As you know, the skin of babies and children is very delicate and that is why it needs special protection . In this post we want to talk to you about how to take care of their skin at each stage and the options that we can offer you at Alma Eko.

We must start from the basis that we will always offer you options for physical protection, sunscreen , which means staying in the shade, wearing clothing and, thirdly, mineral filter sunscreens.

In this post we already told you why we recommend sunscreens with a physical mineral filter . They are more respectful of the skin and water . They are sunscreens because their mineral components, generally zinc oxide, do not allow the sun's rays to penetrate the skin; unlike chemical filter creams, which do allow this penetration and what they do is cause a chemical reaction in the epidermis that makes UV rays harmless.

With this difference in mind, let's see how to protect minors according to their age:

BABIES UNDER 6 MONTHS

The use of sun creams is not recommended . The best thing for a baby's skin is to be exposed to the air. It is an immature skin , which needs nothing to impede its development.

So how do we protect them? With common sense: by not exposing them to the sun . At that age, they still don't have independent movement, so we can make sure they stay in the shade.

Does this mean that they cannot go to the beach or the pool? No, of course they can go, but, sorry to insist, they will have to try to find shade and not be there during the central hours of the day , when it can be more difficult to control the light.

Clothing is also an effective protection . If you are not going to be able to avoid the sun 100%, it will be important to wear clothing and possibly a hat or cap. Muslins are also a good option, as they are light and cool fabrics.

There are UV-protective clothing items , especially designed for sun exposure. We recommend that you avoid them as much as possible . These items usually contain high amounts of polyester. This petroleum-derived material deteriorates and releases microplastics during washing and bathing. In addition, these items, which have a fabric similar to that of swimsuits, prevent perspiration and take a long time to dry, which is not at all good for babies' skin.

UP TO 3 YEARS

After 6 months, we can start using sunscreen . Their skin is better prepared and they are already starting to have autonomous movement, so it may be more difficult to constantly make sure they are in the shade.

For years, there has been a consensus in the scientific community regarding what type of sun protection to use: the one with a physical mineral filter . As we have mentioned, conventional creams force the skin to undergo a chemical reaction that renders the sun's rays harmless. Experts indicate that it is better to avoid this process in children under 3 years of age, since the skin is still immature and it has been observed that it generates allergies, irritations and other skin ailments such as dermatitis.

To avoid these adverse reactions, health professionals recommend creams with a physical mineral filter.

FROM 3 YEARS

After 3 years, the risk of these skin disorders is reduced. Experts no longer speak of physical filters in such a mandatory way. We will continue to recommend them 100% if your child has dermatitis or any other skin condition.

But if this is not the case, we also recommend that you continue using mineral filter creams, not only for the little ones, but for the whole family. And, in addition to continuing to be more skin-friendly products, they are also more environmentally friendly, for 3 reasons:

• They are made with natural ingredients that, generally and in the case of the options we have at Alma Eko, come from sustainable production processes.
• They have a high biodegradability , so they do not contaminate the waters of rivers and oceans.
• They are easier to find in plastic-free packaging . In the case of Alma Eko options, you will find them packaged in aluminum and cardboard.

THE BEST SUNSCREENS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS

At Alma Eko you will find up to 8 options for sun protection with a mineral physical filter. But for boys and girls, we would like to recommend 3 of them.

• Sol de Ibiza sunscreen, SPF 50, in stick form : ideal for the face, when they are bothered by us rubbing them and when they are the ones who apply the sunscreen themselves.

• Sol de Ibiza sunscreen, SPF 50, in a can : suitable for face and body. Very covering, guarantees very high protection.

• Nuura Sunscreen, SPF 50, Baby&Kids : It has a more fluid texture and is specially formulated for children and sensitive skin.

Are you now clear on which sun protection is best for your son or daughter? We hope we have helped you resolve your doubts and that you choose sunscreens with mineral filters, for the sake of your family's skin and respect for the environment.