Sunscreen for Children

“One or more blistering sunburns in childhood can more than double your chances of developing melanoma later on,” says Minnelly Luu, MD, a pediatric dermatologist at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

With so many sunscreens available in the market, how do we choose which one is the best sunscreen for children?

• Keep babies under 6 months of age out of the direct sun and cover them with protective clothing.
• In general, mineral sunscreens are the best pick—especially for babies and young children because they are less irritating for those with sensitive skin.
• Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the bloodstream at significant levels—even after just one use. Hence, mineral sunscreens are preferred over chemical ones.

Experts recommend application of sunscreen 20-30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours for effective results. Skin care and protection for children is essential and must not be ignored.

Reference:

https://www.chla.org/blog/advice-experts/whats-best-sunscreen-kids