Help... Advice on Children's Sunscreen!

I have always been allergic to sunscreens until I started using Arbonne sunscreens. They are the best. No rashes, nothing. I used the baby one on my babies, and use the others on my children. I generally put them on my kids before we leave the house for the pool and they don't seem to have any trouble with it getting into their eyes. When I reapply at the pool, I have noticed that seems to be the times that it gets in their eyes. Hope it helps!

We use the Banana Boat for Babies that comes in the pink tube and is supposed to be tear free, and we end up with the same result - very red, itchy eyes. Sorry I don't have a recommendation, but I don't recommend the one we've used.

Hello. The only sunsreen I have found to work is called
Vani-Cream. You have to order it online if you want the SPF 60. Most drugstores will carry the SPF 35 at the pharmacy. The only drawback - $18.00 plus tax and shipping. It works great and is one of the recommnded sunscreens to use. I usually have to buy 1 tube a year and my kids are outside all the time! It is the best one and recommended for sensitive skin. Here it the web address - www.psico.com

I haven't read all the responses, but so far I would just ask, when do you put on the sunscreen? It should be applied 30 minutes before going out into the sun (or especially the water) to allow it to actually sink into the skin and be as effective as possible. I have found that putting it on early I never get it in anyone's eyes. I think it may be the time given to it rubbing in. You shold not be able to actually see or feel the lotion on their faces after 30 minutes, they should just feel a little oily, like they need to wash their faces.

I have usd tons of brands, including the ones you mentioned and never had a problem with it going in eyes. YOu may be using too much so it isn't rubbing in all the way. The only time I have had sunscreen in my eyes was as a teen if I put it on and got into the water too fast.

oh, and as for just not going outside between 10-2, and not using sunscreen, that is what my dad thought was a good idea, until at 56 he had skin cancer cut off his back. THe suns rays are most damaging at that time, but they are always damaging and even without burns they affect your skin and health. You children will thank you for using sunscreen when they still have great wrinkle free skin at 45.

Are you absolutely sure that it is the sunscreen that is causing your problem? If you have tried several sunscreens and they all get the same reaction, then it might not be the sunscreen that is your problem. It is possible that they are having a reaction to the chlorine in the pool. I believe the screen that we use is Banana Boat for kids and we have never had any problems.

Please don't try to tan your little ones! It is damage that can't be undone later in life. It is worth it to try to find an alternative sunscreen and to be careful in the sun. I think you've gotten some great suggestions!

I've read recently about the dangerous chemicals in chemical sunscreens, and that they often don't work as well as reported because the chemicals actually break down in the sun. I've gone with a physical barrier sunscreen, California baby and Badger (both tear free) make great ones that don't bother my kids at all (we've used them all year, last year we tried chemical ones that burned my daughter's skin). The other advantage about physical barrier sunscreens (besides not having potentially dangerous chemicals) is that they begin working right away. Look for a sunscreen with Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide as the active ingredients. They're more expensive, but I think well worth it. I also bought them SPF swim shirts and wide brim hats, so I have to use less sunscreen (and what kid LIKES to get sunscreen on) and when they're just outside the hats protect a lot. I wouldn't use tan as a sunscreen, because although it prevents them from burning they say any color is sun damage and increases the risk of skin cancer.
I hope you find something that works for you guys!

K.

I second the Arbonne and I don't sell it so there is no bias on my part. That and their diaper creme are awesome. I also have some Water Babies and I'm not nearly as happy with it as I have been the Arbonne.

Our family is very big on what I think is called Coppertone Sport. It comes in a blue spray can. I can't say whether there are any issues with using it on a two year old. It sprays on, absorbs quickly, water and sweat "proof" I've never had it run in the eyes. It works great for us. I'm pretty sure it comes in a SPF 50.

When my girls were little I used the Water babies SPF 50 and it seemed to work great with them, no problems at all and it is a very thick formula. Now they just use Avon for kids spf 30 with bug repellant and it is also working great for them.
It may not be the sunscreen that is bothering them. This past weekend we were out of town and went swimming at the motel we were at and when my girls were done (5yr, 5yr, and 4yr) there eyes were so red/blood shot looking and they said that it just hurt them. and the skin around their eye was red and puffy. That is the first time that has really happened to them all year and we deduced that it was from all of the extra chlorine that the motel has to keep in the water to make it safe with all of the people that are coming in and out. Good Luck

We use the tear free Banana Boat spray in a can and we don't have problems with it. I spray it in my hand and wipe it on my son's face and spray it everywhere else and it works great. He has never complained about it burning his eyes. You do need to make sure that you are putting it on 30 min before swimming, I think someone else mentioned that too, so it gives it a chance to soak in and if you are out in the sun for a while don't forget to reapply no matter what sunscreen you use. Even water and sweat proof sunscreens will come off after a while so it is important to always make sure everyone is protected. Hope this helps.

I am an idependent consultant for Arbonne International. Before this company I had the same issues. We have an amazing Arboone ABC Baby sunscreen that is all botanically based with no harsh chemical dyes and fragrences. There is also no Mineral oil in this product so it penatrates this skin much better and much faster so there is no residue left on top of the skin to run into your babies eyes. Most sunscreen has alot if mineral oil in it and the problem with that is mineral oil is too big to fit into the pores in your skin so it sits on top and when it gets wet it becomes oily again and can run into your eyes or give you that greasy feel. If you are interested in finding out more info feel free to email me.

My sister had the same problem and I introduced her to Arbonne's baby sunscreen. It is great even for adults. Plus you're not putting all those chemicals on your baby's skin because Arbonne's products are botanically based and pure and safe.
A. Hawkins

i use a sunscreen stick for faces and regular cream the rest of the place. i think ours is coppertone baby stick. it's great, no running

Hi A.,
We use a waterbabies face stick for my son's face and then use a spray for the rest of his body and haven't had a problem with getting it in the face. My 2 yr old LOVES to put the sunscreen on his face with the stick and I just make sure to go over his face again and rub it in.

Hope that helps!
R.

I have a very fair skinned red hed! We use Banana Boat Baby Tear Free. It is an SPF of 50. It works very well. AND it says right on the front: won't sting eyes. It is in a big pink tube. He is very sensitive and he has never broke out or had red eyes after wearing it. We have used it a lot since he can hardly stand to go out in the summer months without it. There is also a kids version in a yellow tube that also says tear free.

According to this site, one concerned with possible chemicals being absorbed thorugh our and our children's skin, a top ten best sunscreens is
1. Keys Soap Solar Rx Therapeutic Sunblock, SPF 30 0
2. Trukid Sunny Days Facestick Mineral Sunscreen UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum, SPF 30+ 0
3. California Baby Sunblock Stick No Fragrance, SPF 30+ 0
4. Badger Sunscreen, SPF 30 0
5. Marie Veronique Skin Therapy Sun Serum 1
6. Lavera Sunscreen Neutral, SPF 40 1
7. Vanicream Sunscreen, SPF 35 1
8. UV Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+ 1
9. Sun Science Sport Formula, SPF 30 1
10. Soleo Organics Sunscreen all natural Sunscreen, SPF 30+

also with California Baby anything with SPF 30+
CVS with zinc oxide and Walgreens Zinc Oxide for Face, Nose, & Ears are included in the top ten common brands as most recommended. They suggest avoiding spray on products and dual purpose products, such as bug repellent and sunsceen.

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens2008/

The only thing I have ever put on my children's (13,9, and 6 months) faces are the sunscreen sticks that look like a big chapstick. Not only will it never run into their eyes, they will never burn with this on. When my oldest was a baby, Nutregena was the only one out like that, but now there are a plethora. I've used various brands and never been disappointed. :)

There are sunscreens out there now that are like the disposible washcloths. I have seen them at Babie's R Us, but don't remember the SPF or price.

the coppertone no rub spray is great for not getting in eyes when it gets wet. Don't spray it on their face. I spray it in my hands and put it on their face. It dries fast and that is one of the reasons I started buying it because we haven't had it in our eyes yet. It is more expensive but seems to work well, In fact I have very pale skin and used to put sunscreen on every few hours and with this stuff it last most of the day without reapplying even though the bottle recommends reapplying every few hours.

Use the stick for the face, Banana Boat is what we use and it is great for sensitive skin. Also Arbonne is great and has a baby line. Make sure you put the sunscreen on 15 min before sun and it won't come off so fast in the water and get in their eyes.
Good luck. And if you need a number for the Arbonne let me know and I will give you my Consultants.

C.

Hi,
I avoid taking my children outside between 10 and 2. But, if you have to, 11-1 is the most serious. I never have used sunscreens, off or anything else that goes onto the skin. My children never ever get sun burns nor dry skin.

I still have that problem with high SPF sunscreen at 23 years old!! It almost burns/stings my eyes and I know Im not getting it in my eyes. Even if I get it in the general area, it stings. I cant use anything over spf 20. My mom has suggested that it may be the Paba thats in the sunscreen. Im not sure what this is because I havent yet done any research on it, but it may be a thought! Hope this helps! Ive heard as well that anything over SPF 30 is still about SPF 30 strength, so you may just stick with the SPF 30 and reapply often. It may help with their ouchy eyes! Dont quote me on this, but it may be something to look into.

Arbonne is the best! We have been outside at least 6 hours per day for five days in a row in the Phoenix sun. We do not have one spec of sunburn and my 2-year old with SUPER sensitive skin and eczema has had no trouble with it at all. My husband and I have been using it too. Don't let the SPF 30 fool you--it's better than any other kind we have tried at higher SPFs. Good luck.

Have you tried the stick sunscreens for the face? I think it's water babies brand--pink. I use to have the same problem but not now--the stick stuff is great! It's spf 50 too. You just rub the stick (think larger than chapstick) on the face & ears. I got mine at walmart.

is it the sunscreen or the chlorine? just wondering. we just got coppertone something or other mist spray, spf 70 for my little fair skinned childrens, and it worked great! doesn't run too bad, spray it on your hands, wait about 15 secs and then wipe on, it didn't get into their eyes at all. i was very pleased. good luck!

My daughters dermotologist recommends using Neutrogena with helioplex. We have been using the spf 70 spray. It soaks in right away, and for the face you just spray some on your hands and wipe it on. We haven't had any problems with it getting in her eyes. The stuff works great! We have gone boating all day 3 times this summer and she hasn't gotten burned at all.

A.,

The best sunscreen is a tan. That is the bodies natural defense against a sunburn. There are so many studies out now that are reporting horrible side effects from sunscreen. There are reports now that sunscreen is causing allergies and even asthma. If you insist on using a sunscreen I wouldn't use one above an spf of 30. Anything above that is going to burn the skin. Ever notice how the skin turns red after putting sunscreen on? So many people think it is because it has not had a chance to absorb into the skin and they're getting a sunburn, but the chemicals are actually burning the skin and that is what is causing the redness. I bring my son out for 20-30 min each day so he can develop a tan. The better the tan, the longer he can be out. There are also at home remedies you can use if you don't want to keep using sunscreen. I would just google natural sunscreens.

Check out this website, hope it helps.
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens2008/s...

Hi A.-
I recently read your posting and I would highly recommend you to try Arbonne's Baby Care Sunscreen. It's spf 30+ and provided protection against uva and uvb. Arbonne offers a full range of pure, safe & beneficial products for the entire family. Meaning, all products are botanically-based and contain no toxins or mineral oils that would cause harm to our skin. Including the sensitive skin of a baby!

Skin care for baby, weight loss, anti-aging, color & cosmetics, and aromatherapy are just some of the high quality, safe and benefical products that Arbonne manufactures.

Because of Arbonne, I can honestly say that I have become a better wife, mother, daughter and friend. I would love the opportunity to speak with you further!

Sincerely,
E. Brown
Arbonne International
District Manager & Independant Consultant
Consultant ID: 16779456
www.arbonne.com
____@____.com
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We like Burt's Bees. Try looking for "chemical free" sunscreen.

Here's a few links: http://www.babycenter.com/404_what-kind-of-sunscreen-is-b...

http://www.babycenter.com/404_what-kind-of-sunscreen-is-b...

i have used banana boat babies 60 spf in the past and it seems to work but it still would irrate the eyes because of the chemicals in them. I now use sun suits with the spf in them and and other safer alternatives. that is because my kids were breaking out from all the sunscreen at the store. we are not out unless in the shade or it has to be cooler. i have found that the wellness company i work for to be the best for my kids and the rest of my family. they make sunscreens and other products that i use because of my childrens special needs.