Joel Schlessinger MD - Sun Protection for Babies

Sun Protection

SUN
PROTECTION
FOR BABIES
Joel Schlessinger, MD

To schedule an appointment call 402-334-7546, or to shop the recommended products in this presentation call
402-697-1100 or visit www.LovelySkin.com/sunscreen

More and more people are becoming smart about sun protection by
wearing sunscreen everyday and reading their sunscreen labels to ensure
that they are getting the best protection possible. As the discussion on sun
safety continues, people are beginning to wonder about the safety of
sunscreen for babies. Here, Dr. Joel Schlessinger addresses some of these
concerns and offers advice on how to protect children from the sun.


An article released by the Food and Drug Association in June 2012
suggests that parents should not apply sunscreen to children under the
age of six months. According to the article, an infant’s skin is much thinner
than an older child or an adult’s, which means chemicals can penetrate a
baby’s skin more easily. For this reason, the FDA suggests keeping babies
in the shade and out of direct sunlight when possible rather than applying
sunscreen.


Many, including the FDA, are concerned about an
infant’s exposure to chemicals that could cause
allergic reactions or inflammation. While Dr. Joel
Schlessinger agrees that a baby’s skin should not be
exposed to unnecessary chemicals, he points out
that there are many chemical-free sunscreens that
would offer infants sun protection without causing
harm or irritation. With chemical-free options
available, Dr. Schlessinger does not think exposing
children to the sun without protection is necessary.


Zinc oxide, an ingredient found in many
sunscreens, is one ingredient that has caused
concerns for the FDA. Dr. Joel Schlessinger
points out, however, that infants are exposed
to zinc oxide through other products without
concern from the FDA. Desitin, a common
diaper rash cream, contains zinc oxide and
infants are often exposed to this product
without reason for concern. With this in
mind, Dr. Schlessinger sees no reason to
avoid applying safe sunscreens to infants.


Sun Protection Products
If you are concerned about exposing your
children to chemicals, Dr. Joel Schlessinger
recommends applying a chemical-free sunscreen.
One of his favorites is EltaMD UV Pure SPF 47.
Not only does this sunscreen contain no harsh
chemicals, it is also dye, paraben, fragrance and
hormone-free, so it will not cause irritation on
your child’s sensitive skin. With this sunscreen
you get broad spectrum UV protection with
gentle ingredients.


Another great sensitive sunscreen option is
Supergoop! SPF 30+ Sunscreen Swipes with
Zinc for Sensitive Skin. Specially formulated
for sensitive skin types and children two
months and older, this sunscreen is gentle,
safe and effective. These easy-to-use and
convenient wipes offer UVA/UVB protection
without any harsh ingredients and are
paraben-free so they won’t irritate sensitive
skin.


The Vanicream line is one of the top-rated skin care lines for those with
sensitive or delicate skin, such as babies. The Vanicream Sunscreen SPF 30
Sensitive is free of dyes, fragrances and sensitizing chemicals so it is ideal for
use on small children and infants. With broad spectrum UV protection, you
won’t have to worry about sun damage or irritation from chemicals.


Paraben-free Sunscreen
When searching for a child-safe sunscreen,
there are certain ingredients that you want
to avoid. Parabens are preservatives that
may have carcinogenic properties so using a
paraben-free sunscreen such as EltaMD UV
Sport Waterproof SPF 50 for your children is
important. This paraben-free formula is
gentle and won’t irritate an infant’s skin.


PABA-free Sunscreen
Para-aminobenzoic acid is an ingredient that was
present in some of the first sunscreens on the
market. The ingredient PABA has been shown to
cause harmful reactions for those with sensitive
skin. PABA-free sunscreens such as La Roche-
Posay Anthelios 45 are gentle enough for use by
children while still providing broad spectrum
coverage to protect against harmful UV rays.


Fragrance-free Sunscreen
It’s possible for infants and children to have adverse
reactions to fragrances in products. Having the
option of a fragrance-free sunscreen enables
parents to protect their children’s skin from sun
damage without exposing them to potentially
irritating ingredients. A fragrance-free sunscreen like
SkinMedica Daily Physical Defense SPF 30+
Sunscreen offers broad spectrum protection without
irritating ingredients so your child will be safe from
UV rays and free of irritation.


Sun Protection Tips
If you are still concerned about applying
sunscreen to your child, be sure to follow
these sun protection tips from Dr. Joel
Schlessinger to keep your child safe.
Always keep your child in the shade and
out of direct sunlight. Find shade under
trees, umbrellas or in strollers and avoid
being out in the sun between the hours
of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.


Sun Protection Tips
Cover your child, leaving as little skin
exposed as possible, to avoid exposing
their sensitive skin to the sun. More
tightly knit fabrics such as cotton will
block more of the UV rays, so cover
children in these kinds of fabrics
whenever possible.


Sun Protection Tips
Use a hat to keep UV rays from reaching your
child’s head and face and to keep them cool
when in direct sunlight. Dr. Joel Schlessinger
likes the Tilley Kids Topper Reversible Hat
which has a wide brim that is specially
designed to protect a child’s face, ears and
neck from UV rays. These hats come in a
variety of sizes and styles that fit most
children, from newborns up to children 5
years of age.


Sun Protection Tips
Be sure that your child remains
hydrated when they are in the
sun for extended periods of
time. Milk, water or juice will
keep them from becoming
dehydrated and will help avoid
the symptoms of too much sun
exposure such as exhaustion.


Sun Protection Tips
As your children continue to grow, Dr.
Joel Schlessinger advises parents to
encourage safe sun habits so children
learn how to protect themselves
against harmful UV radiation. Always
apply sunscreen before going outside
and because sunscreens are only water
resistant for up to two hours, be sure
to reapply every few hours.


Here’s how you can find out
more about Dr. Schlessinger.
- Facebook http://www.facebook.com/drjoelschlessinger
- Twitter http://www.twitter.com/drschlessinger
- Blogs http://drjoelschlessinger.com/
http://drjoelschlessinger.wordpress.com/


Joel Schlessinger MD - Sun Protection for Babies

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Joel Schlessinger MD - Sun Protection for Babies