As a parent, your top priority is keeping your kids safe and happy.

When it comes to your little one's safety, shielding their delicate skin from the sun's harmful rays is crucial. But here's the thing: not all sunscreens are made equal.

Many conventional sunscreens contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to our kids' health. That's why it's important to choose the best natural sunscreen for our families. In this post, I'll guide you through what to consider when choosing a natural sunscreen for your kids, and I'll share some of our family's tested favorite options.

The Importance of Using Natural and Non-Toxic Sunscreens for Kids

Did you know that the skin of babies and young children is more susceptible to damage from UV rays? That's because their skin is thinner and more delicate than adults' skin.

Kids also have a higher surface area to body weight ratio, which means they absorb more sunscreen per pound of body weight than adults. This makes it even more important to choose a sunscreen that is safe and non-toxic.

Many conventional sunscreens contain harsh chemicals that can be absorbed into your child's body and potentially cause health problems. For example, oxybenzone, a commonly used chemical in sunscreens, has been linked to hormone disruption and allergic reactions. Other chemicals, like retinyl palmitate and homosalate, have been linked to developmental and reproductive problems. By choosing a natural sunscreen for kids, you can avoid these harmful chemicals and help to keep your child safe.

What to Look for in a Natural Sunscreen for Kids

When choosing a natural sunscreen for kids, there are a few key things to look for. First and foremost, make sure the sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing long-term damage such as premature aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer. On the other hand, UVB rays primarily affect the outer layer of the skin, causing sunburn and playing a key role in the development of skin cancer. A reliable sunscreen shields against both UVA and UVB rays, providing comprehensive protection for your child's delicate skin.

Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your child's skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

Next, consider the ingredients. Look for a sunscreen that contains natural, mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients work by physically blocking the sun's rays from penetrating the skin, rather than being absorbed into the skin like chemical sunscreens. Be wary of sunscreens that claim to be "natural" but still contain chemical ingredients like oxybenzone or avobenzone.

Top Natural Sunscreens for Kids and Babies

When it comes to protecting your baby's delicate skin, it's important to choose a sunscreen that is gentle and non-irritating.

Here are 4 family favorite brands of the best natural sunscreens for kids:

1. Badger - Badger Baby and Badger Kids Sunscreens are fragrance-free, made with natural ingredients like zinc oxide, and contain no harmful chemicals. Badger Baby is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes and has an SPF of 40. Badger Kids is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and also has an SPF of 40.

2. Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen for Extra Sensitive Skin: This hypoallergenic sunscreen is made with non-nano zinc oxide and contains certified organic ingredients. It's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and has an SPF of 50.

3. California Baby Super Sensitive Sunscreen This mineral-based sunscreen is free of fragrance, gluten, soy, and dairy. It's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and has an SPF of 30+.

4. Babyganics Mineral-Based Sunscreen: This mineral-based sunscreen is free of PABA, phthalates, and parabens. It's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and has an SPF of 50+.

How to Safely Apply Sunscreen on Your Kids

Now that we've shared some favorite safer sunscreens to choose from, it's important to be sure to apply them properly. Here are some helpful tips for applying sunscreen on your kids:

1. Apply sunscreen generously and evenly to all exposed skin.

2. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if your child is swimming or sweating.

3. Make sure to apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outside.

4. Don't forget to apply sunscreen to your child's ears, nose, and the tops of their feet.

5. Use a lip balm with SPF to protect your child's lips.

Summing Up Sun Safety for Your Kids

Choosing the best natural sunscreen for your kids is an important step in keeping them safe and healthy in the sun.

By choosing a sunscreen that is non-toxic, mineral-based, and provides broad-spectrum protection, you can protect your child's delicate skin from harmful UV rays.

Remember to apply sunscreen generously and frequently, and don't forget to cover all exposed skin. With these tips, you can keep your kids safe and happy in the sun all summer long.

All blog content shared through HealthSmart! Kids is for informational purposes only and not to be construed as medical advice. Always talk with your qualified health care provider for managing your health care needs.