As you know, babies' and children's skin is very delicate and therefore requires special protection . In this post, we want to tell you how to care for their skin at every stage and the options we can offer you at Alma Eko.

We must start from the basis that we will always offer you options for physical protection, such as screen protection , which involves 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're kinder to your skin and the water . These are protective shields because their mineral components, usually zinc oxide, prevent the sun's rays from penetrating the skin. Unlike chemical filter creams, which do allow this penetration, they trigger a chemical reaction in the epidermis that renders UV rays harmless.

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

BABIES UNDER 6 MONTHS

The use of sunscreen is not recommended . The best thing for a baby's skin is to be exposed to fresh air. It is immature skin , which needs nothing to hinder 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 ensure they stay in the shade.

Does this mean they can't go to the beach or the pool? No, of course they can, but—sorry to insist— they'll have to find shade and avoid going there during the hottest hours of the day , when it can be harder to control the light.

Clothing is also an effective protection . If you're not going to be able to avoid the sun completely, it's important to wear clothing and possibly a hat or cap. Muslins are also a good option, as they're lightweight and cool.

There are UV-protective clothing items specifically designed for sun exposure. We recommend avoiding them if possible . These garments generally contain high amounts of polyester. This petroleum-derived material deteriorates and releases microplastics during washing and bathing. Furthermore, these garments, which have a fabric similar to swimsuits, impede breathability and take a long time to dry, which is not good for babies' skin.

UP TO 3 YEARS

After 6 months, we can start using sunscreen . Their skin is more prepared and they're beginning to move independently, so it may be more difficult to constantly make sure they stay in the shade.

For years, there has been a broad consensus in the scientific community regarding which type of sunscreen to use: a mineral physical sunscreen . As we mentioned, conventional sunscreens force the skin to undergo a chemical reaction that renders the sun's rays harmless. Experts indicate that this process is best avoided in children under 3 years of age, as their skin is still immature and it has been observed to cause allergies, irritations, and other skin conditions such as dermatitis.

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

FROM 3 YEARS OLD

After 3 years, the risk of these skin conditions decreases. Experts no longer speak so emphatically about physical filters . We will continue to recommend them 100% if your little one has dermatitis or any other skin condition.

But if that's not the case, we also recommend continuing to use mineral filter creams, not just for your little ones, but for the whole family. In addition to continuing to be more skin-friendly, they're also more environmentally friendly, for three 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're easier to find in plastic-free packaging . In the case of Alma Eko's options, you'll find them packaged in aluminum foil and cardboard.

THE BEST SUNSCREENS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS

At Alma Eko, you'll find up to eight mineral-based sunscreen options. But for boys and girls, we'd like to recommend three of them.

• Sol de Ibiza sunscreen, SPF 50, stick : ideal for the face, when they don't like rubbing, and when they're the ones applying sunscreen themselves.

• Sol de Ibiza sunscreen, SPF 50, in a can : suitable for face and body. High coverage, guaranteeing maximum protection.

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

Are you already sure which sunscreen is best for your son or daughter? We hope we've helped you resolve your doubts and that you'll choose mineral filter sunscreens, for the sake of your family's skin and respect for the environment.