Children and toddlers have very sun-sensitive skin. Unfortunately, 34.61% of parents take their children out in the sun at the least appropriate times. Worse, many do not even use sunscreen to protect them! If you are reading this article, it is because you want to protect your child. Chemical or physical filters ? Which protection index to use? How to avoid endocrine disruptors? We help you to make the right choices for a serene summer.
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Our selection
"Suitable for toddlers from birth, Mustela Sun Milk is the most effective way to protect your little one from UV rays. It is also suitable…"
"Ideal for babies from 6 months of age, Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Expert sun cream offers optimal double protection."
"Make way for organic products to protect babies' skin from the sun's rays! Alphanova Bébé Lait Solaire Bio is a 50 ml product with a…"
"Intended for children from the age of 3 years, Acorelle High Protection Sun Spray is especially appreciated for its fluidity and ease of application."
Suitable for toddlers from birth, Mustela Sun Milk is the most effective way to protect your little one from UV rays. It is also suitable for all skin types!
See priceEssentially composed of organo-mineral filters, Mustela Sun Milk is suitable for all skin types, from the most irritated to the driest and most sensitive. It nourishes your little one's cells with vitamins E, while reinforcing its natural defenses. Easy to apply, it resists perfectly to humidity (perspiration, water, etc.) and guarantees an excellent protection thanks to its protection index 50+.
Ideal for babies from 6 months of age, Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Expert sun cream offers optimal double protection.
See priceGarnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Expert sunscreen ismade with mineral filters to protect baby's skin from ultraviolet UVA and UVB rays. It keeps baby in the shade, even in hot weather. Its texture is easy to apply and systematically suits your little one's fragile and delicate skin. Thanks to the high SPF 50+ protection of Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Expert sun cream, baby can say goodbye to sunburn!
Make way for organic products to protect babies' skin from the sun's rays! Alphanova Bébé Lait Solaire Bio is a 50 ml product with a protection factor of up to 50+ so that baby can go out freely in summer.
See priceThis summer, baby will not have to stay at home to be protected from direct and indirect ultraviolet rays. Thanks to its 100% organic formula, Alphanova Bébé Lait Solaire Bio will be your best ally, especially if you fear the toxic effects of chemicals. Exclusively composed of mineral filters, this cream does not cause any allergic reaction and acts immediately upon application.
Intended for children from the age of 3 years, Acorelle High Protection Sun Spray is especially appreciated for its fluidity and ease of application.
See priceHaving trouble applying sunscreen to your child because it won't stay on? Since going outside without sun protection is simply not an option, you might as well do it the right way. Applying sunscreen to a child has never been easier with Acorelle High Protection Sunscreen Spray, so the spray saves you time. It's organic and eliminates all the toxic effects usually found in a chemical filter product.
Any specific needs?
The best sunscreen for babies and kids in 2021
The best entry-level sunscreen for babies
Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | EXCELLENT | VERY GOOD | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
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| OUR SELECTION |
Mustela Lait Solaire
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Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Expert+ - Sunscreen Amber
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Alphanova Baby Organic Sun Milk
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Acorelle Spray Solaire Haute Protection
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Suitable for toddlers from birth, Mustela Sun Milk is the most effective way to protect your little one from UV rays. It is also suitable for all skin types!
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Ideal for babies from 6 months of age, Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Expert sun cream offers optimal double protection.
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Make way for organic products to protect babies' skin from the sun's rays! Alphanova Bébé Lait Solaire Bio is a 50 ml product with a protection factor of up to 50+ so that baby can go out freely in summer.
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Intended for children from the age of 3 years, Acorelle High Protection Sun Spray is especially appreciated for its fluidity and ease of application.
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Suitable for all skin types
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Inexpensive
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Optimal and natural protection
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Leaves no white streaks
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Broad spectrum for high protection
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Easy to spread
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Respects the environment
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100% organic and environmentally friendly
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Dye-free, paraben-free, alcohol-free
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Contains no alcohol or paraben
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Alcohol-free, paraben-free, phenoxyethanol-free
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Fluid and easy to apply
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Not sticky
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Leaves white patches on skin
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Double protection immediately
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Suitable for adults and children
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Easy to apply and durable
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May stain clothes
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Easy to spread
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Suitable for sensitive skin
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Just like the choice of a body lotion, the choice of a sun cream is not made lightly and necessarily depends on the type of skin. Let's not forget that the dermis of babies and young children is far more fragile than that of adults. Sensitivity to chemical ingredients, dry skin, irritated skin, oily skin or mixed skin... These are all parameters that you must respect, without forgetting the skin tone, hair color and eyes of your little ones. In any case, for fear of buying an inappropriate sun cream, choose special formulas for children that systematically respect all skin types.
If you are not very knowledgeable about "ultraviolet radiation", you should know that there are 3 types of ultraviolet radiation, the best known being UVA and UVB. While UVA rays attack collagen and elastin fibers, UVB rays cause sunburns and sunstroke, as well as skin cancer. To reduce the risks, the choice of your sun cream for children will be based on the protection index. Often represented by the words "IP", " SPF" or " SPF", it can range from 5 to 50+ (a number that indicates the number of minutes of protection). Some sunscreens also specify the terms "broad spectrum" when it is a product suitable for dual protection. When selecting a sunscreen for children, the rule is simple: the higher the IP, the better!
In addition to the sun protection factor (SPF), water resistance should also get your full attention when buying a sunscreen for kids. For a trip to the pool or sunbathing on the beach, you might as well tell yourself that your child won't just lie back and enjoy the sun. Between sand castles and various games, he will of course go in and out of the water... Water-resistant sunscreen will be your best ally, unless your budget allows you to buy it frequently. On the other hand, you can also opt for a water-repellent product, specially designed for this purpose.
While
most still dwell on the type of fragrance used in a children's sunscreen on the one hand, it's also a must to go through the labeling with a fine-tooth comb. Indeed, even though it is a sunscreen for children, some allergenic ingredients could still be present. This is one of the reasons why organic sunscreens are becoming more and more popular, even though chemical products are still valued by users. In any case, it's up to you to spot any component that your child might be exposed to risks of irritation and itching
.
What size and texture to choose for a sunscreen for kids? These are undoubtedly the two criteria that will come to mind before you even buy it. In reality, these details depend on the areas of your toddler's body on which you intend to apply it. Since the face is very sensitive, prefer a cream texture that is easier to handle. Also consider getting a stick to gently cover your child's lips and nose wings. On larger surfaces such as your child's arms, legs and back, you can use a spray. It's easier and faster to apply, and your little one won't stay put for long if you take your time.
It's true that children's sunscreens (like any other children's product) are only formulated for children's skin. Still, certain chemicals are sometimes reported in creams, so it's important to list the ingredients to avoid at all costs. Take for example the presence of alcohol and perfume, which you should absolutely check on the label.
For their part, the endocrine disruptors such as paraben, are increasingly used in the composition of cosmetic products. You will note that in addition to having harmful effects on sex hormones, they are likely to cause irreversible pathologies (cancer, obesity ...).
Thus, the following ingredients are those which must be imperatively banned, at the time of the purchase of a solar cream for children:
All considered as harmful for the environmentThey are also components which have toxic effects, in particular in the youngest. Indeed, their contact with the skin can automatically cause allergies or even burns once the child is exposed to the sun.
The cold weather is over and the sun is shining! One thing is for sure, the good weather is made for family outings... So, whether it's to go to the beach or simply for a bike ride to the ice cream shop, you might as well take advantage of it! But sunshine doesn't just mean relaxation and holidays. Beware of sunstroke and its impact on the skin, especially for young people!
That said, sun cream is the best product to protect your little ones from these repercussions, which appear either immediately or in the years to come.
By buying a sun cream for children, you avoid :
However, it is imperative to choose a protection exclusively for children. Indeed, the formula is totally different from sun creams for adults, as the skin of babies and children is extremely fragile and delicate.
Choose a sun cream containing zinc oxide mineral
Given the water resistance of chemical filter sunscreens, you may well be tempted to favour them. However, babies' and children's skin is extremely sensitive, and the consequences of chemical components are no less serious. Thanks to the mineral zinc oxide, UV rays are redirected away from the dermis, systematically avoiding skin allergies that leave possible after-effects.
Observe the application frequency
Think about
applying sunscreen to your toddlers about 20-30 min before you leave the house. This way, you let the substance dry and work. On the other hand, if you are going to be outside for more than 3 hrs, reapply every 2 hrs (especially while swimming).
Keep your child well covered
Unless you are at the beach or poolside, it is imperative that your children stay covered in the sun. So, even though it's hot, make sure you choose clothes that cover their arms and legs, without forgetting the hat, a real enemy of sunburn.
Don't downplay the texture
Although
some feel more comfortable with a spray, others prefer the traditional cream texture. On the other hand, many people prefer the stick which is easier to carry anywhere, especially when you have a baby on hand. Finally, sun oils are also popular with tanning enthusiasts... In the midst of all these alternatives, is it difficult for you to make the right choice? All you have to do is respect the rules of use. If you are still hesitating, there is nothing like being perfectly equipped and having different specimens to be sure not to miss anything.
Nothing beats a good hydration
If
you have no choice but to take your little one outside, good hydration is a must. Indeed, drinking the right amount of water complements the actions of your child's sunscreen, even if it means reducing the risk of skin cancer and dryness.
In our opinion, the best type of sunscreen for most people is Mustela Bébé - Enfant 50+ sunscreen. It is a product that is perfectly suited for infants and young children and offers double protection. Its pleasant texture to apply softens the skin of babies and children and acts effectively as a barrier against UVA and UVB rays. Nevertheless, as babies' skin is delicate by nature, do not hesitate to refer to the main selection criteria before making your purchase.
If you are planning a little outing with your baby or young child, it is strongly recommended that you apply sun cream. Prefer lighter or lighter layers to avoid damaging his skin. To do this, we recommend that you only apply it to the parts of his body that are not covered by his clothes (legs, arms, face, ears, neck, etc.).
Since sunscreen only takes 20 minutes to work, it's best to apply it when your toddler is getting dressed. The time you take to get ready and get out of the house is enough for the product to be effective. Also, don't hesitate to reapply every 2 hours if you are going out for a swim in the sea or pool. Also, even on cloudy days, it is imperative to apply it, as the sun's rays are always formidable.
If you are planning to go on vacation, or need to get out of the house frequently, you might as well opt for both options. In doing so, you'll use the cream texture for her face and more sensitive areas of the body, while the spray will be used for larger areas.
If you still have a good amount of children's sunscreen left over from the previous year, the first thing you should do is check the expiry date. However, you should know that this type of product can only be kept for 12 months after opening. In any case, remember to check the label to make sure the product is still usable.
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