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The Ultimate Guide to Safe and Effective Sunscreen for Your Little Ones 

Hey, busy mamas! If you’re like me, you probably cringe at the thought of slathering a bunch of chemicals on your children’s delicate skin. Our kiddos deserve the best care, and that includes protection from the sun without the harmful side effects of toxic ingredients. 

I’m kind of a freak when it comes to protecting my kids. So, sunscreen is a big deal to me! Not to mention, we are all very fair skinned with light eyes and hair and can burn very easily.  

I never want my kids to suffer and burn as badly as I have before. (Think red lobster skin, aloe with lidocaine, bathing & sleeping on ice, followed by full on skin peeling in layers). In fact, when I was vacationing in Cancun, (same time I referenced in my blog post about my insulin pump self-combusting) I burned so bad my legs nearly turned purple! It was painful to walk or move. I most likely had a second-degree burn! 

Why Sunscreen Matters 

Sun protection is crucial, especially for our little ones. Their skin is more sensitive and lacks the melanin that provides some natural protection against UV rays. Overexposure to these rays can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Moreover, UV radiation can damage their eyes, so it’s important to use sunglasses and hats. 

 

The Problem with Chemical Sunscreens 

Many sunscreens on the market contain chemicals like oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate, which can be harmful. Oxybenzone, for instance, is a hormone disruptor, and retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A, can be dangerous when exposed to sunlight. These chemicals are absorbed into the skin and can enter the bloodstream within 26 seconds, posing potential health risks, especially to children. 

 

The Better Choice: Mineral Sunscreens 

Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, use natural ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a physical barrier on the skin. These ingredients sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays away, providing safe and effective protection without being absorbed into the body. The FDA has recognized these ingredients as safe and effective (GRASE). 

 

Benefits of Mineral Sunscreens 

1. Safe for Sensitive Skin: Mineral sunscreens are less likely to cause irritation, making them ideal for children with sensitive skin. 

1. Immediate Protection: They start working as soon as they are applied, unlike chemical sunscreens which need time to absorb. 

1. Environmentally Friendly: Mineral sunscreens do not harm coral reefs or marine life, unlike certain toxic chemical sunscreens that can cause coral bleaching and other ecological damage, such as, deformities in baby coral and animals like dolphins and mussels. 

Certain places like Hawaii and Riveria Maya, Mexico (where I got married and honeymooned) have passed bans on oxybenzone and octinoxate in sunscreen to protect their coral reef and marine environment. 

If it takes only one drop of a chemical like oxybenzone to harm an entire coral reef, what is it be doing to your child’s health?  

Purchasing reef safe non-toxic sunscreen is not only good for you but good for the environment. 

Understanding UVA and UVB Rays 

• UVB Rays: These rays are the primary cause of sunburn and are considered more harmful for immediate effects. They have a shorter wavelength and do not penetrate the skin as deeply as UVA rays. 

• UVA Rays: These rays penetrate deeper into the skin and can cause premature aging and contribute to the risk of skin cancer. They can pass through window glass and cause damage without immediate visible effects. 

Choosing the Best Sunscreen for Your Kids 

When selecting a sunscreen for your little ones, look for a mineral-based formula with broad-spectrum protection and an SPF of at least 30. This ensures it will block about 97% of UVB rays and offer comprehensive protection against both UVA and UVB rays. 

 

Arbonne ABC Baby Care® Sunscreen: My Top Recommendation 

I highly recommend the Arbonne ABC Baby Care® Sunscreen. This gentle, unscented lotion is perfect for your baby’s sensitive skin. Here’s why it stands out: 

 

• Non-Chemical Mineral Formula: Contains non-nano zinc oxide, providing a physical barrier against the sun’s rays. 

• Broad Spectrum Protection: Shields against both UVA and UVB rays. 

• Gentle and Soothing: Formulated with botanicals, antioxidants, and minerals like: 

•  aloe vera- excellent cleansing and moisturizing agent. 

• Chamomile & calendula- flower extracts containing natural moisturizing properties that soothe and calm. 

• Vitamin E- moisturizing antioxidant that calms and hydrates skin. 

• Quick Absorbing and Non-Greasy: Goes on smoothly without leaving a white residue. 

• Water-Resistant: Lasts up to 40 minutes in water. 

• Pediatrician and dermatologist tested: Clinically allergy-tested for use on sensitive skin 

How to Use 

• Apply: Generously and evenly 15 minutes before sun exposure. 

• Reapply: Every 40 minutes when swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying, and at least every 2 hours when not in water. 

Why Arbonne ABC Baby Care® is the Best Choice 

Arbonne’s sunscreen is designed with your baby’s safety in mind, avoiding common skin irritants like artificial fragrances and harsh chemicals.  

It is one convenient product offers sun protection along with moisturizers to prevent sensitive skin (including eczema) from becoming dry and uncomfortable as a result of sun exposure. 

It’s not just safe for your child but also for the environment, it features a globally compliant Zinc Oxide broad spectrum mineral, so it does not contribute to coral reef bleaching!  

 

Try It Today with a Special Discount! 

I know how important it is to find the best products for our little ones, so I’m excited to offer you a special discount on the absolute BEST mineral sunscreen for sensitive skin and babies: Arbonne ABC Baby Care® Sunscreen. Use coupon code Arbonne10 at checkout to get 10% off your purchase. Click here to buy now and give your baby the best sun protection! 

Protect your baby’s skin from the sun’s damaging rays with this naturally inspired, ultra-gentle sunscreen that is developed for absolute baby care! 

Share Your Experience 

Have you found a sunscreen that works wonders for your child’s sensitive skin? I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below sharing your experiences and tips for keeping our kids safe in the sun. 

What are you waiting for? Now get outside and start adventuring with your little one and enjoy some fun under the sun, safely!