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When shopping for UV protection, you’ll find a dazzling array of products on the market. One of the options you’ll be interested in as a parent is baby sunscreen stick, but how do they differ?
Is it just a marketing ploy to sell more sunscreen? Actually, no. Some of the top kid’s sunscreen brands like Blue Lizard are paediatrician recommended, and as such, will have been formulated to be super-gentle to the skin.
Babies of 6 months and under should not be out in the sun, of course, but toddlers have extremely delicate skin, so these kinds of products will typically contain nothing but the active ingredient. In the case of mineral sunscreen, that’s zinc oxide.
Would your child be ok with a regular SPF 50 sunscreen? Most likely, yes, as protection is protection, but baby sunscreen stick is just that little bit more gentle, being free of parabens, fragrances and anything else that might irritate the skin.
So, What’s the Difference Between Sunblock & Sunscreen?
The easiest way to answer this question is to describe the differences between mineral sunscreen and chemical types. We are talking semantics here, however, as sunscreen is a term that’s used across the board for all types of sun protection.
If we’re getting technical, sunblock is mineral sunscreen, as it’s not absorbed into the skin and ‘blocks’ the sun’s rays with tiny ‘mirrors’. Sunscreen, however, best describes traditional chemical sun protection that’s absorbed into the skin and ‘screens’ UV rays with its formulated filter.
In truth, no products block all of the sun’s rays, with 98% being the most protection that any offer.
Are All Baby Sunscreen Stick Products ‘Broad Spectrum’?
Surprisingly no, they don’t all offer broad spectrum protection, meaning that they don’t provide safety against both UVA and UVB rays. It’s something that you really need to focus on when buying sunscreen, as otherwise, you leave your child’s skin vulnerable.
UVA rays are the ones that we’re all aware of, as they’re abundant when the sun comes out. However, UVB rays can penetrate clouds, damaging skin all year round, overcast or not.
Is there Much Difference Between Sticks, Sprays & Lotions?
In terms of protection, not much, so long as they’re applied properly. The differences between the lotions, sprays and sticks tend to be more application-related, with some being more suitable for certain situations – such as trying to get sunscreen on a child that won’t sit still!
One thing to note, however, is the fact that some chemical sunscreen sprays are believed to be harmful to the lungs if inhaled. As far as kids are concerned, they don’t tend to be great at holding their breath during the application, so they’re particularly at risk.
It’s what works best for you and your child.
Do Your Homework When Buying Baby Sunscreen Stick
As is fairly evident, even from this short blog, there are quite a few variables to consider when searching for the best sunscreen for your child.
Is a sunscreen stick better than a spray? That very much depends on the user and the situation in which it is being used. Just remember that the only important thing here is the safety of your child and the health of their skin.
Everything is secondary, so find a product that’s proven to work and always err on the side of caution. Thanks for reading and we hope you and your family enjoy the sun more by doing so.
