Suncare For Baby’s Sensitive Skin: 4 Facts Every Parent Needs to Know

Sun-Safety Tip: Shield baby’s skin from the start

When you’re out and about, dress baby in lightweight, sun-protective clothing that covers their arms and legs. Opt for a wide-brimmed hat and use a breathable, fabric stroller cover with UV protection. In the car, secure a mesh UV window shield to the window. (While glass keeps most UVB rays out, babies can be exposed to DNA-damaging UVA rays.⁸)

When it comes to sunscreen, the use of sunscreen in babies younger than six months old isn’t always the answer (the risk of sunscreen side effects, such as a baby rash, is higher for infants.)⁹ and you should consult with your baby’s doctor before applying sunscreen to your baby.¹⁰ Try to keep baby in the shade or under protective cover.¹¹ The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that you should apply sunscreen to small areas, like baby’s face and ears if they are over six months of age¹², but it’s important to check with your pediatrician first and do a sensitivity test on your baby’s inner wrist to check for any skin reactions.¹³

Sun-Safety Tip 2: Use sunscreen designed for baby

If your baby’s doctor advises it’s safe to use sunscreen on your baby, we recommend using one that is fragrance-free, water-resistant, broad-spectrum with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. (Broad-spectrum sunscreen helps to protect skin from the sun’s harmful UVB and UVA rays.) ¹⁴ The AAP, Food and Drug Administration, and The Society of Pediatric Dermatology encourage parents to use a mineral sunscreen made for babies that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.¹⁵ Unlike chemical sunscreens that penetrate into deep layers of the skin, mineral sunscreens deflect UV rays and remain on the surface of the skin, which may be less irritating for baby’s sensitive skin.¹⁶ Our paraben-free Hydrating Baby Sunscreen Lotion With SPF 45 is formulated with three essential ceramides, lipid molecules naturally found in the skin. Formulas containing these ceramides are designed to help maintain the important protective barrier of baby’s skin.¹⁷

Sun-Safety Tip 3: Apply the right amount of sunscreen

Don’t skimp when it comes to applying sunscreen to help protect baby’s vulnerable skin. Studies show that most people apply a mere 25% to 50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen that’s needed.¹⁸ Fifteen minutes prior to sun exposure, generously apply about one ounce of sunscreen (enough to fill a plastic medicine cup) to all would-be exposed skin.¹⁹ Reapply at least every two hours, as well as after a dip in the water.²⁰ Set a timer on your phone as a reminder.

Sun-Safety Tip 4: Use sunscreen all year-round

Sunscreen isn’t just for summer: Dermatologists recommend using it daily no matter the season or the weather.²¹ In fact, up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays get through even on cloudy days.²² While it’s true that one severe sunburn as a child more than doubles one’s chances of developing melanoma,²³ even moderate sun exposure during childhood contributes to skin toughening, freckling, and skin cancer.²⁴So make sun protection part of your little one’s daily routine, for healthy looking skin now and in the years to come.