Parents across the US and, indeed the world are looking for ways to protect their kids from unnecessary sunburn and all the ramifications that entails. Now, it’s common knowledge that mineral sunscreen brands offer the gentlest, most effective protection, but there’s more than one type available. So, the question is, what’s the best mineral sunscreen for kids? Titanium dioxide or zinc oxide?
That’s the main focus of this article, as we compare the two to see which one wins out. Obviously, this involves looking at each one individually.
Is the Best Mineral Sunscreen for Kids Made From Zinc Oxide?
First up, we look at whether a product created with zinc oxide is the best mineral sunscreen for kids. Known for its efficacy and benign nature, zinc oxide products are commonly used by parents for their children, especially as it’s a non-comedogenic product, meaning it won’t clog their pores. This is particularly helpful for kids with eczema (around 1 in 5 have the problem).
One of the advantages of zinc oxide is its stability, meaning that when exposed to UV light, it doesn’t degrade easily. This stability results in prolonged protection, a crucial factor if you’re spending long days at the beach or park. However, some older brands of zinc oxide have been known for their tendency to leave a white cast on the skin, which some kids might not like.
What About Titanium Dioxide Sunscreens For Kids?
The other main ingredient in some mineral sunscreens is titanium dioxide, which offers great protection from UVB rays, but it’s not so great in the face of UVA rays. This means that UVA rays are more likely to penetrate deeply into the skin and potentially cause skin ageing.
That said, it is lighter than less likely to leave a white cast behind, although there are quite a few sheer zinc oxide products that don’t either. Added to this, titanium dioxide is less stable when exposed to UV rays, meaning that it’s more likely to degrade in the sun, which might lead to it being less effective.
The Verdict: Which Is Best for Your Child?
Both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide offer safe and effective sun protection for children, but one seems to offer a better all-around solution. Sure, there are sensitivity concerns with the slightly thicker option (zinc oxide), but when you get down to brass tacks, wearing it means that your child is actually protected against all UV rays, whereas the other doesn’t provide it.
However, if your child is particularly sensitive to the feeling of sunscreen on their skin or you’re concerned about the aesthetic aspect of the white cast, titanium dioxide could be better. Having said that, it’s most often not the case.
The Best Mineral Sunscreen for Kids Is Clearly Zinc Oxide
Having covered the basics of both types of mineral sunscreen, the much better option would seem to be zinc oxide, as it’s more stable and offers broad spectrum coverage. You wouldn’t want your child to go out into the sun with only half the required protection, so the decision is a pretty easy one.