Is Sunscreen Really Good for Kids? What Every Parent Should Know

Is Sunscreen Really Good for Kids? What Every Parent Should Know

Introduction

Children's skin is delicate. Their skin is about 30% thinner than adult skin, which makes it more vulnerable to the sun in India. Yet, many parents think sunscreen for kids is an extra burden instead of considering it a daily essential. Sun protection is absolutely necessary, yet it falls to the bottom of parenting priorities.

Now, it is indeed important to explore the following questions: Is sunscreen really necessary and safe for our little ones?

Why Kids Need Sunscreen More Than Adults

Children’s skin needs extra protection than adults. Because their skin is much thinner, it absorbs UV radiation more readily, leading to immediate and long-term damage. Children often seem to spend their hours on playground breaks, school sports, or maybe a family outing, which all happen under significant sun exposure.

According to research, during childhood years, substantial sun damage occurs. As per the Skin Cancer Foundation, before age 20, five severe sunburns increase melanoma risk by 80%. Therefore, early protection is about preventing temporary sunburns as well as safeguarding against future issues like premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and more serious conditions.

What Makes a Sunscreen Kid-Friendly?

All the sunscreens we see contain different components, particularly when it comes to children's sensitive skin. The best sunscreen for kids offers:

  • These broad-spectrum covers come with both UVA and UVB protective factors.
  • High SPF ratings, such as SPF 70 sunscreen, provide the best protection.
  • Sunscreen, holding a PA++++ rating, provides intense protection in India's hot and humid conditions
  • Formulations that have zero harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, parabens, and others.
  • Unscented, gentle formulas that won’t irritate sensitive skin

Try CITTA Protecting Sunscreen SPF 70 – specially formulated for baby-soft, sensitive skin.

How to protect your kids from UV rays ...

What to Look for in a Baby Sunscreen Lotion

Things parents should prioritize while buying a baby sunscreen lotion

  • Products that have gone through extensive dermatological testing
  • Tear-free formulations that do not trouble the eyes
  • Water-resistance properties are included, especially when kids are sweating or swimming
  • The product is lightweight and has non-greasy textures that kids will not resist wearing
  • All these features ensure your child will receive the best protection from the sun with no discomfort, which will eventually make the daily application much easier for everyone involved.

When and How to Apply Sunscreen on Kids

Timing and technique are both extremely important to know when it comes to effective sun protection. Apply sunscreen for kids 20 minutes prior to going out as it gives the product some time to form a protective barrier on the skin.

While applying, we have to be really generous, as most parents use too little. Apply all the exposed areas, including often forgotten ones: ears, neck, and feet. Putting an alarm on in your phone for the reapplication of your preferred sunscreen every two hours is essential, especially after swimming or heavy perspiration.

Do not forget to make sunscreen a year-round habit. It is just not for sunny days, but it is necessary to apply sunscreen on cloudy days too. Harmful UV rays penetrate cloud cover, reaching your child's skin.

Common Myths About Sunscreen for Kids

Let's go through some common misconceptions:

❌ "Children don't need sunscreen if they stay in the shade." Reality: Reflection of UV radiation from surfaces like sand, water, and concrete reaches the skin even in shaded areas.

❌ "Sunscreen is only necessary during summer or beach outings." Reality: UV radiation affects skin year-round, no matter what the temperature is.

❌ "Dark-skinned children have natural protection." Reality: It is true that melanin offers some protection, but it is essential to have dedicated sun protection for children.

✅ Truth: Every child benefits from daily sun protection irrespective of the nature of the weather, location, or skin tone.

Also Read: Sunscreen for Kids: Debunking Myths and Determining the Right Age to Start

 

The CITTA Advantage: Why Parents Trust Our SPF 70 Sunscreen

When choosing the best sunscreen for kids, parents trust in CITTA's SPF 70 protection. Let’s take you through what sets it apart:

  • Specifically formulated to protect children's delicate skin from the sun
  • Doesn't leave a chalky white residue that kids will not like
  • Contains no harsh chemicals that might cause sensitivity
  • Works effectively and efficiently across all skin types and tones
  • Pediatric skin specialists do recommend this to parents.

As per parents’ honest reviews, children prefer CITTA Protecting Sunscreen SPF 70, its pleasant, non-sticky feel, which is less of a battle and has turned into a routine of protection for their children’s skin.

Final Thoughts

Sun protection isn't just about preventing today's sunburn, but it is also an investment towards your child's lifelong skin health. When applying baby sunscreen becomes a habit of daily skincare routine as brushing teeth, it establishes a discipline, a healthy habit that will benefit them for decades.

With the right child-safe sunscreen in India, children get the freedom to enjoy outdoor activities while you are also ensuring that their precious skin is protected. Remember: healthy skin begins with early protection, and the responsibility of keeping the skin protected begins with you.

 Also Read: How to Choose the Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin

 

FAQ Section:

1. Is sunscreen safe for babies and toddlers?

Yes, for children over 6 months, it is absolutely okay to apply sunscreen, which is a mineral-based formula with zinc oxide for sensitive baby skin. For younger babies, rely on shade and be picky about clothing instead.

2. Can I use adult sunscreen on my child?

It's better to use dedicated baby sunscreen products as children's skin is more sensitive. Therefore, kid-friendly formulas have fewer irritating ingredients.

3. How often should I reapply sunscreen on my child?

Every 2 hours during sun exposure, and repeat the application more frequently (every 80 minutes). Do the same while swimming or sweating heavily.

4. Is SPF 70 sunscreen too much for kids?

No, SPF 70 sunscreen provides appropriate protection for children and is perfect for dealing with India's climate. Most parents are not aware of the right quantity of the product to use, so higher SPF offers better safety.

5. Can sunscreen cause skin irritation in kids?

Some children may be sensitive to certain ingredients. Before picking a sunscreen, perform a patch test first. Choose mineral sunscreens for sensitive skin and consult a doctor if irritation occurs.

Also Read: The Best Sunscreen for Newborn: Protecting Your Baby’s Delicate Skin

Back to blog

Leave a comment

  • The Delicate Balance of Children's Skin: Why Ad...

    Are you using your shampoo for your kids as well? Is it safe for your kids? Are you a parent struggling to find the right skincare products for your kids...

    Read more

    The Delicate Balance of Children's Skin: Why Adult Skincare Isn't Suitable

    Are you using your shampoo for your kids as well? Is it safe for your kids? Are you a parent struggling to find the right skincare products for your kids and teens? Many parents even switch to using adult products once their kids reach 6 years old due to this confusion. As parents, our children's well-being is paramount, and understanding the unique needs of their developing skin and hair is crucial. Their skin and hair differ significantly from adults, and using adult products can have adverse effects. Dr. Prajakta Bhokre, a seasoned pediatrician and neonatologist in Pune, emphasizes, “Children's skin and hair are delicate and require special care. Adult skincare and hair care products can disrupt the delicate balance and harm their developing systems." Kids' Skin: A Delicate Canvas To comprehend the importance of specialized care for children's skin, we must recognize the structural differences between their skin and adults'. A child's skin is thinner, more delicate, and has a higher surface area to body weight ratio than adults. Their skin's natural protective barrier, composed of lipids, is not fully developed, which means their skin is not as efficient at retaining moisture and is more susceptible to dehydration, irritation, and damage from environmental factors such as UV radiation and pollutants. Even the pH level of a child's skin is more acidic, which helps to ward off harmful bacteria and makes it more sensitive to changes and potential damage. Their hair is finer and less oily, resulting in a greater tendency for tangles and breakage. Why It's Unsafe for Kids to Use Adult Products? Adult skincare and hair care products often contain potent ingredients like parabens, sulphates, silicones, talc, and phthalates that may be too harsh for a child's delicate skin and hair. Ingredients like retinoids, salicylic acid, and strong fragrances can strip away natural oils, disrupt the skin's pH balance, and cause allergies, rashes, or even chemical burns in children. Moreover, many adult products are formulated to address age-specific concerns, such as wrinkles or acne, which are not relevant to children. Ideal Ingredients for Kids' Skincare and Hair Care For kids aged 5-10, it's important to choose products with gentle, natural ingredients. Ingredients like almond oil, olive oil, basil oil, rice protein, aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter, turmeric oil, and oats are not only nourishing but also gentle on young skin and hair. “These ingredients hydrate, protect, soothe, and help maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier, promoting healthy growth and making them perfect for nurturing young skin and hair,” says Dr. Bhokre The Importance of Age-Appropriate Products (0-10 years) It's essential to select age-appropriate products for kids. Dr. Bhokre further states that “Children aged 5-10 years should use products specifically designed for their age group, such as baby products ranging from 0-10 years. These products are formulated with the unique needs of growing children's skin and hair in mind, providing gentle care without harsh chemicals.” They contain milder ingredients, ensuring that kids' skin remains protected and nourished. pH Levels: A Precarious Balance A child's skin is more prone to pH level changes than an adult's. Their skin's pH is naturally more acidic at around 5.5, which acts as a barrier against harmful bacteria. Adult products can disrupt this delicate balance, leaving their skin vulnerable, further leading to dryness, itchiness,  infections, or even eczema. Structural Differences in Hair In addition to skin, a child's hair is structurally different from an adult's. Children's hair is finer, more fragile, less porous and lacks the oil-producing capabilities of adult hair. Adult hair products may strip their hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. Ingredients to Avoid in Kids' Products “When selecting skincare and hair care products for kids, it's essential to avoid harsh chemicals like sulfates, talc, asbestos, silicones, mineral oils, parabens, and strong fragrances. These ingredients can irritate the skin and harm their overall health”, says Dr. Bhokre. Opt for products that are free from harmful additives to keep the child’s skin healthy while keeping them safe from the detrimental effects of these harmful chemicals. At CITTA we focus on using the highest quality natural ingredients while keeping harsh chemicals at bay. Our products are carefully formulated to cater to the unique needs of children's skin and hair. CITTA prioritizes safety and nourishment for kids' skin and our commitment to natural ingredients ensures that children can enjoy healthy, glowing skin without the risk of adverse reactions. While it may be tempting to use adult skincare and hair care products on your children, it's essential to consider their unique skin and hair needs. Opt for products specifically designed for kids, enriched with natural ingredients, and free from harsh chemicals. Our products promote healthy skin for children while emphasizing the importance of nourishment and safety in children's skincare routines. After all, our children deserve the very best, and that begins with caring for their delicate skin and hair with the utmost attention and care.

    Read More

  • Baby's Delicate Skin Deserves the Best: Choose ...

    Dr Jagadish Dhekne (MD) is a distinguished Consulting Pediatrician in Pune. With an impressive track record, he served as Former President of the Maharashtra State Academy of Pediatrics in 2010...

    Read more

    Baby's Delicate Skin Deserves the Best: Choose the Perfect Skincare for your Bundle of Joy

    Dr Jagadish Dhekne (MD) is a distinguished Consulting Pediatrician in Pune. With an impressive track record, he served as Former President of the Maharashtra State Academy of Pediatrics in 2010 and Former President of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics Pune Branch from 2008 to 2009. He's also the Director of Unique Hospital for Children and Kartik Group of Hospitals in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune. Dr Dhekne is recognized as a Master Trainer for both the "Asthma Training Module" and "Problem-Solving in Paediatric Infectious Diseases (PSPID)" by IAP.  As you embark on this new adventure called parenting, keeping your bundle of joy cosy and well-fed becomes your top-most priority. You’d move mountains to ensure they’re showered with all the TLC in the world; you would go to any lengths to protect them. Apart from ensuring the right nutrition and shielding them from heat and cold, even delicate matters like choosing the right skincare for your ‘mini-me’ can become an uphill task. Their sensitive and delicate skin requires the utmost care. If you’re unsure about how to choose the best skincare products for your little munchkins, we’ve got you covered! Dr Jagadish Dhekne (MD), who is among the distinguished consulting pediatricians from Pune, is here to drop some wisdom on pampering that adorable epidermis and the dos and don'ts of skincare for babies. He also gives us a low-down on how to pick the safest baby skincare brands: Allergen-free formulations:  Opt for products that are free from harsh chemicals, strong fragrances, and dyes. Allergen-free formulations are designed to minimise the risk of adverse reactions and are gentler on your baby's skin. Avoid harmful ingredients:  “Avoid products that contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and artificial preservatives, as these chemicals can cause skin irritations and potential long-term health risks. Instead, choose products with natural Indian ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, turmeric oil, and almond oil, known for their soothing properties,” says Dr Dhekne. Moisturisation is key: Babies are prone to dry skin, especially in certain weather conditions. Choose moisturising products specifically formulated for babies to keep their skin soft and hydrated. Read labels thoroughly: Take the time to read product labels carefully and pay attention to certifications such as ‘paediatrician-tested’ and ‘dermatologist-approved.’ These endorsements offer added assurance about the product's safety and efficacy. Minimalistic approach: Stick to the essentials for baby skincare, such as a gentle baby wash and moisturiser. Avoid overwhelming your baby’s skin with too many products. Consult a paediatric dermatologist: When in doubt, seek professional advice. Paediatricians can assess your baby’s skin type and recommend suitable products based on their needs. A dermatologist can also provide personalised guidance if your child has specific skin conditions like eczema or cradle cap. “The natural ingredients in babycare products help soothe and protect the delicate baby skin, leaving it soft, supple and healthy. Parents can witness improved skin conditions, reduced irritation and a noticeable difference in their baby's overall skin health after using natural and organic products,” adds Dr Dhekne. When it comes to baby skincare, it’s always better to exercise caution. You can embrace the benefits of natural care through CITTA’s dermatologist-approved and ‘conscious’ baby skincare products. The brand is committed to crafting products with natural ingredients while maintaining the highest safety and efficacy standards. CITTA’s baby skincare range comprises gentle and nourishing formulations enriched with plant extracts, essential oils, and botanical goodness.

    Read More