Every week I am asked whether our Boost of Protection sunscreen is suitable for small children. As a mom, I know how difficult it is to find the right sunscreen. Which SPF is good? Can I use a spray or is this perhaps dangerous? What do all the ingredients mean? Should I buy a special children's sunscreen? A thousand questions running through your head, because yes... as a mother you always want the very best for the apple of your eye!
Because I know how important these little questions are, I honestly dare to say that SELF sunscreen is safe for both adults and children. Our Boost of Protection is 100% vegan and natural, contains no harmful substances such as nano zinc oxide and protects the skin against both UVA and UVB rays.
Of course, there are other safe and healthy options besides SELF ... to guide you through some of these uncertainties, I have made an overview of the most frequently asked questions. I hope it can help you!
Go for gentle
The skin of babies and small children is thin and fragile. It is therefore best to always choose a mineral (physical) sunscreen instead of a chemical variant. Chemical sunscreens contain certain UV filters that can disrupt hormones at an early age.
Are you not sure whether a sunscreen is chemical or mineral? Always be sure to check the INCIs and avoid: Bezophenones (BP), camphor derivatives, cinnamon derivatives (e.g. WTO), PABA, parabens, triclosan, BHA, phthalates and alkyl phenols. These substances are all potential hormone disruptors that you should avoid on the skin of the apple of your eye.
Choose a high factor
When choosing a good sunscreen for children, it is important that you know which factor is best to choose. Most people think 'the higher the factor, the better the protection'. This is not completely true. Many doctors and dermatologists advise to always use factor 30. There is only a very small difference in protection factor between factor 30 and factor 50: factor 30 protects for 97%, factor 50 for 98%. You are never one hundred percent protected against UV radiation. A higher factor therefore offers a kind of false security.
The most important thing is that you apply enough sunscreen to your child - don't be stingy with the product and apply a new layer every two hours!
Choose both UVA and UVB protection
When you buy a sunscreen, always check whether the product contains both a UVA filter and a UVB filter. The UVB protection is indicated by an SPF (e.g. 10,20, 30 or 50), this protection is found in almost every sunscreen. To check whether the cream also protects against UVA rays, check whether the packaging contains the letters 'UVA' with a circle around it. If this logo is missing on the packaging or only UVA is shown without a circle, the product does not provide sufficient protection.
Tip: sometimes this protection may simply be written out, so always read the instructions and information on the back of the bottle.
Choose both UVA and UVB protection
When you buy a sunscreen, always check whether the product contains both a UVA filter and a UVB filter. The UVB protection is indicated by an SPF (e.g. 10,20, 30 or 50), this protection is found in almost every sunscreen. To check whether the cream also protects against UVA rays, check whether the packaging contains the letters 'UVA' with a circle around it. If this logo is missing on the packaging or only UVA is shown without a circle, the product does not provide sufficient protection.
Tip: sometimes this protection may simply be written out, so always read the instructions and information on the back of the bottle.
Extra tips for optimal protection
- Regardless of the layer of sunscreen, it is best to keep small children indoors during the hottest hours of the day. This heat means that there is extra UV radiation and therefore an extra chance of burning.
- Protect the head with a cap or hat, it is best to choose one with a wide brim that also protects the eyes.
- Apply the sunscreen 20 minutes in advance before your child goes out into the sun.
- Repeat regularly... even when they play in the shade.
- Pay attention to easily forgotten places such as the ears, hands and on the cheekbones.
