We are increasingly aware of how important it is to protect children from the sun, although sometimes we do not know what is the best way to do it. Together with other physical barriers such as umbrellas, clothes or hats, sunscreen is a good ally to protect babies and children from the sun.
The skin of the child is more sensitive than that of the adult, so do not neglect the application of sunscreen. But within the sun creams we find different substances, chemical or mineral, that block the impact of the sun on the skin: they are chemical or physical filters.
Chemical filters are activated by photochemical reactions by absorbing photons from the sun's rays and modifying them to minimize the impact on the skin.
The substances that contain physical sunscreens are minerals, inert substances that have nothing to do with the photochemical reactions of which we have spoken before. That is why they are tolerated with a much higher index for sensitive skin.
For younger babies, creams with physical filters are better than those with chemical filters, which could cause allergy. If the baby has very white or highly photosensitive skin it is also better to form a "shield-screen" (the total screen creams are of physical filters).
The baby's dermis is extremely sensitive, and the chemical components of the cream can cause some allergic reaction. And although creams with a physical filter also contain artificial ingredients that could cause allergy, it is less common.
The physical filters, in addition to being less allergenic, leave a white film on the baby's skin, unlike the other creams, transparent. That layer allows you to check when we have to renew product application.
This is especially interesting in the case of children and the beach or pool, because they spend more time entering and leaving the water, because, as I have already told you, sun creams are not water resistant.
In any case, we must take into account the composition of the cream, and better if it does not contain PABA, a component that could be harmful to the child's skin, as well as to those of pregnant women.
In addition to choosing the best sunscreen for babies and children, remember that it should not be exposed to the sun for a long time, especially in the central hours of the day. So, better avoid outdoor walks, the beach or mountain excursions ... when it's too sunny and hot.
