Aveeno Positively Mineral Sunscreen Stick

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Fragrance: This should be a familiar subject for anyone with sensitive skin. “Baby sunscreens are often fragrance-free or use a mild scent, while kids’ sunscreens may have a more fun, fruity scent to appeal to children,” says Dr. Stephens. The AAD recommends that all children wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. There is a myth that claims children with darker skin do not need to wear sunscreen. While darker skin has more sun-protective melanin, it can get painfully sunburned, too. Keep babies younger than 6 months old out of the direct sun. How much sunscreen do I need to apply?

Reef-damaging ingredients: Oxybenzone and octinoxate are two common ingredients found in chemical sunscreens that are highly toxic to ocean life and products containing the two ingredients are banned in many places in an effort to preserve coral reefs. However, there are other ingredients in sunscreens including homosalate, octocrylene, and avobenzone that are believed to also be dangerous for the environment.

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Broad spectrum coverage: The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends sunscreen products that provide broad spectrum coverage, meaning that it includes both UVA and UVB protection, says Dr. Camp. UVA is responsible for aging the skin and UVB is responsible for burning the skin, so it's safe to say you'll want to be protected from both! SPF 30 or higher: "Always look for a sun protection factor of at least SPF 30," says Dr. Yadav. The AAD also suggests SPF 30 for the best protection. For even more peace of mind, the GH Beauty Lab recommends looking for SPF 50. Chemical-based sunscreens are often powered by reef-damaging ingredients and although Shiseido excludes major perpetrators oxybenzone and octinoxate, making the formula Hawaii-compliant, it still contains others like homosalate and octocrylene which are believed to damage aquatic organisms. So, as Castilla notes, make sure to wear this one strictly on pool days or simply out and about rather than in the ocean. If your sunscreen contains any ingredients that can harm coral reefs and ecosystems, make sure to steer clear from the ocean when wearing the product. A good rule of thumb is to only wear reef-safe mineral sunscreens when you are going to the beach.

Look for a SPF level of 30 or higher. “What’s most important when searching for a new sunscreen is the SPF,” says Madfes. “We always want our sunscreens to have an SPF of 30 or higher.” The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) also recommends sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t recommend sunscreen for infants under 6 months of age. Infants should have their skin covered by hats and loose, long-sleeved clothing or be kept out of the sun whenever possible, such as under an umbrella or shady tree, says the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Sunscreen is vital to protecting kids’ sensitive skin. Children have extra sensitive skin that’s more susceptible to damage from the sun’s rays and is more likely to be irritated by chemicals. For this article, she worked closely with Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann, who has touched, researched, tested and evaluated thousands of products for almost a decade. She carried out various studies from sunscreens (including formulas for sensitive and oily skin and mineral types) and more. She also lends a hand when it comes to explaining skincare ingredients and verifies product claims. Water-resistant sunscreens are ideal for kids, who often prefer to spend their warm days in the pool, playing with water, or generally working up a sweat.

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I recommend using mineral-based sunscreen [to my patients],” says Dr. Day. “It offers physical protection and does not penetrate through the skin, especially on babies and infants, over the absorbed alternatives.” She noted that mineral-based sunscreens contain active ingredients (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), which sit on top of the skin's surface to deflect UV rays. This is opposed to chemical sunscreens, which “contain avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone, [and] are absorbed into the skin.” What SPF should baby sunscreen have? Dr. Day and Dr. Stephens had a lot to say on this topic. It’s no wonder, according to the National Library of Medicine, the incidence of atopic dermatitis has increased two- to three-fold in industrialized nations, impacting approximately 15% to 20% of children. Dr. Day says, “It's important to also consider selecting a sensitive formula that doesn’t contain parabens, fragrances, dye, or chemicals that could further irritate the skin.” She notes that zinc is usually well tolerated (“It’s the same ingredient that’s used for treating diaper rash!”). Dr. Stephens adds that formulas with titanium dioxide are also a good bet. American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2021). Confused about sunscreen? New American Academy of Dermatology survey shows Americans need a refresher on sunscreen application and SPF [Press release]. If you’re a parent who doesn’t want to spend money on yet another specific baby product, rest assured: “There are more similarities than differences,” says Dr. Stephens. That said, there are some key differences to note: Mineral sunscreens, which contain active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are the most highly recommended for children as they are less irritating for sensitive skin.

While the first six months of a baby’s life are largely an indoor affair, you can’t always avoid direct sunlight. In that case, both experts underscore staying in the shade and dressing in UPF clothing (including baby swimsuits with ultraviolet protection), especially during peak sun hours. “It’s super important to control sun exposure for babies of this age,” says Dr. Day. “For younger babies, using sun protective clothing and adequate shade is the best way to protect them from UV rays.” What kind of sunscreen should babies wear? Since then, we’ve published 70 years of clinical evidence supporting the benefits of oat and other natural ingredients. More recently, our research has been instrumental in advancing the scientific understanding of the microbiome throughout the human body, at every stage of life. Today, AVEENO® scientists are industry experts on the microbial diversity of both healthy and compromised skin. Ingredients: Dr. Stephens says that while both kids’ and baby sunscreen are designed to protect delicate children’s skin from harmful UV radiation, baby sunscreens usually contain mineral-based ingredients, while kids’ sunscreens often use chemical ingredients for active bodies. She says that the FDA doesn’t recommend sunscreen for babies under 6 months of age. “Children at this age should be protected with shade and protective clothing.” Who should use sunscreen? We will continue to partner with scientists who are discovering natural ingredients that enhance the skin’s well-being, because we are mindful of our legacy of innovation.Believing nature holds the secret to human health, two American brothers, Sidney and Albert Musher began studying the benefits of oat in 1945. Oat was an ingredient used in skincare since ancient times for its ability to soothe and nourish the skin. The brothers discovered the powers of finely milled colloidal oatmeal to manage dry skin conditions. The famous Mayo Clinic dermatologists recognised their pioneering work and the AVEENO® brand was born.

You should apply enough sunscreen to cover all skin that clothing does not cover. Most adults need about 1 ounce — or enough to fill a shot glass — to fully cover their bodies. Kids need about half that amount. While most sunscreen ingredients are either considered generally safe or are undergoing further research, you should try to avoid sunscreens with the ingredient oxybenzone. This chemical may have hormonal properties, says the AAP. Sunscreen type Sunscreen is typically synonymous with summertime, swimming pools, and sunshine, but it’s important to use throughout the year. As long as the sun’s ultraviolet rays reach our planet, the chance of skin damage is real. As a general rule of thumb, I recommend that parents speak to their pediatrician before starting to use sunscreen on infants less than six months of age as it's not generally recommended,” says Dr. Day. Dr. Stephens agrees and adds, “This is because their skin is very delicate and sensitive, and they are more susceptible to irritation and allergic reactions.”Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.