Some parents assume that their kids don’t require sunscreen, but that’s far from the truth. Your kids need sunscreen just like you do when going outdoors. It is the best way to keep your child’s skin protected from the radiation of the sun.
There are minimal differences between adults’ and kids’ sunscreen in that most kids’ sunscreens are mineral-based. But can adults use sunscreen for kids?
Kids and adults can use the same sunscreen. You don’t need to spend extra money buying different sunscreen formulas for every family member.
In fact, most skin medical doctors advocate for everyone to use kids’ sunscreens because they are not chemical-based and hence less risky for the skin.
Check out our recommended mineral sunscreen on Amazon.
Is it time to take your family for a summer vacation, but you don’t know if you can use the same sunscreen as your kids?
This blog post will answer your question and I’ll also go over some of the common sunscreen components and guide you in choosing the best sunscreen for both adults and kids.
I shall also discuss the benefits of sunscreen to both kids and adults. But first, let’s look at what kids’ sunscreens contain.
What Are the Common Components of Sunscreen?
There are many sunscreens in the stores, but their components differ. Some protect from UVB or UVA rays, while others offer protection against both.
The ones that give protection against the two are known as broad-spectrum sunscreens, and they are the best, so you should consider them. These ingredients are either mineral UV filters or chemical UV filters in medical terms.
Kids and adults can use any of them, but here is a discussion of each component.
Mineral UV Filter
These are found in mineral or natural sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide and zinc. They function by creating a barrier that absorbs and scatters UV rays on the skin’s surface.
The filter also comes in handy in offering broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB radiation.
Chemical UV Filter
This is a sunscreen ingredient that could include one or more chemicals.
Their role is to absorb and stabilize UV radiation into a chemical particle, after which they dissipate the energy in the form of heat.
The difference in this is in the wavelength of the UV radiation they can absorb.
Like the mineral UV filters, some chemical filters can only absorb the UVB radiations, while others boast a broad spectrum that absorbs both the UVA and UVB rays.
The difference between these two types of sunscreen ingredients is that the chemical UV filter doesn’t form a white film on the skin while the mineral one does.
However, chemical filters might cause skin irritation or allergy to your kid’s skin.
There is also some concern in regards to long-term use with the chemicals absorbed into the skin.
How To Choose A Sunscreen For Both Adults And Kids
Choosing a good sunscreen to use with your kids is not easy. The market has different types of sunscreens, and also your skin types may be different.
However, here is a guide to choosing a good sunscreen for your young ones as well as yourself.
Water-Resistant Protection
Going out for a vacation at the beach means you will come into contact with water. Maybe your kids would like to swim and cool down in the summer afternoon.
This is why you should buy a water-resistant sunscreen. It is formulated to remain on your skin even after it’s soaked in water.
Nevertheless, being water-resistant doesn’t mean that they are sweat or waterproof.
Their resistance lasts for some time, and most manufacturers state on the label how long the sunscreen will resist the water.
Broad-Spectrum Coverage
A sunscreen with a broad spectrum is one that protects your skin from both UVB and UVA radiation. These two are the main types of radiation that can cause skin damage or cancer.
Therefore, it is crucial you buy a broad spectrum coverage sunscreen because it will offer double protection.
However, be careful to take breaks whenever the ultra-violet index goes high, regardless of the type of sunscreen you are using. It’s best to avoid the sun’s most direct rays between the hours of 11 am to 3 pm.
Sun Protection Factor
The short form for this is SPF, and it’s described as how much UV radiation (Solar energy) is needed for a sunburn to be produced on a protected skin.
Different sunscreens have different SPF ratings, but the protection that each offers depends on whether you applied it correctly.
Also, water activities you engage in will determine their effectiveness because they might be washed off after some time, as mentioned earlier.
Skin medical experts advise that sunscreens with an SPF rating of 50 are better than those with a lower rating.
Taste/Preference
This is another significant factor to consider before buying sunscreen. You don’t want to buy something that your kids will dislike.
Buying something that you and the little ones prefer will increase your desire to use sunscreen and keep your skin protected.
Having an expensive sunscreen that fits all the other requirements but has an unappealing smell or feel is not worth it.
Buy a sunscreen that boasts some convenient perks to encourage you to reapply.
Skin Types
You can’t ignore your skin type and that of your kid when buying sunscreen. Sunscreens are made for different types of skins.
Pick the ideal one for all skin types when purchasing a sunscreen that you and your kid can use on your summer beach vacation.
Most mineral sunscreens are good for all skins, and in case there is a reaction, it is more likely to be mild.
What Are The Benefits of Using Sunscreen?
Your skin plays a huge role in protecting your body against germs, being the largest organ in your body.
It also helps regulate body temperature, and that’s why you should give it proper care by using sunscreen.
Are you wondering why you should use sunscreen with your family?
Here are its benefits:
Reduces Signs of Aging
Make sunscreen your family’s friend, and you can delay some of those dreaded aging signs.
Spending time out under the sun without protection is risky.
The sun’s rays can damage your skin’s connective tissues and collagen, causing loss of elasticity and wrinkles.
Prevention Of Sunburns
If you expose yourself to too many UV rays, you will be at risk of getting painful burns without any protection.
If this is repeated, sunspots and damage on your skin will increase. This also raises the chances of skin cancer.
However, you can reduce the risk from all these if you make it a habit to wear sunscreen.
Reduced Risk Of Skin Cancer
Wearing sunscreen is an excellent way of reducing the risks of skin cancer, and you will be safer when you use one with a higher SPF.
Be careful to apply sunscreen after every two hours whenever you are out in the sun. Also, apply after sweating or swimming.
Overall Skin Health
Your skin will be much healthier and all glowing if you use sunscreen. By applying the product, you will be protecting essential skin proteins like keratin.
The proteins keep the skin healthy, soft and smooth, and in the proper functioning shape.
Adults can use their kid’s sunscreen and avoid the double cost of buying separate products.
The best sunscreen for you and your kids is mineral-based because it’s ideal for all skin types. It’s also safer because it doesn’t contain as many chemicals.
Now that you know how to purchase sunscreens, purchase enough supplies for all during your summer vacation and enjoy the benefits I have mentioned.