Here’s everything you need to know about Sun Protection Factor for your little One!

Babies are the happiness factor in a family when it comes to the family HQ (Family Happiness Quotient). With Summer at its peak, all parents must make sure that their baby must be sun protective at all times of the day. With so many options of sunscreens available in the market these days, it becomes a task to choose the best one for your little one. In this article, we get straight to the point and provide you with a well-elaborated overview of sunscreen usage for babies and all-around advantages for one’s health. 

"Better a sun-kissed than sunburned!" This proverb has more relevance to baby skincare than anything else. Choosing the right baby sunscreen or sunblock, among other things, is an important step in the direction of security concerning the scorching summer heat & UV rays. Parents should look for more natural ingredients than chemicals when it comes to choosing the right sunscreen for their little ones. 

Reading labels & making informed choices should be the goal of every parent before applying anything to their baby’s skin. The key requirement is a thorough understanding of the ingredients in the sunscreen and how they are aligned with the specifications for your baby’s skin. Alongside applying sunscreen, one must also ensure the baby is protected with a physical layer of clothing.

There is a very fine line between protecting the skin and protecting the skin with comfort. Organic cotton clothing ensures that the skin area is aerated to avoid overheating. Studies suggest that when using Sunscreen, one must dress the little ones in breathable clothing. 

Understanding the concept of UV rays 

The UV rays on earth are majorly of two types UVA & UVB rays. While UVA reaches the earth at about 95%, UVB reaches the rest at 5%. As mentioned, Sunlight is good for the baby, one must make sure that the baby is exposed to the morning sunlight only for a reason (The morning UV rays are UVB(generally good for the skin). UVB rays delay tanning & don’t age skin cells. When it comes to the Sun Protection for babies, there is science involved. At birth, the babies are born with a lesser amount of Melanin in their skin, with development in the next 6 months. 

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) ranked on the seal is also a vital element to bear in mind. Babies & kids need SPFs of 15 to 30. Therefore, doctors and dermatologists commonly recommend it. A mild range could have provided ample protection without being too harsh on the baby's skin. Parents need to understand that, SPF is not a factor in being protective from sun rays, rather SPF rating denotes protection from UVB rays. Higher SPF doesn’t mean better protection, rather, is directly proportional to the duration of sun protection. Applying and reapplying sunscreen isn't enough, even SPF can only show its real effectiveness in sun exposure combined with other factors. 

Specialists believe that having sunscreen should take at least 15 to 30 minutes before one dives into the sun. This makes sure that the sunscreen is absorbed completely by the skin and that all its protective factors can be utilized completely. The most important thing is reapplication of SPF every 2 hours to stay above that optimal protection where the exposure time is extended by the sun. 

But while we talk about the application of sunscreen, it is always recommended to do a patch test on your baby as recommended by the FDA, as their skin is delicate and sensitive & might get affected by any ingredient of the product. As mentioned, higher SPF doesn't necessarily mean better protection against the sun despite the myths around the number. SPF 15 blocks out about 93% of UVB radiation, while SPF 30 offers 97% protection. If you use an SPF rating of 50 and above there is not significant protection increase. 

As per reports, it is always recommended to use natural ingredients like Sea Buckthorn, Cocoa Butter, & Daffodil that not only protect the baby’s skin but also hydrate & enrich their skin as well. These elements don't just make the products effective but also help to support the baby`s skin's overall health and well-being at the same time. 

In conclusion, the need to apply sunscreen to babies should be stressed tremendously. Sunscreen offers much more than UV protection to the skin of a baby. It guards against sunburn and shields from long-term harm to the skin, making it mother's primary skincare partner. Sustaining the experts' recommendations and acknowledging the parents to be alert will ensure that the infants' delicate skin soaks in the sun's rays under the protective covering on the right note, by no means affecting the little one's skin health. 

Related Read - The Importance of Sun Protection: Why Baby Sunscreen is a Must

FAQs 

Does the sunscreen protect from both UVA & UVB rays? 

Any & every sunscreen works as a broad spectrum that protects from both UVA & UVB rays. One needs to understand that the SPF factor works in protection from UV rays. UVB rays on the other hand are good for health as they help in Melanin production & delayed tanning. 

How much protection does a sunscreen provide? 

Our Surya Kawach Baby Sunscreen Lotion with SPF 30 provides 97% protection against harmful UV rays. As per reports, a higher SPF doesn’t mean higher protection rather it is directly proportional to the duration of re-application. 

Can I use the sunscreen for my child before swimming? 

Surya Kawach Baby Sunscreen Lotion is a water-resistant sunscreen and thus is advised to use before swimming and any water activity to protect from swimming tan. 

How many times do I need to re-apply the sunscreen? 

A SPF 30 sunscreen lotion provides a safeguard from UV rays of up to 2 hours so you need to re-apply in 2 hours. The reapplication process also depends on the SPF applied, as an SPF 30 needs to be re-applied in 2 hours, an SPF 50 needs to be re-applied in 3 hours, etc.  

Can I apply sunscreen to my newborn? 

As per research, babies under 6 months of age should not be prone to sunlight, their skin is delicate & tender & thus sunscreen should not be applied to them. Surya Kawach Baby Sunscreen Lotion should be used for 1+ years. 

How is Ayurvedic Sunscreen different than a normal sunscreen? 

Ayurvedic sunscreen typically incorporates natural ingredients like Sea Buckthorn, Aloe Vera, and Carrot oil, believed to nourish and protect the skin while offering sun protection. Unlike normal sunscreens, Ayurvedic ones often emphasize holistic skincare, aiming to balance the body's energies while shielding against UV rays. 

Related Blog - Top Summer Baby Care Essentials for Your Little One