Skin Care

 

Natural Sun Protection

By: CB Staff Writer

 

Worried that your child’s sensitive skin can’t handle the irritation of sunscreens? Swap chemical protection for a mineral-based block to stop stressing about their sun safety.

 

Shara Altern’s daughter, Augustus, was 7 months old when her mom first slathered her with sunscreen. “We put some on her legs and arms and a little while later we noticed a lot of blotchiness,” said Altern, who was aware of Augustus’ sensitive skin, but didn’t realize sunscreen could cause a problem. “She’s a lot more fair-skinned than our son and has eczema, but no one in our family had had a problem with sunscreen before.” After a chat with her daughter’s pediatrician, Altern now reads sunscreen labels carefully. Despite Augustus’ reaction, though, the thought of not using any form of sun protection has never crossed her mind.

 

Chemical Vs Physical Sunscreens
That’s a relief, as the dangers of UV exposure are serious: One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime and kids receive a whopping 80 percent of their total lifetime sun exposure by the time they turn 18. And let’s not gloss over the sun’s dreaded aging effects (think wrinkling, sagging, and age spots). But when sensitive skin is an issue, how do you stay safe in the sun?

One way is to switch from chemical sunscreens to physical blocks. Most name-brand sunscreens fall into the chemical category and contain ingredients that absorb the sun’s rays, acting like filters that reduce the amount of UV radiation that penetrates to the lower layers of your skin. Physical sunblocks, on the other hand, are usually completely chemical-free and instead contain minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc, which physically block UV rays and reflect the harmful light away from your skin. Because they’re more natural and are not absorbed by the skin, physical blocks are often less irritating than chemical sunscreens.

 

The main downside to physical blocks, though, is their texture. While traditional sunscreens tend to be smooth and invisible when applied, mineral-based blocks are usually thick and can leave the skin with a white tint. Thankfully, many companies have, in recent years, found ways to improve the consistency of their physical sunblocks, so you may be surprised at how creamy and clear some can be. Another way to avoid the chalky look is to apply slightly less of a physical block than you would of a sunscreen. There’s no need to slather on huge globs of a mineral block—what’s more important is that you apply it evenly so the entire surface of your skin is covered. Even a thin, well-applied layer will provide adequate protection.

 

Another great tip: Try using a makeup sponge when applying physical block to your face for a more blended look that works perfectly under foundation.

Further Protection
In addition to using a less irritating form of sun protection, you can also shield sensitive skin from the sun by following some common sense advice. Experts recommend staying out of the sun and in the shade between the hours of 10am and 4pm, when the sun’s rays on the strongest, as well as wearing UPF-rated clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. With just a little preparation, even those of us with the most sensitive skin can have fun in the sun.