Think you know everything about choosing a kids sunscreen? Read this.
Image: Robert Boston / Unsplash
Despite having been a beauty editor for years, there’s only one person turn to when I want to ask anything about sunscreen and/or sun safety. And that person is Lisa Patulny. The beauty journalist and passionate sun safety advocate is also the founder of @calltimeonmelanoma, the not-for-profit dedicated to raising sun-safety awareness and smashing all the myths about melanoma, and also sunscreen.
I’ve slid into her DMs, inbox and text messages more than I can count, but a few weeks ago it was about something I was particularly confused about: kids and sun safety. Particularly when it came to what sunscreen to use and how often. Since Yuki was born I’ve been continuously baffled about what is real, what is greenwashing, and what I should be using on his skin. After maybe my 50th question on the topic Lisa (who is also a mum to three-year-old Elvis) offered to write this story for us, so that once-and-for-all we know the answers on how to keep our kids sun safe – and it’s one less parenting minefield we have to navigate alone .
And better yet, Lisa also teamed up with the brilliant Hannah English, a scientist, sun safety advocate and skincare educator (who you should definitely be following if not already) to not only answer these questions passionately, but with objectivity and with scientific insight. So, here it is: all the myths busted about choosing kids sunscreen and all questions you want answered about keeping your child sun safe.
Why can’t babies wear sunscreen? and how can we protect them if not with sunscreen?
Babies have thin, extra-sensitive skin that is more prone to a reaction from skincare than adult skin. This is why, from six months, many experts recommend mineral sunscreens for kids. (Both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are known to be gentle and well suited to sensitive skins.) There are also many “chemical” sunscreens that are gentle enough for kids — most are sold as sensitive or toddler formulas.
It’s also worth noting that the use of sunscreen on kids can give parents a false sense of security about sun protection leading them to be a bit lax about the other elements of Slip, Slop, Slap. Sunscreen should never be the first line of defence against the sun for anybody, but least of all a child. Babies under six months old should not be in direct sunlight at all. Beyond that age, be sure to provide your kids with shade when they’re out and about, dress them in a hat and UV protective clothing (and kiddo sunglasses if they’ll wear them!), and ensure they stay safely inside during the hottest part of the day.
“Sunscreen should never be the first line of defence against the sun for anybody, but least of all a child…”
If sunscreen is “safe” why is everyone so obsessed with mineral sunscreen for kids?
Traditionally, organic UV filters (these are often referred to as “chemical” filters but everything is made from chemicals (including mineral filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and, um, the human body) were seen as more likely to cause an adverse skin reaction. As we’ve said, the mineral filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are less likely to cause reactions than some of these older organic UV filters, so it makes sense that experts used to recommend one over the other. However, science and technology have moved forward and many of the newer organic UV filters have little to no documented reaction potential. Each type has pros and cons so it’s really a personal choice as to what you put on your kids, but it’s also worth noting that “natural” and “safe” are not the same thing so don’t automatically assume that this is the right choice.
Yuki showing us what sun safety is all about
Can you explain the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens?
There is a lot of misinformation out there about physical or “natural” sunscreens. The fact is, there is no such thing as a natural sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens are made in a lab where they are processed to ensure they’re not contaminated with anything toxic (because natural doesn’t always equal safe). They’re also often coated in synthetic chemicals to enable them to do their job as an effective sunscreen.
MINERAL:
Well tolerated in sensitive and reactive skin types
If non-nanonised it’s probably going to leave a white cast and cause flashback in photos (if nanonised can be similar in texture to a “chemical” formula)
Can be oil-based which can cause congestion in some skin types and can also stain your clothes/ swimmers.
“CHEMICAL”:
More photostable, which means the sunscreen doesn’t break down in the sun and generate free radicals - something that can happen in a mineral formula if it hasn’t been formulated carefully
Tends to have better protection against UVA especially if it contains a newer UV filter
Tend to be more cosmetically elegant aka: nicer to wear
Another complicating factor is that in the US, the chemical sunscreen filter avobenzone is in almost all broad-spectrum organic sunscreens. Avobenzone is a common allergen and irritant making it unsuitable for sensitive skins. That means our American mates are left only with mineral sunscreens.
A final note: always remember that a reaction to any sunscreen could be related to any ingredient, not just the filter. Fragrance and preservatives are common irritants. So, if you or your child experience a reaction to a sunscreen, seek out a dermatologist to guide you through choosing a better fit for you. And be sure to patch test a new product on your babe’s forearm for a few days before using it all over.
Are there any ingredients you should avoid specifically for kids stuff?
For most people, not really. If you are an allergy-prone family or your child has eczema or other sensitivities you could potentially look out for fragrances and dyes. Patch testing is your friend!
How else can I keep my child properly sun-safe?
Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide. So, UV protective clothing (rash vest, hat, sunnies if they’ll let you), and seeking out shade. Also, consider your own behaviour and remember that monkey see, monkey do. Kids are more likely to wear a hat if their parents do too, so set a good example for the next generation.
Speaking of hats, what kind should my child be wearing?
Look for hats that cover as much skin as possible, like a legionnaire style or broad brimmed hat. A UPF50+ rating is ideal for proper sun protection (many swim hats are made from this type of fabric), but you can also look for closely woven fabric to prevent as much light as possible from getting through.
“Because their skin is thinner than in an adult, overexposure to UV rays can damage their skin and eyes on a much deeper level”
What are the real consequences of a kid getting burnt?
Sunburns in kids are no joke — even a single burn can significantly increase the lifetime risk of skin cancer and melanoma in your child. Because their skin is thinner than in an adult, overexposure to UV rays can damage their skin and eyes on a much deeper level. If your child sustains a burn that causes any of the following, seek medical help ASAP: skin redness covering a large area, blistering, extreme pain and/or tingling, swelling (especially on the face), headache, nausea, fever or chills, dizziness, confusion.
Image: Trust “Tru” Katsande / Unsplash
Are there any cases of melanoma in children?
Also, although it’s uncommon for a child to be diagnosed with melanoma, it does happen. According to the Australasian Journal of Dermatology, melanoma accounts for 3% of paediatric cancers (where the patient is diagnosed under the age of 20). In kids, the cause isn’t generally as simple as ‘too much sun’ as in most adults. Studies suggest the main factors behind melanoma developing during the first 20 years of life are complex and include interactions between sun exposure, development of naevi (pigmented moles), pigmentary traits, and a family history of melanoma. (E.g. From the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2017: “Known risk factors for paediatric melanoma include family history of melanoma, a previous history of malignancy, large congenital nevi, numerous melanocytic nevi, sunburns, increased UV exposure and a sun-sensitive phenotype”.)
Melanoma can present differently in kids so it’s important to have a professional check their skin.
Will wearing sunscreen every day make kids intolerant to the sun?
No. All humans are intolerant to the sun, regardless of skin tone. UV radiation warps and mutates the proteins and DNA in our bodies and our cells every day. Babies are extra susceptible with their thinner skin and developing bodies which is why sunscreening them every day is the best gift you can give them.
Want more? try These Lisa-approved best sunscreen choices for kids:
We Are Feel Good Inc Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+, $27.95
"This is the one I use on my son, Elvis. It’s so good, I happily use it on my face too".”
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Kids Spray Sunscreen, $35.95
“The spray makes it excellent for wriggly kids, and it’s non sticky.”
SunBum Baby Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion 50 - Fragrance Free, $13.99
“They print their whole ingredient panel (not legally required in Australia for sunscreens) which I appreciate for parents of kids with allergies/super-sensitive skin".”