Rub in sunscreen, or leave goupy?

[LDSmomma]

We use a Zinc Oxide SPF 45+ sunscreen, and I usually rub it in until it's invisible, but I notice DS is still getting sun through it.

Should I leave it goupy & white on DS's skin?

How often should I reapply?

[DevaMajka]

moved to Natural body care

[nighten]

Rub it in and be sure to reapply after swimming, sweating, or the recommended time as listed on the container. Also use UV-protective clothing and hats, which can help prevent exposure and aren't as messy.

Might also keep in mind even if it's a barrier sunscreen and not a chemical (octinoxate and/or oxybenzone) one, it may have nanoparticles in it. Some manufacturers use micronized mineral blockers; some use nanoparticles. There are debates as to the safety of either, though most people are agreeing the nano-scale particles are potentially dangerous.

More info here:

http://www.ewg.org/cosmetics/report/...ogy-Sunscreens

[ghostlykisses]

I usually leave it kind of goopy and thick on the rare occasions that we use it.

[ChickyMama]

You should rub it in enough that it is spread evenly over all exposed skin and generally apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and then every 1-2 hours. Be aware if your child burns easily that reapplication may need to be more frequent and breaks from the sun may be necessary. You may also need to apply a bit more sunscreen and reapply frequently if it is getting rubbed off during play or if they are near sand or water.

In addition to the concerns over nanoparticles, you may also want to check if your sunscreen contains titanium dioxide which can be highly photoreactive and cause free radical damage.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9414101

~Diana

[LDSmomma]

We use a sunscreen from Cosmetic Database's Top 10 list of sunscreens with no toxic chemicals, so I'm pretty sure it's free of the toxins pp have mentioned.

The label only says to "reapply as needed", which is pretty meaningless to me! If a seven month old isn't playing enough to rub it off, and isn't in the water, how often would you reapply?

TIA!

[ChickyMama]

Originally Posted by LDSmomma

We use a sunscreen from Cosmetic Database's Top 10 list of sunscreens with no toxic chemicals, so I'm pretty sure it's free of the toxins pp have mentioned.

The label only says to "reapply as needed", which is pretty meaningless to me! If a seven month old isn't playing enough to rub it off, and isn't in the water, how often would you reapply?

TIA!

The Cosmetic Database can be a great resource but I would be sure to check out the ingredients for yourself. Some of their top ten include sunscreens with nanoparticles as well as Titanium Dioxide. In addition, many "natural" sunscreen companies choose not to disclose that they use nanoparticles.

Definitely reapply at least every 1-2 hours. With a seven month old, I would be extra careful to try to keep out of the very hot sun, keep a hat on and even if you are not rubbing it off and not in the water but near sand or water you may want to reapply every half hour or sooner. You really have to use your own discernment. Sometimes I will initially cover my kids in sunscreen and then if I notice my skin feeling very hot from the sun say a half hour later I will just put more on their noses , ears, cheeks and shoulders where they tend to burn easier just to be extra cautious. HTH!

~Diana