TOP 10 MINERAL BASED SUNSCREENS FOR KIDS

Now that summer is (finally!!!!!!!!!!) here, its time to start packing sunscreen everywhere you go to protect your little one’s precious skin. Before you run to the closest drug store and pick up the most convenient, highest SPF sunscreen you see, here are a few tips to make sure you are protecting your kiddo’s skin and their health! We’ve compiled a list of TOP 10 mineral based sunscreens for kids.

A few summer tips

While it’s always fun to play in the sun, remember that sunscreens are only certified to protect against UVB rays, which cause sunburns and non-cancerous tumors. The only way to effectively protect yourself from harmful UVA rays, which have less visible damaging effects, is to cover up!

• Light, loose, breathable clothing can be a lifesaver, literally.
• Sun hats and sunglasses are a necessity that is often overlooked.
• Drink lots of water.
• Avoid midday sun.
• Make shade.

Keep an eye out for the following:

Aerosols

For convenience’s sake, it’s easy to reach for an aerosol sun protectant when shopping for sunscreen. After all, one quick spray down and you’re all done, right? Unfortunately not. Aerosol sunscreens can affect little lungs and trigger inflammation and even asthma attacks. Additionally, aerosol sprays hardly ever completely cover the skin, leaving large patches exposed to the sun’s harmful rays. To effectively use aerosol sunscreen, you would need to spray it directly into your hands and rub it in, and isn’t that what you were trying to avoid in the first place? Save your kiddos lungs (and your wallet!) and opt for a solid or lotion sunscreen instead.

Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

Keep in mind that Sun Protection Factor caps out at 50, so anything with a higher SPF is virtually useless. Sunscreens with a higher SPF also require a higher concentration of chemicals for a tiny bit more of protection. Studies have shown that sunscreens with an SPF of 50 blocked 99% of harmful UVB rays, whereas SPF 100 blocks 99%. For all the extra chemicals, it’s just not worth it!

Chemicals

Humans absorb chemical and substances through the skin at a rate much higher than is commonly known, and young skin is especially thin and absorbent. Oxybenzone is a chemical commonly used in cosmetics, sunscreens, lotions, and nail polishes. In recent studies, it has been linked to disruption of the endocrine system, the headstone of hormone production. Young children lack the enzyme equipped to break down and excrete chemicals such as oxybenzone, and due to this and their non-established hormones, they are at higher risk for these issues. As an added risk, oxybenzone has been proven to kill coral and harm ocean and river wildlife.

Another dangerous chemical to avoid is Retinyl Palmitate. In research, topical application of this chemical was shown to actually accelerate the growth of cancer cells in lab animals. While nothing has been solidly proven and the chemical is still accepted by FDA standards, it is probably safe to avoid any products containing Retinyl Palmitate.

Which sunscreens are the best for your child?

Its best to look for chemical-free lotions that contain minerals like Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide to protect your children. Many of our top picks come in either a lotion or stick! Here is a list of our top 10 mineral based sunscreens for kids (in no particular order):

Which sunscreens are the worst for your child?

According to the Environmental Working Group, these are some of the WORST sunscreens for your kids:

• Banana Boat Clear UltraMist Kids Max Protect & Play Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 110
• Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 70
• Equate Kids Sunscreen Stick, SPF 55
• Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Stick, SPF 55
• Kroger Kids Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 70
• Coppertone Kids Wacky Foam Foaming Lotion Sunscreen, SPF 70+
• Up & Up Kid’s Sunscreen Stick, SPF 55
• Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 70+
• Kroger Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 70
• Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Stick, SPF 55
• Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Beach & Pool Sunscreen Spray, SPF 70+

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Want More?

Here are a few other blogs that might inspire you this summer!

• TOP 10 list of fun things to do this summer with your kids.
• How to choose the best stroller?
• What are the differences between all the types of swaddles?
• What’s the difference between all the types of Ergobaby Swaddles?