Not only adults who need protection from UV rays but children and even babies also need to use it because sunlight is also included in UV rays. Well, one of the skincare products that can protect from exposure to these lights is sunscreen. However, until now, there may still be many who still need to learn what age children can use sunscreen and how to choose the right sunscreen for children. However, sunscreen is very useful in preventing skin damage from an early age due to exposure to UV rays.
For ladies who already have children and are still confused about what age is right for babies to use sunscreen, you can read this article until the end.
At what age can babies use sunscreen?
Most of the skin damage that occurs is caused by UV exposure in childhood. Therefore, even young children need sunscreen to protect the skin from UV exposure. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests the right age for babies using sunscreen is when the baby is six months old because the baby's skin at that age can receive ingredients in the sunscreen.
Then how to protect children from UV exposure if the children are still under six months? Here are some tips you can take.
How to protect children under six months from UV exposure
Avoid babies from direct sun exposure and make sure the baby is in the room when the sun is hot, from 10:00 to 14:00. If an activity requires the child to leave the room, then make sure the baby's face and neck are protected. Remember to wear loose and long clothes and materials that can absorb sweat.
Although the baby is not exposed to direct sunlight, this does not fully protect the baby's skin perfectly because UV rays have properties that can penetrate fiber clothing to windows. Therefore, if the baby is six months old, make sure you always use sunscreen for your child so that there is no damage to the child's skin.
Tips for Choosing Sunscreen for Babies
Choosing a sunscreen for babies is difficult because baby skin is more sensitive and vulnerable than adult skin. For that, you need to pay attention to the tips below to choose the appropriate sunscreen.
1. Pay attention to the content and texture of the sunscreen
The first thing to consider is the ingredients of the sunscreen. Make sure the sunscreen does not contain harmful ingredients such as oxybenzone and octocrylene. And remember to pay attention to the texture of the sunscreen. Choose a light texture so that it does not interfere with the baby's comfort.
2. Choose a sunscreen with sufficient SPF and PA
The two main factors in sunscreen are SPF and PA. Choose the two ingredients correctly according to the air in the area where you live.
3. Choose long-lasting UV protection
Not only see the SPF and PA numbers, but you have to pay attention to the technology and resistance formula of the sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen that does not fade if the baby sweats or is touched by the surface of the object so that the baby remains free to do activities without reducing the protection of UV rays that have been used.
4. Choose a sunscreen that contains hypoallergenic formulas
One important thing that must always be considered is seeing the hypoallergenic label on the sunscreen packaging. This label indicates that the product is formulated with an ingredient that does not trigger allergies to the skin.
Now you know at what age is the right time for babies to use sunscreen. Make sure always to use this one skincare product because it will be fatal if the skin is constantly exposed to UV rays without any protection at all. Hope it helps!