Unfortunately, exposure to UVA rays can also damage a person’s immune system. It is still unclear how exposure to UVA rays exactly cause melanoma, a very serious cancer. Medical researchers believe it’s likely a combination of factors, with exposure to UVA rays being a major component [1].
UVB rays affect the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). When this layer gets burned, you will see a sunburn on your skin. Exposure to UVB rays increases the risk of basal and squamous cell carcinomas.
Before we talk about what makes MADE OF the best baby sunscreen, it’s important to understand what to look for in a sunscreen and what ingredients to avoid.
How To Choose The Best Baby Sunscreen
Once your baby is old enough to be in the sunlight, it’s time to familiarize yourself with what to look for when searching for the top baby sunscreen.
Sunscreens are classified by either chemical or physical sunscreens. Sunscreens that absorb UVA or UVB light are known as chemical sunscreens, while those that reflect UVA or UVB rays are known as physical sunscreens. For the best protection for sensitive skin, you can opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
One of the most important factors when choosing sunscreen for kids is the amount of SPF or sun protection factor. The SPF number refers only to UVB protection. For instance, if your skin starts to turn red in just 20 minutes sans protection, using a sunscreen with SPF 15 will prevent it from turning red longer by 15 times. An SPF15 will block 93% of UVB rays. An SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays. An SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays.
Sunscreens also are effective only up to a specific period, so make sure you check out the expiration date.
Who Needs Sunscreen?
Everyone. It’s crucial to use sunscreen all year round. For every five Americans, one is in danger of getting skin cancer. As a general rule, avoid exposing babies below six months of age to harmful UV rays. That said, babies have very sensitive skin, so it is also essential to avoid the use of sunscreens laden with chemicals like parabens and other harmful chemicals. If you need to bring your baby outside, opt for alternative protection from the sun’s rays, such as a long-sleeved shirt, wide-brimmed hat, sun-protective clothing, or umbrella coverage [2].
Once your baby is old enough (6 months and up), the National Eczema Association recommends mineral-based broad-spectrum sunscreen options. The top baby sunscreen contains ingredients that protect your baby’s skin from the sun and also protect your baby’s skin from chemicals that are within the sunblock itself. Water-resistant mineral sunscreens can protect your baby even when they are in the water. These sunscreens usually contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide [3].
Zinc oxide
Most sunscreens contain the active ingredient zinc oxide. This ingredient is water-insoluble, making your sunscreen water-resistant and sweat-resistant. It continues to protect your baby even if they are frolicking in the water. Sunscreens that contain zinc oxide are ideal for babies, whether you intend to bring your baby outdoors for a walk or to let them enjoy the pool or the beach.
The most crucial aspect to consider about zinc oxide in sunscreen is that the zinc oxide takes the form of non-nano particles. Non-nano zinc oxide particles are too large to be absorbed through the skin and into the blood.
Titanium dioxide
This ingredient effectively blocks both short UVA and UVB rays. However, it is not as effective as zinc oxide when it comes to long, UVA rays. Nevertheless, titanium dioxide protects the skin from the sun’s rays by creating a physical barrier.
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Ingredients To Avoid In Baby Sunscreen
Parabens
Chemical sunscreens often contain parabens as a preservative. On-going research is required to verify the harm that parabens may cause. These chemicals have weak estrogenic effects, and at least one study found parabens in breast cancer samples [4].
Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is another chemical filter that protects against UV exposure. It works by absorbing UV light. Unfortunately, it also is absorbed by the skin. Oxybenzone has been linked to hormone disruption [5].
PABA
PABA acts as an ultraviolet ray absorber and UV filter. It has been found to cause photosensitivity and allergic dermatitis. It also is a possible carcinogen [6].
Retinyl Palmitate
Retinyl Palmitate, also known as, Vitamin A Palmitate, is sometimes used in sunscreen as a moisturizer. However, an FDA study found that when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight, skin tumors, and lesions may hasten in their development [7].
Synthetic Fragrance
Although we all love our babies to smell sweet, the formulas that are used to create these scents can be laden with toxic chemicals. These lab-made ingredients pose not only a risk of irritating the skin but possible absorption through the skin into the inner organs.
MADE OF – The Best Baby Sunscreen
The top baby sunscreen should be formulated with a baby’s unique needs in mind. Babies have very sensitive skin that is prone to skin irritations. Toxic chemicals absorbed through the skin is also a real possibility. Of course, no parent would put these harmful ingredients on their infant intentionally. However, the problem arises when parents do not know about the ingredients listed on the label.
The MADE OF Difference
MADE OF recognizes the need for parents to trust what they are putting on their baby. This is why they have formulated baby products that are plant-based and toxic-free. Moreover, parents can rest assured since each ingredient is listed directly on the product page, and that includes MADE OF broad-spectrum sunscreen. But, that’s not all. Parents can read a brief description of each product, why the ingredient is used, and where it was sourced.
MADE OF products are always soy-free, nut-free, and fungi-free. Their products do not have any GMO’s. They are also bleach and bacteria-free.
MADE OF Organic Baby Sunscreen has undergone voluntary testing to certify that their products are made with an eye toward sustainability. MADE OF products are cruelty-free, gluten-free, and use only organic plant-based materials.
Their certifications include:
- USDA Bio preferred
- Gluten-free
- Leaping Bunny
- NSF Organic Standard
MADE OF sunscreen is made of 79% organic ingredients and 21% natural ingredients. It is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of 30. MADE OF sunscreen is explicitly made for babies and parents who care.
Best Baby Sunscreen Resources:
[1] Mayo Clinic; Melanoma.[2] Amerian Academy of Pediatrics; Sun Safety and Protection Tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
[3] Natural Eczema Association; What’s the skinny on sunscreen and eczema?Margaret Willig Crane.
[4] Harvard Health Publishing; By the way, doctor: Are parabens dangerous?, March 2014.
[5] Environmental Working Group; The Trouble With Ingredients in Sunscreens.
[6] Environmental Working Group; PABA.
[7] Environmental Working Group; Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate).
