Being a parent changes the way you view the world around you. It’s normal to be a little overprotective during the first few months, especially if you’re a new parent. It can take a while for you to adjust to your new role as a parent and differentiate harmful from harmless. Manufacturers of baby products will try to make you believe that you need a whole array of skincare but the fact is, you probably don’t. You can stick to the basics like a wash, moisturizer and sunscreen and your baby will be just fine. However, when you do buy baby products, it’s important to make sure that they are completely safe for your child. This is especially important with lotions such as sunscreens because they can be absorbed by your baby’s skin.
Here are some tips to avoid harmful chemicals in baby sunscreens.
Buy a Baby Sunscreen that is Vetted by Medical Professionals
You may see a baby sunscreen that is labelled "recommended by dermatologists" and assume that this means that the product has met some specific requirement. However, this phrase is not regulated by the FDA or any other regulatory body so companies can use this claim on their products without having to meet any specific standards set by an official authority. Instead of buying a product simply based on how it is marketed, you should look for products that have been vetted by medical professionals (and other moms) as this will ensure that the recommendations are based on expert insight. A comparison of the best baby sunscreens on the market will give you a better understanding of these products to help you make a choice.
Choose Mineral Sunscreens
There are two types of sunscreens – chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens contain chemicals that are absorbed by the skin and they convert UV radiation into heat so that it can be released from the skin. Some of these chemicals such as oxybenzone and avobenzone are known endocrine disruptors and may affect your baby’s development. Mineral sunscreens work in a completely different manner – the minerals are not absorbed by the skin; instead, they form a protective barrier on the surface to shield the skin from UV rays. According to guidelines from professional medical bodies like the ADA, mineral sunscreens are the best option for sensitive skin. Many people don’t like mineral sunscreens because many of them leave a white cast on the skin. However, newer formulations have smaller-sized particles that blend better into the skin and do not leave a visible residue. Mineral sunscreens contain either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide so if a baby sunscreen doesn’t contain either of these, it’s a chemical sunscreen.
Look for "Fragrance-Free" not “Unscented”
The FDA doesn’t have regulations governing the use of the terms “unscented” and “fragrance-free”. However, cosmetic labeling is required to be truthful and not misleading which means that the word unscented means that the product doesn’t have a noticeable scent but it can contain “masking” fragrance ingredients to hide any unpleasant smell from other ingredients in the product. On the other hand, the word “fragrance” refers to specific kinds of ingredients which means that a sunscreen that is labelled “fragrance-free” is not allowed to have any added fragrance chemicals. Your little one’s skin is very delicate and the FDA advises people to choose fragrance-free products if they are concerned about fragrance sensitivities.
Some parents think that the best way to avoid chemicals in baby sunscreens is to make their own sunscreen at home using natural ingredients like coconut oil. According to the CDC, this is very dangerous because DIY sunscreens offer little to no protection from UV rays. Instead of trying to make your own baby sunscreen, check the ingredients in baby sunscreens made by reputable companies so you can rest assured that your little one is well-protected.
