When you’re looking for the right product to protect your kids from the sun, selecting the right brand with an adequate SPF is important – although it’s only half the battle. You see, even the best kids sunscreen can sometimes cause a reaction – depending on the person it’s being applied to.
Everyone’s skin is different, and the good news is that there are steps that parents can take to ensure their little ones don’t experience things like contact dermatitis, rashes or breakouts, including regular skin cancer check NZ to monitor changes. So, let’s take a deeper look at some of the preventative measures.
Always Check the Ingredients – Even With the Best Kids Sunscreen
Before applying even the best kids sunscreen to your child, you should always carefully read the label. Look for sunscreens that are labeled as ‘hypoallergenic’, ‘fragrance-free’, and ‘dermatologist-tested’. Products marked in this way are designed to be less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Other items to look out for on the ingredients list are things like oxybenzone and parabens which can be harsh on delicate skin. You’ll find that by choosing a mineral brand (as opposed to a chemical-based product), it’s much more likely that it meets the right gentleness criteria.
Always Conduct a Patch Test
Once you’re happy with what’s in the kids’ sunscreen you’ve bought, the next step is to double-check that it’s going to be gentle enough for your little one’s skin. That means a patch test, which you’ll carry out in the following way.
- Choose a small area: Apply a small amount of sunscreen to a discreet spot, such as the inside of the elbow or behind the knee.
- Wait for 24-48 hours: Next, monitor the area for any signs of redness, itching, swelling, or rash.
- Evaluate the results: If no reaction occurs, the sunscreen is likely safe for your child’s skin. If irritation appears later, discontinue use and try a different product.
Always Start with a Small Application
Even after a successful patch test, you shouldn’t just apply the sunscreen without restriction. Instead, you should apply some sparingly to your child’s skin the first time, perhaps on the forearm. Again, observe any reaction when exposed to sunlight. This helps to ensure that the sunscreen not only suits their skin but also provides effective sun protection without causing discomfort.
Be Alert to Delayed Reactions
Sometimes, allergic reactions don’t appear immediately. Even if the patch test and initial use show no issues, you should keep an eye on your child’s skin over the next few days for any kind of delayed reaction such as redness, dryness, or peeling.
It’s important to state that if you’re using a sunscreen designed specifically for kids, the chances of a reaction are low, but they’re never zero.
Ensuring You Get the Best Kids Sunscreen For Your Child
While it might seem like an overkill to some, being cautious when introducing a new sunscreen into your child’s life is a vital part of the process. By going through these few minor steps, you get the reassurance that comes with knowing that your child will get sun protection without any cost to skin health.
So, just to recap, check the ingredients table, conduct patch tests, and observe how your child’s skin responds as you move forward. Do that and there’s no reason why you should have any issues.
