The best sun creams for babies in the UK 2023

How to choose your baby sunscreen

#1 - The protection index

The sun protection factor or SPF, also known as the sun protection index, is a fundamental criterion when choosing a sun cream for babies. The higher the SPF, the higher the level of protection. An SPF of 30-50 is recommended, but 50+ is the ideal choice. In Europe, SPF 50+ means that the index is higher than 50. It should be noted, however, that the SPF index corresponds to protection against UVB rays only. It is therefore strongly recommended to use a cream with a mention of double UVA and UVB protection.

#2 - Dual UVA and UVB protection

To effectively protect the skin against ultraviolet rays, a baby sunscreen must offer double UVA and UVB protection. The UVA protection factor is expressed as a "UVB/UVA ratio" or "PPD" (Persistent Pigment Darkening). The amount of PPD ingredients must be at least equivalent to one third of the SPF value, i.e. a UVB/UVA ratio of less than 3. If the SPF index allows you to know the level of protection against UVB rays, don't hesitate to read the list of ingredients to know if the cream is really effective against UVA rays. A baby sunscreen that protects against UVA rays must include the following sun filters:

• Meroxyl SX and XL ;
• Parsol 1789;
• Helioplex ;
• Tinosorb.

Composition Knowing the list of ingredients in a baby sunscreen is important before making a choice. It is therefore important to read the label carefully. In addition to checking the protection factor and the presence of anti-UVA components, make sure that the formula does not include the following ingredients:

• 4-methylbenzylidene camphor;
• Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate ;
• Retinyl palmitate;
• Cyclopentasiloxane;
• Oxybenzone;
• Benzophenone;
• Octocrylene;
• Octyl-methoxycinnamate.

They are potentially responsible for endocrine disorders. In addition, to avoid skin irritation, make sure the cream is hypoallergenic and does not contain any of the following substances:

• Alcohol;
• Paraben ;
• Perfume;
• Dye.

The sun protection format Sun protection products for babies come in a multitude of formats. Depending on the brand, you can choose between cream, milk, lotion and foam formats. Nevertheless, the cream is the most frequently proposed for the toddlers, because its application is easy and homogeneous. You will find baby sun protection in spray or tube form.

#3 - The intended use

The skin of baby being still fragile, it requires a more specific care and protection. In this case, it is better to choose a sunscreen specially designed for babies, rather than a sunscreen suitable for children and babies at the same time.

The different types of sun creams for babies

Physical sunscreen

Once applied, the physical sunscreen for babies creates a reflective layer on the surface of the skin. It is impenetrable by the sun's rays and therefore offers safe protection for the skin. As far as the composition of this product is concerned, oil is the basic ingredient. This explains the thick layer that forms on the body. Apart from its function mentioned at the beginning, this layer is also waterproof. It therefore has a better hold. Prefer physical sunscreen for its beneficial and healthy effects on your child's skin. This is due in large part to its natural active ingredients. The small downside is that it leaves a white trace on the skin.

Chemical sunscreen

Chemical sunscreen also prevents sunlight from damaging skin cells, but in a different way. The layer formed by this product has an absorbing character. That is, it retains the sun's rays through this action. As the name suggests, this variety of cream contains chemicals that are very effective in protecting the surface of children's skin. The problem is that these components can cause allergies or other reactions especially for the sensitive skin of these little ones. Make sure you check all the ingredients before you buy so that you don't sacrifice the well-being of your offspring.

Why use a sun cream to protect your baby?

Opportunities to go out with baby are not rare. During the warm summer days, the risk of getting sunburned is high without adequate sun protection. Even indirect sunlight can be harmful, especially in the mountains. In addition to covering your little one with appropriate clothing, a hat and baby sunglasses, you should also apply a sun protection product. A sun cream for baby is therefore essential to avoid any risk of sunburn and other skin damage.

Why is it important to protect your baby's skin with a sunscreen?

Protecting baby's skin is crucial because :

• Baby's skin is still very lightly pigmented and therefore very fragile;
• Baby's skin is still very thin and sensitive to the sun's aggressions;
• In very young children, the natural regeneration of the skin is not yet active.

Without effective protection, exposure to the sun's direct or indirect rays can cause in babies :

• Skin burns and sunburns due to UVB rays;
• Premature skin aging caused by UVA rays, which could even lead to skin cancer later on;
• Fever;
• Dehydration.

How does sun protection work?

In adults with a very fair complexion, the skin is able to protect itself from the sun's UV rays for 5 to 10 minutes. Babies have the shortest self-protection time, as their self-protection system is not yet developed. For 5 minutes, the skin can withstand direct exposure to the sun, but after this time, it starts to burn and must be protected to avoid the harmful effects of UV rays.

The role of a baby sun cream is to multiply the self-protection time according to the SPF index. A cream with an SPF of 50 extends the protection by 250 minutes (5 x 50), i.e. a little over 4 hours. However, you must apply the product every two hours to keep the self-protection active. If your baby is playing in the water, be sure to reapply sunscreen after swimming and as soon as the skin dries. This also applies after sweating.