Sun protection for babies and children: the power of mineral filters

From what age should we protect little ones from the sun? Which sunscreens are most suitable? How can we keep them protected all the time?

When it comes to our children, every topic can feel like opening a very big can of worms, don’t you think? We have all found ourselves lost more than once among dozens of browser tabs trying to find the definitive solution to sleep, food, tantrums, teething, boundaries.

And now you are here looking for answers about children’s sun protection. Here is a post with some recommendations based on scientific evidence to help you make a few decisions.

When should I start applying sun cream to my baby?

The first thing we will say is that the World Health Organization recommends not exposing children under 1 year to the sun. Since this is difficult, especially in countries like ours, the solution is to cover their bodies with clothing and use a hat, and even sunglasses, when exposure is unavoidable.

The use of sunscreens is not recommended until 6 months of age, since newborns’ skin is extremely sensitive and reactive. From 6 months, the recommendation is to use a mineral filter, and it is important to choose a product with gentle, skin-kind and safe ingredients.

Mineral sun filters: what are they and how do they work?

Mineral filters, also known as physical filters, are natural compounds that create a barrier on the skin’s surface to reflect and scatter solar radiation. The two most common mineral filters used in sunscreens are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Unlike chemical filters, which absorb UV rays, mineral filters act like a physical shield, preventing harmful rays from reaching the skin.

Three essential advantages of mineral filters for children’s skin

• Safe for sensitive skin: babies’ and children’s skin is more delicate and prone to allergic reactions. Mineral filters are gentler and more suitable for sensitive skin, since they do not penetrate the skin and do not contain synthetic chemicals that could be harmful to health.

• Immediate protection: mineral filters offer instant protection after application, unlike chemical sunscreens which require about 20 minutes to become effective.

• Broad-spectrum protection: mineral filters protect against both UVA and UVB. By reflecting solar radiation, they prevent harmful rays from penetrating the skin and causing sunburn, premature ageing and cellular damage.

Mineral-filter, 100% natural, water-resistant sun care made in Spain

At MATARRANIA we have created a 100% natural, vegan, mineral-filter range based on non-nano zinc oxide. It is water resistant and respectful of the environment and the seas. It is also made in Spain by rural women.

Can you use it on little ones? It is recommended from age 3, even though it is composed of natural ingredients that are suitable for sensitive skin. This is because we have not obtained the paediatric seal that authorises recommendation for babies under 36 months.

How to use: apply a generous layer to the skin and reapply every two hours. If doing water activities or intense sport, as many children, and many adults, tend to do in summer, we recommend reapplying every 40 minutes.

Do you still have questions? Write to consultas@matarrania.com and we will advise you on whatever you need.