How to Choose the Best Mineral Sunscreen for Your Kids

Your kids have to wear sunscreen a lot, so you don't want something that will hurt their skin. Keep reading to learn how to choose the best mineral sunscreen.

Are you looking to protect your tots from the sun this summer? Are you wondering about the benefits of mineral sunscreen?

Believe it or not, all sunscreen for kids is not the same. The right one can prevent all kinds of health issues as your children grow into adults. These include sunburns, wrinkles, and even skin cancer.

Here's how you can choose the best mineral sunscreen for those precious little people living in your house.

What Is Mineral Sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreens use minerals as their active ingredients. The most common ones are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

While the chemicals in most sunscreens act as absorbers, the minerals in mineral sunscreens act as reflectors. They form a protective barrier on your child's skin and reflect UV rays before they can come in contact with it.

Mineral sunscreen is safe and offers immediate protection. They are also safe for babies and children with sensitive skin.

Mineral sunscreen lasts longer than traditional sunscreen in direct UV light. It protects against both UVA and UVB rays. And it's quite effective.

It's critical, however, to make sure you're choosing the right mineral option for your child. Several factors need to be considered:

SPF

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor,  is something that we see on almost all of our sun-care products today. It measures how well your sunscreen will protect your child from UVB rays, which can damage skin and contribute to the development of skin cancer.

As SPF increases, so does your child's sun protection. They can stay out longer in the sun's rays without getting burned.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends applying a small amount of baby-safe sunscreen to infants up to age six months. The SPF should be from 30-50. Toddlers also should choose an SPF of 30 or higher.

Your preschoolers and school-aged kids should also sport an SPF of 30 or above. It's important to cover the arms, legs, face, and shoulders, and reapply as needed.

Water-Resistant

Waterproof sunscreens are important if your little one is planning on spending some time in the pool or ocean. You don't want them to lose sun protection just because they want some water playtime.

Recently, the FDA has recommended that products only list the amount of time that products can stay waterproof for. These are based on test results.

Broad-Spectrum

A broad-spectrum SPF can protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. Both are damaging, so it's important to look for this on the label.

The Right Vehicle

It's important to choose the right sunscreen vehicle for your child. For example, older kids might like the ease of spray sunscreen, while younger children may find it getting in their eyes. Creams, sticks, and lotions are also available.

Shining on

Mineral sunscreen offers several wonderful benefits for your child. With a little research, your little swimmer can be enjoying the sun in safety in no time.

Don't stop getting smart about your child's health now. For more excellent products for their mental and physical well-being, contact us today.