Going Green with Baby: Safe Sunscreens

06/09/2014

Each summer I seem to struggle with finding a sunscreen that is safe for my daughter, without a ton of toxins and doesn’t leave a thick white paste on her skin. Skin cancer and melanoma are on a rise in Canada and it is important to protect our children. However when walking down the sunscreen aisle it is hard to know which one will be effective as well as safe.

When it comes to sunscreens there are 2 main types – those with chemical filters (which absorb the UVA and AVB rays) and those with Physical filters (that scatter and reflect both UVB and UBA radiation). Those with physical filters are safer for babies and children (and even adults) as they don’t have the chemicals and toxins that the other sunscreens use. Some of the most common chemicals to look for and avoid are Parabens, Phthalates, PEG’s (polyethylene glycols), Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, and SLS/SLES.

 Tips for using sunscreen:

– Look for water resistant

– Choose a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15

– Use lots and make sure your child is well covered

– Read the instructions on your specific sunscreen and follow those instructions

– Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outside and reapply 20 minutes after being outside and every 2 hours after that

– When using insect repellent, apply sunscreen first and then insect repellent

– Be sure to test the sunscreen on a small area on your child to check for any allergic reactions

In addition to sunscreen there are other ways to protect your child from the suns potentially harmful rays:

– Wearing a hat

– Wearing light weight and light coloured breathable clothing that covers the skin

– Sunglasses that block out UVA and UVB rays

– Limit your time in the sun

– Drink plenty of water

– Check the UV index

It is also important to remember that it is not recommended to out sunscreen on babies under 6 months of age. For babies this young it is best to keep them out of the sun and in the shade.

There are also some oils with natural SPF that you can use in place of sunscreen (see photo)

For more information on sun safety please visit http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/environment-environnement/sun-soleil/screen-ecrans-eng.php