 Organic sunscreen ? Not the same as Organic Food
Sun Cream For Babies?
When it comes to sunscreens, the word organic does not have the same meaning that it does when used on food. It does not mean that a sunscreen is natural or contains fewer chemicals.
Organic is a technical term used in chemistry to describe molecules that contain carbon atoms. So the active ingredients in organic sunscreens contain carbon-based molecules, while the active ingredients in inorganic sunscreens do not they are molecules like titanium dioxide.
Organic sunscreens, also known as chemical sunscreens, work by absorbing ultraviolet rays from the sun
Inorganic sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens or sunblocks, work by reflecting those rays.
Inorganic sunscreens may be a better choice for children, because they are absorbed into the skin to a lesser extent and are less likely to trigger allergic reactions. Check for titanium dioxide or zinc oxide on the ingredients list.
Young skin is delicate and very easily damaged by the sun. All children, no matter whether they tan easily or not, should be protected from the sun.
Children with fair or red hair, pale eyes or freckles are at most risk. Keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight, especially around midday.
Skin cancer is very rare in children. But many skin cancers take years to develop. Damage to the DNA of our skin cells when young, may develop into skin cancer several decades later. The most serious type of skin cancer - melanoma - is the second most common cancer in 15 to 34 year olds.
Studies have found that sunburn during childhood can increase the risk of skin cancer later on in life. This is why it is important to ensure that children stay safe in the sun.
Thanks to Cancer Research for this article
| Can sunscreens be used on babies and young children?
We have no evidence to suggest that sunscreens are harmful to young children when used in small amounts on the face and hands. Their skin, however, is more likely than an adult's to absorb the ingredients in the sunscreens, and the rest of their body is best protected with clothing rather than sunscreen. Babies under 6 months old should be kept out of the sun altogether. |
| What do SPF numbers mean?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and is a laboratory measure, which grades the ability of a sunscreen to filter out UVB rays. The higher the number, the more protection you get. The number gives you an idea of how much longer it would take your skin to become red when using a sunscreen, compared to being in the sun without using a sunscreen. For example, SPF 15 means you can spend fifteen times as long in the sun than if you were unprotected, before getting burned*. However, we also now believe that life time exposure to the sun increases our risk of skin cancer. So the Cancer Research Campaign recommends the use of SPF 15+ products for everyone. If you are unsure ask your pharmacist for advice. |
| What is the shelf life of a sunscreen?
Most sunscreens will last about two years, and should be stored at a temperature less than 250C. Sunscreens vary considerably is their ability to survive heat undamaged, but if you leave them in excessive heat (for instance in the glove-box of a hot car or in the sun on a beach), you run the risk that the product will deteriorate. |
| Types of sunscreens
Cream sunscreens use either physical barriers to reflect the sun's rays and/or chemical absorbers to soak up UV radiation before it reaches the skin.
Manufacturers cannot claim a Sun Protection Factor rating (SPF) without using an officially listed sun filter. |
| How to use sunscreens
Ensure your chosen product is applied to all exposed areas, liberally (1-1.5mm) - if you only apply a thin layer it will provide less protection than the SPF on the bottle suggests. Apply to the skin approximately half and hour before going outside and be sure to re-apply frequently if sun exposure is to continue. Re-apply after swimming or excessive perspiration. Great Suncreams for Children |
| Babies Sunglasses Childrens sunglasses
Baby Banz have solved the problem of ill-fitting conventional sunglasses by securing the frame to the baby or child's head with a soft, adjustable neoprene strap. UV400 rated, shatterproof polycarbonate lenses provide 100% UV protection and comply to AS 1067-1990.
Babies are often positioned looking upwards (car seat, pram etc). Exposure to the sun's UV radiation can lead to serious damage, and children's eyes are far more sensitive than adults. Studies show that the earlier children start to wear sunglasses the better. The BabyBanz and Kidzbanz Range |  |
| UV Protection clothing
UV protective clothing, BEWARE some makes offer low protection which decreases even further when the garments are wet - not exactly what you want when trying to protect your children from harmful UV in a beach/swimming pool environment.
Rory enjoyed romping around in his suit and Legionnaire's hat on the beach and in the Indian Ocean in Durban South Africa, where the temperatures were in the 30's with high humidity. The breathable suit kept him cool and comfortable and pale and interesting. I rinsed it out every night and it was ready to wear again by the morning. Our Funky Beachwear Range
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