FROM BIRTH (75 ML)Costs about 800 rub.
From them:
Characteristics of sunscreensCHICCO BABY MOMENTS:
UV protection
Without smell
Cannot be washed off with water
Does not contain alcohol or dyes
With organomineral filters
Hypoallergenic
Tested by microbiologists and dermatologists
Sunscreen spray CHICCO BABY MOMENTS moisturizes delicate baby skin and prevents irritation and redness.
Contains UVA and UVB filters that protect against the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, vitamin E soothes, softens and nourishes.
Protects and moisturizes skin even while swimming.
Easily absorbed, suitable for any skin type.
Gag: I didn’t really find the composition, there are few reviews: one of them says that the main advantage is that the cream is not absorbed and thus does not harm the skin))) the manufacturer assures that the cream is easily absorbed
4. AVÈNE SPF 50+ LOTION FOR CHILDREN, costs about 1000 rubles per 100 ml
From them:Very high level of protection for sensitive skin. Effective against the entire spectrum of solar radiation (short and long UV-A and UV-B rays). Does not contain parabens.
Certified UV-A compliance. Very water resistant. 100% photostable.
Suitable for very fair skin with hypersensitivity to the sun.
Avène SPF 50+ Lotion for children meets all the requirements: effective protection, quality, pleasure to use and reliability.
Advantages:
- A unique complex of active components “SunSitive®”, developed by the Pierre Fabre research center.
- Minimum content of chemical filters in the sunscreen composition.
- Pre-tocopheryl, a precursor to vitamin E, provides cell protection.
- Avène thermal water has a calming and anti-inflammatory effect.
Avène SPF 50+ has an invisible, non-greasy texture that makes application especially pleasant.
An airless tube with a dispenser allows you to easily control the volume of the product.
Gag: the company is trustworthy, there are few reviews, but they are good. I’m faced with the same thing as with Chicco - that there is no pure composition (now I’m experienced, I want to know everything about shortness of breath and dyes))) but nothing is written). I was especially pleased with this: " Avène SPF 50+ Lotion for children meets all the requirements: effective protection, quality, pleasure to use and reliability." So: so what, but a six-month-old child will definitely get pleasure))))
5. Vichy Capital Soleil super mousse SPF50 sunscreen for children 150ml, costs about 900 rubles
From them: Protects against the full spectrum of UVA and UVB rays
Super waterproof
Super light like a mousse:
100% gentle application for sensitive baby skin
Hypoallergenic
No parabens
Tested under dermatological supervision
Super interesting for kids:
Fruity aroma and juicy color
Easy to apply
New colorful packaging
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Thermal water VICHY SPA, Mexoril® XL, Mexoril® SX, Octocrylene, Parsol 1789, Vitamin E, Arginine RSA
Gag: I don’t like it when everything is SUPER (- light, - waterproof, etc.), the reviews are mostly positive, but cases of allergies are not uncommon, again there are no cherished words without fragrance and dyes)) in one of the reviews I calculated that the composition contains alcohol - but I didn’t find any confirmation in the official descriptions, nor a refutation (for example, Mustella immediately states that it is alcohol-free)
6. My sunshine, approximately 150 rubles for 55 ml
From them: Sunscreen cream My Sun,specially designed to provide maximum sun protection to children's delicate skin, completely blocking the harmful effects of sunlight and preventing sunburn. Contains filters that are safe for baby's skin, which in combination with vitamin E and calendula extract provide long-lasting protection against a wide spectrum of UVA/UVB radiation. Intensively softens the skin, protects it from drying out, inflammation and prevents moisture loss, thanks to an active moisturizing complex. Safe even for the little ones.
Gag: oops opa opa pa pa)) an unexpected turn - all the reviews are like a selection - the best cream of all time)) the only disadvantage is that it is not suitable for adults))) supposedly even from 3 months you can use it. It was a pleasant surprise, but I decided to find the composition anyway, I found in one negative review more than 10 unsafe components (I can give a link upon request))) as they explained to me, it cannot be posted here)), I was struck by a huge amount of unknown alcohol)) and perfume)) By the way, baby has their blog where you can ask questions, an interesting fact is that from 3 months you can use SPF 20 and 30, and 50 only from a year, although everyone recommends 50 for babies...
I didn’t find Eva sun for children and neither did I find kedem
And finally: I found some interesting information regarding our little ones
... When is it necessary to use children's sun creams? – if you are going to the sea, going to city beaches or living in the country in the summer. For a child walking as usual, sunscreen is not necessary. Indiscriminate use of these cosmetics, especially for children under one year old, can cause harm: allergies, stress on the liver. Considering the fact that not all mothers buy age-appropriate sun protection cosmetics for their children, rather than any cream labeled “children’s” at the nearest stall.
If your child is under three years old, and your walking area does not allow for quality shelter from the sun, DO NOT use creams labeled “children’s” or “for sensitive and children’s skin”! These products are suitable for children aged 3-5 years. Look for age recommendations. Some mothers choose sunscreen cosmetics at random - for example, they use Garnier, Nivea or Avon products for young children. And then they are indignant: Christmas trees, sticks, why don’t they indicate a specific age! They have already indicated everything: their products are “children’s”. Not for newborns, not for babies, they are FOR CHILDREN. What, a six-month-old baby, he’s not a “children” yet, or what? For industry - no. Completely different quality requirements.
For example, products from the popular company Mustela have age indications: bebe or enfant. And for children under 1.5 years old, only Mustela’s “sunscreen milk SPF50” is suitable; it is marked “bebe”. CHICCO has protective cosmetics for children “from birth” (in fact, from 6 months anyway) - this is a series with an orange stripe.
0 to 6 months: None of the existing sunscreens will work. The baby’s skin absorbs everything so well that the components of the product can directly enter the circulatory system and cause a noticeable blow to the liver.
6-12 months: choose sunscreen cosmetics sold in pharmacies. These are special hypoallergenic series of high quality, they do not contain harmful chemicals. They are not cheap, but very economical to use. These are companies such as: Avene, Klorane, Mustela, Ducrey, Institut Esthederm, Bioderma. La Roche-Posay.
Economical option: Sanosan, Johnson's And Johnson's, Our Mother. In a child under one year old, the skin still absorbs chemicals well, so for city walks it is better not to apply any cream - or lubricate only the cheeks, nose and shoulders, not forgetting to wash off the makeup after the walk.
From year: Bubchen, CHICCO, Vichy.
From 3-4 years: any products marked “children”. Check for allergies. In this category, sunscreen lotions and sprays are colored - in order to properly color a restless child on the go, without missing a single area of the skin. Colored products that come into contact with the skin become transparent after a while....
Somehow like this! I hope it’s useful - good sunshine in the sky and healthy sunshine to everyone;)
Ps personally, I’m in favor of Mustella, of all the things that have been calculated, I think for small children it’s best to use it or La Roche, IMHO
I just finished writing an article about chemical filters for one portal and now, hot on the heels, I propose evaluate children's sunscreen, what to look for when purchasing.
Summer is just around the corner; it is better to take care of high-quality sun protection in advance, while the entire range of good protection is in stock.
Children's sunscreen
Dr. Lawrence states that using sunscreen Possible for children over 6 months.
If the child is younger, choose other methods of protection: shade, Panama hat and soft cotton clothing. He also advises avoiding direct sunlight on the skin at this tender age.
For older children it is important to choose sunscreen without critical ingredients which may affect the hormonal system. Alas, this is indeed a problem with many chemical filters, which is worth discussing separately.
How to choose children's sunscreen
In childhood, the skin is very vulnerable and the resulting burns can cause serious health consequences in adulthood. Remember this when choosing reliable sun protection, and do not forget about the simplest rules:
1. Authoritative Dr. Lawrence advises applying cream with minimum SPF 15 protection, or better yet SPF 30 for every day. Use a lot of cream and reapply it every 2 hours and more often during active bathing. The cream needs to be updated because the effectiveness of protection decreases over time.
2. Do not use sunscreen aerosols or sprays. They do not guarantee even application and are NOT safe to inhale, especially for children.
3. Do not use creams with an overestimated factor more than SPF 50. They do NOT provide higher protection, but they will easily mislead you.
4. Carefully study the composition of the cream before the purchase. Choose physical filters for children; they do not penetrate the skin and work on the surface, reflecting rays. The composition should not contain the toxic filter oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate.
5. The most important thing! Based on the composition, we can assess the safety of the cream for children. But the effectiveness of sunscreen alone we cannot evaluate. How well it will protect the skin from UVA rays can only be determined in a laboratory.
Complete protection against UVA rays is the biggest problem with sunscreens today.
The best sunscreen for children
I compile it according to data from the non-profit association EWG. It identifies toxic substances in cosmetics. Today we'll look at best sunscreen for children, the safest possible.
All Good Products
Children's Sanskrin with natural zinc oxide, grape juice, green tea, chamomile and calendula extracts. Based on triglycerides, an excellent light emollient for the skin in summer. The cream is not greasy, safe for coral reefs and delicate baby skin.
Filter: zinc oxide 22.5% (no nano-particles)
UVA protection:
Where can I buy: All Good Products, Kid's Sunscreen, SPF 30
All Terrain
Top natural sunscreen without greasy or sticky effect, for active beach holidays, water resistance 80 minutes. Prevents skin inflammation caused by the sun. Contains plant triglycerides, aloe vera gel, fucus extract, cucumber, vitamin E.
Filter: zinc oxide 16%
UVA protection:
Where can I buy:All Terrain KidSport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
Badger
Safe, effective cream for the beach, active summer holidays, swimming. Waterproof, lasts 40 minutes. The most natural and organic cream in the rating, but most likely it will whiten. It is recommended to rub it to reduce whitishness. Contains the most beneficial CO2 extract of sea buckthorn and tocopherol.
Filter: zinc oxide 18.75% (no nanoparticles)
UVA protection:"Great"; UVA protection balance is ″good″.
Where can I buy: Active Kids, Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Cream, SPF 30
Coola
Mineral sunscreen for children from the “monster of protective cosmetics”, the Coola brand. The cream is as natural as possible, without chemicals, with mineral filters and plant extracts. Waterproof, you can swim in water for 80 minutes.
In terms of the safety of the composition, this Coola cream is simply excellent, but it showed the lowest protection against UVA rays among children's creams in this rating. It has a “satisfactory” balance of protection; all other means have “good” protection. Tolerable, but there are better options in this rating.
Filter: titanium dioxide 7.6%, zinc oxide 6.8%
UVA protection:"good"; the balance of UVA protection is “satisfactory”.
Where can I buy: COOLA Mineral Baby, Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 50
Goddess Garden
The cream is tested and recommended by pediatricians, contains organic aloe vera juice and shea butter. No added fragrance, safe for coral reefs and baby skin. Prevents inflammation caused by the sun. Water-resistant, withstands 80 minutes of active swimming.
Filter: titanium dioxide 6.4%, zinc oxide 6% (no nanoparticles)
UVA protection:"good"; UVA protection balance is ″good″.
Where can I buy: Goddess Garden Kids Sport, Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30
Thinksport
Children's sunscreen with mineral protection, recommended by dermatologists. Easy to apply, absorbs well, leaves no stickiness. Suitable for face and body, waterproof, lasts 80 minutes.
Contains triglycerides, aloe vera extract (reduces inflammation from the sun), jojoba oil (additional sun protection), valuable raspberry and cranberry seed oils, hyaluronic acid. Excellent composition, judging by the ingredients.
Filter: zinc oxide 20% (no nano-particles)
UVA protection:"Great"; UVA protection balance is ″good″.
Buy: Thinksport for Kids Sunscreen, SPF 50+
Sun protection stick for children
Interesting statistics facts: Using sticks, mothers apply sunscreen in much less quantity than necessary. I thought that I do this too, so with sticks I need to remember this.
Sunscreen sticks for children have also been tested for safety and effectiveness in protecting against UVA rays. All sticks in this rating are the safest possible with an “excellent” degree of protection and balance of protection. WITH The most excellent result in UVA reflection showed All Terrain sticks, the first in the rating.
Stick All Terrain, TerraSport Face Stick SPF 28“Excellent” degree of protection against UVA rays, prevents skin inflammation from the sun. Suitable for children.
StickAll Terrain KidSport Face Stick, SPF 28, “excellent” degree of protection against UVA rays, I had one like this last year, in reality it is larger in size than in the photo. Convenient to use, easy to apply to the skin.
Stick All Good Products, Sunstick, SPF 30 excellent degree of protection against UVA rays and a “good” balance of filters. Ideal for children, prevents skin inflammation from the sun. Contains excellent jojoba, sesame, avocado, and buriti oils.
If you have questions about the composition of your sunscreens, write in the comments, we’ll look at the critical components.
This time I set myself the task of choosing the most effective and safe sunscreen.
In many reviews of sunscreens, you can find stories about holidays at sea or in the mountains, in which the sunscreen prevented burns. This fact usually provides the basis for unambiguous conclusions about the effectiveness of the product. I would argue with the authors of such reviews. In fact, any cream with SPF 20 or higher will do to protect against burns. But often skin damage caused by solar radiation is not limited to burns. We cannot see or measure the damage caused to the skin by UVA radiation until a certain stage (the appearance of premature wrinkles or, worse, the development of melanoma). In this article, I tried to consider all the important points that need to be taken into account when choosing a quality cream.
Update 2019: I conducted a study that showed that in practice, not all products with SPF 30 perform 97% filtration. For sensitive skin, I recommend using proven products or products with an SPF of at least 50.
Sunscreen for children | Characteristics of sun filters
When choosing sun protection, you should first pay attention to the type of filters (active sunscreen components). Main classification:
- Chemical. Protect after absorption. Each chemical filter has its own individual protection mechanism due to its own spectrum of chemical reactions. For protection, it is necessary to pre-apply the product, approximately 30 minutes in advance.
- Physical (mineral, reflectors). Protect while on the surface of the skin. They simply reflect light. Physical filters provide a higher level of protection. Due to their work on the surface of the skin, these filters are safer in terms of exposure to the skin. This type of filter works immediately after applying the product. The main disadvantage of products with physical filters is the high density of textures. Due to the dense textures of the filters, products with physical filters are difficult to apply and leave whitish marks on the surface of the skin.
From the graph above you can see that to protect against UVA waves, Zinc oxide or Avobenzone filters must be present.
Let's take a closer look at the most popular filters:
| Description | Safety rating according to ewg.org (scale from 1 to 10, the safest 1, most harmful - 10) | |
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Well-studied safe filter. Depending on the modification, the rating is 2-4 points out of 10 possible. | |
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Depending on the modification, the rating is 1-3 points out of 10 possible. | |
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ewg.org's conclusions are based on a limited amount of data, so this filter is not at the top of the list. |
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Rating 2 points out of 10 possible. ewg.org's conclusions are based on a limited amount of data, so this filter is not at the top of the list. | |
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Rating 3 points out of 10 possible. | |
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Rating 4 points out of 10 possible. | |
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Rating 6 points out of 10. | |
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Rating 8 points out of 10 possible. |
At the moment, the most popular physical filters are Zinc oxide and Titanium dioxide. The graph demonstrates the increased effectiveness of Titanium dioxide against UVB waves and the effectiveness of Zinc oxide against UVA.
Disadvantages of spray sunscreens
The spray version is very attractive due to its ease of application. I was warned against choosing a sunscreen spray by an FDA opinion piece (an agency of the US Department of Health and Human Services). It turns out that scientists have great doubts about the safety and effectiveness of sunscreen sprays. They pose a serious inhalation hazard. Also, when applying products in the form of sprays, it is difficult to ensure uniform coverage.
If you apply logic, then in order to evenly distribute the product during application, you need to maintain a large distance from the skin. In this case, particles are likely to enter the respiratory tract.
Sunscreen for children |Vitamin A content in sunscreens
Another critical point when analyzing sunscreen formulations is the presence of vitamin A (retinol). Vitamin A in sunscreens may cause skin cancer. There is currently a debate in the European Commissions about banning vitamin A in sunscreens, but many organizations that regulate the safety of cosmetic ingredients have already started raising awareness on this issue. Details.
To be honest, when choosing a sunscreen, I did not come across a single product with vitamin A in its composition.
Requirements for safe sunscreen for babies
- the presence of safe filters (the best option is physical) against UVB and UVA radiation;
- form in the form of a cream, stick or lotion;
- no dangerous Oxybenzone filter , vitamin A and dangerous preservatives (the rating of the harmfulness of preservatives is given)
Rating of sunscreens for children
Let's move on to consider specific instances. For clarity, I have listed creams from different price segments. As expected, safe, expensive foreign funds took the first positions in the rating. Budgetary funds fell to the bottom of the ranking.
Please note that all products for babies are designed for use from six months. It is not recommended to leave a child in the open sun before 6 months. Clothes, umbrellas, etc. should be used as protection for up to 6 months.
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 Update 07/15/2016: The toning option spreads well over the skin, but The cream failed the test under extreme conditions. Despite the declared fairly high SP, the cream failed to provide protection! Weeding the beds on a sunny July day ended with burnt skin. I'm lucky that Yana's skin is less sensitive to light than mine. I was the only one who got burned. I do not recommend this cream for fair-skinned people with sensitive skin. In general, I lost confidence in this brand, since SPF 30, at a minimum, should have prevented sunburn. By the way, the eco-friendly insect repellent Badger also failed to cope with its functions. Protection, if there is any, is minimal. Badger sunscreens can be recommended in conditions where there is no strong sun. Badger insect protection can be recommended when insects are not bothering you :-). |
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When analyzing the composition, the following sources were used:
- www.ewg.org English site. In case of insufficient data, it may show index = 1, this means that the component is safe, but information about the lack of data with a red signal circle will be displayed below: Data available: Limited.
- cosdna.com English site. Substances whose harmfulness is in question are defined as neutral. You can check the security of a group of components at one time.
Regular readers have probably guessed that I wrote this post as part of choosing the optimal sun protection for Yana, and many of them are interested in what products I chose. I chose a couple of products from Iherb:
- ATTITUDE, Little Ones, 100% Mineral Sun Protection (Iherb.com). There is currently a huge discount on this item on Iherb.com, so I couldn’t pass it up. There is only one component in it that raises doubts. Considering the price of the product and the moderate harm of this component, I cast aside my doubts. Update 2019: The product is good, but is no longer available.
- Badger Company with a tinting effect to eliminate whitish stains from zinc(Iherb.com). I am familiar firsthand with the procedure for applying zinc-based products, so I decided to smooth out this moment with a tinting option from the popular Badger line. Update 2019: This cream let me down. I do not recommend it to those with sensitive skin.
P.S. To receive a 10% discount for your first order at Iherb.com, also if you want to support the blog, use the referral code when purchasing SZS150.
I wish everyone only gentle sunshine!
- (also an educational program about safe filters);
Everyone's favorite summer brings heat, swimming in natural bodies of water and, of course, a tan. However, excess ultraviolet radiation can cause significant harm, so we use different protection for the skin. Sunscreens for children require especially careful study, because everything that concerns a child is chosen more carefully. And the requirements for children's care cosmetics are set higher than for adults. In our article we will look at which sunscreen for children to choose and what should be used when choosing.
For children's skin, ultraviolet radiation is a strong test, so the cream must be used constantly Criterias of choice
Children's sunscreen should have two main properties:
- firstly, it must protect well from ultraviolet rays;
- secondly, he must take care of the delicate baby skin.
Thick cream does not wash off as quickly as gels, sprays and mousses, so it creates longer-lasting and more reliable protection. It is for this reason that it is recommended to use the cream rather than other forms of release.
We have identified 3 main criteria that you should focus on when buying sunscreen for children. We suggest you study them so that when purchasing you choose the most suitable one.
Child's age
First of all, remember that any sunscreen is contraindicated for a newborn baby and up to 6 months. If the package says “children’s”, this means that this cream can be used by children from 3 years of age. The inscription “from birth” indicates that the product is permissible only from six months. Only after 5 years can a child use those products with spf protection that are produced for adults.
Until 6 months of age, baby's skin should not be treated with sunscreen. Despite this, experts in the field of dermatology and cosmetology advise not to rub your child with any sunscreen products until he is one and a half or even 3 years old. As a last resort, you can use those marked “baby” or “infant”.
UV protection level
This indicator is written on the packaging in the form of the SPF index and numbers from 2 to 50. You should also know here that children's sunscreen spf 50 is only allowed from 3 years of age. The degree of protection depends not on age, but on other factors. To determine it, analyze the following:
- What kind of skin does your child have? If it is light, then you need a cream with SPF 30-50. If the skin and eyes are dark, then 15-30.
- Where do you walk? For normal daily walks, 15-20 protection is sufficient. If you are going on a picnic to a local river, then 20-25. If you are planning a holiday at sea, then you need to take 25 and above.
- How long is your walk? If you multiply the number in the index by 5, you will get the duration of the sunscreen, but experts say that any sunscreen lasts no more than 3 hours. If the child bathes, then this time is reduced even more.
After swimming, the protection of the cream is noticeably reduced, so it must be reapplied Compound
Another important factor is quality.
Products for children should be of natural plant origin, without chemical additives, fragrances and alcohol. The first indicator of their absence is a pleasant, mild smell. An additional UVB filter is desirable, protecting not only from UVA rays, but also from constant short-term UVB rays.
In addition, a high-quality product has a uniform consistency. It absorbs well, does not leave greasy marks and does not feel like something extra on the body.
Do children need cosmetics with UV protection?
When choosing sunscreen for children under one year of age and older, always carefully read the ingredients. Refuse to purchase if it contains:
- Oxybenzone. Although this substance is acceptable by regulations and is a component of many products, it is known that it can change hormonal levels.
- Octyl methoxycinnamate and butyl methylobenzenemethane. These substances are also allowed, they block ultraviolet radiation and even moisturize the skin, but there is a high probability of their influence on the production of free radicals.
- Retinyl palmitate. It is an antioxidant that is added to cosmetics to improve their performance. It is used in anti-aging cosmetics, and in the sun it can have a mutagenic effect.
- Nanoparticles (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide). These substances accumulate in the body and can cause allergies and even change the structure of tissues.
Titanium dioxide is used in most sunscreens, but it can hardly be called harmless Expert opinions differ regarding the harm of the listed components. Some are categorically against their use. They are particularly concerned about nanoparticles, since their effect on the human body is poorly understood. For example, reduced zinc oxide particles (less than 100 nanometers) have a toxic effect on the large intestine, so if a child accidentally tastes the cream, he is at great risk. The global danger of such means is that their negative impact will manifest itself in subsequent generations.
There is another category of specialists who are more loyal to these components. In their opinion, the use of sunscreens does not have a noticeable effect on health. Ronald L. Moy, chairman of the American Academy of Dermatology, says most products are safe and that children and adolescents suffer the most harm from excessive sun exposure.
Statistics show that half of skin cancer cases are not confirmed, since it is often mistakenly diagnosed instead of melanoma.
What to give preference to?
Let's see at what age you can use different sunscreens for children:
- 0-6 months. No sunscreens are allowed until six months. Any components will be absorbed into the skin, penetrate into the blood and have a detrimental effect on the liver
- 6-12 months. These are hypoallergenic products sold in pharmacies. They do not contain chemical additives. Although their price is higher than average, they are used very economically. Recommended brands: Avene, Klorane, Mustela, Ducrey, Institut Esthederm, Bioderma, La Roche-Posay. Cheaper analogues: Sanosan, Johnson's And Johnson's, Our Mother. In an urban environment, such means should not be used. As a last resort, it is permissible to apply them to the cheeks, nose and shoulders, and after a walk, be sure to wash the baby.
- 1-3 years. The brands Bubchen, CHICCO, Vichy are already allowed here.
- 3-4 years and older. Now you can buy any product labeled “children’s” for your child. Still, don’t forget to do a mini allergy test. Dyes are added to some lotions and sprays so that you can visually check whether all areas of the skin have been treated. After contact with the skin, they gradually become colorless.
Now you know the basic criteria for choosing children's sunscreens and you can make the most correct choice. It will bring maximum benefit to your child and save money.
Review of popular tools
So, let's review the sunscreens that are considered the best. This list will consist of five items. We will provide not only characteristics, but also prices. This will help you find the best price-quality ratio, and your children will get good protection from excessive exposure to sunlight.
The cream protects the baby's delicate skin from sun rays of all spectrums. It is well absorbed, moisturizing and nourishing the epidermis, while retaining its protective properties even when swimming. Any redness and tightness disappear quickly. The moisturizing effect of the cream is provided by sea buckthorn and pomegranate extracts. The product smells nice. The tube is equipped with a convenient dispenser, which allows you to use the cream very economically. The price is not the lowest, but quite affordable - 1200 rubles.
Mustela Bebe Mustela sunscreen spray SPF 50+
This sunscreen is noticeably more expensive than the previous one (1,800 rubles), but its manufacturers made sure that it consists of 100% natural substances. It contains the richest and most delicate oil - jojoba, which will care for children's skin better than any other. Avocado extract will also moisturize and protect the epidermis. No alcohol, parabens or artificial colors. The spray is not washed off when swimming and creates long-lasting protection for the skin. Thanks to natural ingredients, the risk of an allergic reaction is minimal.
Mustela Bebe children's series is perfect for skin care and sun protection Avene, sunscreen spray for babies and children with SPF 50 protection
The manufacturer notes that this baby sunscreen is suitable for children from 3 months. It is hypoallergenic and consists entirely of harmless components. It provides excellent protection from the sun, since the spray is intended for little ones. It contains a patented mineral screen and pre-tocopheryl. These substances are able to neutralize free radicals. In addition, they allow the product to protect the skin well even in water and are not lost under the influence of sweat. The spray costs 1200 rubles.
AVÈNE SPF 50+ lotion for children
This sunscreen lotion provides skin cell protection with pre-tocopheryl. The lotion is based on thermal water, which acts mainly as an anti-inflammatory agent. The lotion has a colorless, non-greasy texture. The manufacturer writes about the absence of parabens in the composition, but does not completely exclude the presence of chemical additives, indicating only their minimal content. The lotion is available in an airless tube with a dispenser. Such packaging makes it possible to use the required amount of product and does not allow it to come into contact with air. Price – 1200 rubles.
La Roche-Posay Antigelios Dermo-Kids for children spray, SPF50+/PPD20
The spray is made from thermal water rich in selenium, which is a powerful natural antioxidant. The texture of the product is non-greasy, non-sticky, it is well absorbed and does not remain on clothes in the form of white marks. It is convenient to apply to the skin. Water, sweat and sand do not facilitate rinsing. The spray contains no parabens or perfumes. In conditions of intense sun activity, the product provides a high degree of protection. It costs a little more than the previous two - 1300 rubles.
How to apply sunscreen?
Always remember to use children's sunscreen during the summer season when it is very hot and sunny. At the same time, any manufacturer warns that from 12 to 17 hours it is better to beware of walking in the sun, even with special means. Try to choose light and lightweight clothes for your child, made from breathable fabrics.
When purchasing, be sure to check the composition, manufacturer, and certainly the expiration date. Before using any sunscreen, test your skin's reaction to allergens, even if the manufacturer claims that it is 100% natural and hypoallergenic. To check the reaction, you need to apply a small amount to the skin of the wrist or elbow and wait a little. If an allergy manifests itself, the skin at the site where the cream is applied will turn red, and a rash, peeling or burning may appear. If there is no reaction, then you can use the product after a day.
You should apply sunscreen, lotion or spray not before leaving the house, but 15-20 minutes before. Don't use too much of it, just a thin layer is enough. Immediately after your walk, be sure to wash the areas of skin that have been treated.
After coming home, you need to wash off any remaining sunscreen from your child. Therapeutic and preventive measures
How to recognize a burn on the skin? This will be indicated by redness and a local increase in temperature. If you notice these signs, you need to immediately take your child home and give him a cool shower with a water temperature of +25-28 degrees. You can cover your skin with a thin towel to neutralize any discomfort. Then apply an anti-burn cream, which must contain panthenol or aloe (d-panthenol). Do not use fermented milk products, fatty or especially alcohol-containing products.
For prevention, it is allowed to use waterproof creams with a factor above 30 that protect against UVA and UVB rays. In addition, if you and your children are in the sun for a long time, wear additional protection - hats and glasses.
Children's skin is delicate, vulnerable and, to a certain extent, defenseless. This is especially true for infants and children under 3 years of age. During this period, the skin is just beginning to learn to respond correctly to any external influence, and the process of forming its immunity begins, which usually ends by the age of 12.
The skin of babies does not have the specific protection that adults have. This is why it is so important to protect their skin from ultraviolet exposure.
The sun can be both an enemy and a friend for us. Here are examples of it positive influence.
Thanks to the sun's rays, vitamin D is synthesized, which has a good effect on the development of the skeletal system.
The sun promotes the production of endorphins - hormones of joy.
Ultraviolet rays help in treating depression.
But the sun also has a negative side, which makes itself felt after a long stay in the open rays without protection. We're talking about tanning.
Infants and children under 3 years of age should not be exposed to the open sun, even with protective cream © iStock
“Tanning is the body’s protective reaction to exposure to ultraviolet radiation,” explains Alexander Prokofiev, dermatovenerologist, medical expert of the La Roche-Posay brand. - The longer you are in the sun, the darker your skin becomes. And if you don’t take precautions in time, it’s easy to get burned.”
For a baby's delicate skin, a burn is a serious test, so protecting it from excessive exposure to UV radiation is a necessity. Children under 3 years of age are not recommended to be in direct sunlight.
It is known that burns suffered in childhood provoke cancer at an older age, which is associated with the death of Langerhans immune cells under the influence of aggressive UV rays.
Properties of sunscreen
When going on vacation to the seaside, and indeed during the summer season, it is important to remember:
It is not recommended for either adults or children to be exposed to open sunlight without reliable protection;
at midday it is better to hide indoors;
in the daytime, be sure to go out into the air wearing a hat and light-colored clothing that covers the body as much as possible;
It is necessary to regularly use products with SPF.
The use of sunscreen for children is mandatory and non-negotiable. Children's products have a gentle formula, and the mineral and chemical filters they contain protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays, preventing burns and photodermatitis.
The formulas of children's products often include thermal water, vitamin E, and natural absorbents.
Many children's sun creams are resistant to water and sand © iStock
Selection rules
Perhaps the most difficult question that parents decide when buying cosmetics with SPF for a child is: how to choose the right cream? Alexander Prokofiev suggests what parameters you should pay attention to.
Marking
Now be careful, this is very important information: the sunscreen must be for children. The fact is that formulas for babies have very strict requirements.
Such cosmetics should not irritate the skin and contain components that provoke allergic reactions. We are talking about parabens, perfumes, dyes.
Age
Look on the packaging for a note indicating what age the product is intended for. Sanskrins for children under 3 years of age are also suitable for one-year-old babies, and the La Roche-Posay line of children's products includes milk that can be used from 6 months.
Testing of products for children is carried out under the strict supervision of pediatricians and dermatologists, which means that the product will definitely not harm children’s skin and will provide it with the most reliable protection.
UV protection level and filters
It is necessary that the filters included in the cream protect against ultraviolet rays A and B (UVA, UVB), and the degree of filtration is 50 or 50+, because delicate baby skin can burn in just five minutes.
Release form
Among the products with SPF for children there are:
cream: perfectly protects from the sun, suitable for application even on damp skin (for example, after swimming in the sea);
spray: it is convenient to apply, it does not leave a filmy feeling, sand does not stick to the skin treated with the spray;
milk: easy to apply, has a high degree of protection, prevents burns;
mousse: Suitable for babies with very sensitive skin.
Children's sunscreen must be reapplied every 2 hours © iStock
Features of sunscreen depending on age
Children under 1 year
“Under 6 months of age, open sun is contraindicated for babies,” warns Alexander Prokofiev. - Their skin contains very little melanin, so cosmetics must have a maximum protection factor. The most convenient formats are cream, stick, lotion, which makes it easier to control even application.
It contains only safe filters (physical is preferable) that protect against UVA and UVB radiation. Before use, check if the child is allergic to the composition: a day before going out in the sun, apply a little product to the wrist or elbow.”
Apply the cream 15-20 minutes before going outside, renew it after each swim, and be sure to wash it off when you return home.
From 1 year to 3 years
Babies at this age are still developing skin structures, so the skin is very sensitive. Sunscreen may contain both physical and chemical filters. Avoid ingredients that are dangerous for children (preservatives, flavors, alcohol, fragrances).
The cream must be applied before going out into the sun, reapplied every 2 hours, and also after being in water.
After 3 years
After three years of age, children's skin continues to be tender and sensitive. Of course, her immune functions are much higher than those of babies, but they are still unreliable. Therefore, the recommendations are the same - sun protection is mandatory.
Rules of application
Any sunscreen should be spread over the skin 20–30 minutes before leaving the house.
Apply the cream to all exposed areas of the body, paying special attention to the ears, nose, shoulders, knees - usually they are the first to receive the aggressive effects of ultraviolet radiation and get burned.
The volume of product applied to the body is approximately equal to the volume that a child’s palm can hold. Don't save money.
Try to distract the child so that he does not touch the skin with his hands and does not violate the protection.
The photostability of filters decreases over time, and water washes them off the skin - so reapplication is necessary. You can buy a product labeled “waterproof” - it is resistant to water for 40-80 minutes.
Review of children's sun creams
Sunscreens for children
| Product name | Protection factor | Features of the formula | Water resistance |
| Children's sunscreen “Baby in the shade”, Garnier | SPF 50+ | Contains physical filters, no dyes or fragrances. Suitable for children up to 3 years old. | waterproof |
| Children's sunscreen Aqua cream, Garnier | SPF 50 | Free of fragrances, dyes and parabens. Can be applied even to damp skin. | up to 80 minutes |
|
Anthelios DERMO pediatrics milk for babies and children, La Roche-Posay |
SPF 50+/PPD 39 | Contains Mexoplex filter system and senna alata extract. No parabens. Photostable, non-comedogenic. | up to 40 minutes |
|
Anthelios DERMO pediatrics milk for children over 3 years old, La Roche-Posay |
SPF 50+/PPD 38 | Suitable for sensitive skin. Free of fragrances and parabens. |
