Sunscreen is a must, but with so many out there, which one do you choose?
Chemical sunscreens are making the news with several being recalled after benzene, a known carcinogen, was detected in them. We also know that some of the chemicals in sunscreen can damage coral reefs.
The good news? TONS of great mineral (aka physical) sunscreens are available. Mineral sunscreens are great for adults and kids. They are very effective against UVA and UVB because they provide a physical barrier and reflect the rays rather than absorbing them.
Many sunscreens are marketed specifically to babies and kids, but it is mostly clever marketing (cue pastel packaging and cutesy font). If you look at the ingredients in the adult formulation, they are often the same. The FDA puts sunscreens into 3 categories: physical, chemical, or a combination of the two. They don’t have a “baby” or “kids” category. With that said, many “baby” sunscreens are physical sunscreens because they are less likely to cause irritation. In short, kids can use adult mineral sunscreens and adults can use kid mineral sunscreens.
Remember that sunscreen is meant for children 6 months of age and older. For children younger than 6 months, the AAD recommends to keep them in the shade and use wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses. If possible, dress in long shirts and pants, taking care, of course, to prevent overheating.
For adults and children older than 6 months, sunscreen alone is not enough. The same tips that apply to babies under 6 months apply to everyone else. Wear protective clothing, hats, and glasses, seek out shade, and plan around the sun. Apply sunscreen after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying, and at least every 2 hours.
Now that we have that settled, here are my favorite mineral sunscreens. While the “mom picks” could be used on anyone, they are elevated sunscreens that contain anti-aging ingredients that the kiddos don’t need, hence the higher price points.
For mom:
-Elta MD UV Elements, SPF 44, $38.50
https://eltamd.com/products/eltamd-uv-elementsbroad-spectrum-spf-44
-Alastin Hydratint Pro Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 36, $60
https://alastin.com/products/hydratint-sunscreen-spf-36
-Skinceuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense, SPF 50, $36
https://www.skinceuticals.com/sheer-physical-uv-defense-spf-50-sheerphysicaluvdefense.html
For the whole family:
-Cerave Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 50, $13.99. They make a face and body version- very similar, can be used interchangeably. Hydrating and moisturizing.
https://www.cerave.com/sunscreen/face/hydrating-mineral-sunscreen-face-lotion-spf-50
-Sunbum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Roll-On Lotion, $15.99. Easy to use!
https://www.sunbum.com/products/mineral-spf-50-sunscreen-roll-on-lotion
-Sunbum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray, $17.99. Great for the kid on the go. (Just remember to rub it in for full coverage)
https://www.sunbum.com/products/mineral-spf-50-sunscreen-spray
-Sunbum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Stick, $11.99. Travel-friendly, rubs in easily.
https://www.sunbum.com/products/mineral-spf-50-sunscreen-face-stick-0-45-oz
Don’t forget your lips!
-Sunbum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm, $3.99.
https://www.sunbum.com/products/mineral-spf-30-sunscreen-lip-balm
One of the reasons I like Sunbum so much is that it is Cruelty Free, Hypoallergenic, Paraben Free, Mineral Oil Free, Retinyl Palmitate Free, PABA Free, Propylene Glycol Free, Fragrance Free, Hawaii Act 104 Reef Compliant, and Oxybenzone & Octinoxate Free.
Have fun on vacation and don’t forget to pack some of these!