Sunbathing for children - things to note

It is excellent to have your children be exposed to the sunrays – without sun there is no life on this planet. Good diet allows for a natural protection from the sun. Our bodies are designed to interact with the sun.

Below 5 years of age, I don’t recommend the use of cosmetics with essential oils, unless they are specifically created for children (the concentration of essential oils is very low in kid’s formulas to minimize potential allergies).

Between 11 am and 5 pm, avoid sun exposure without protection. For protection, use a product with non-nano zinc oxide( non toxic) which fully protects the skin against the potential damage of too much sun exposure. Also protect the child with proper clothes and a hat.

The other times of the day, you can use a pure botanical oil - jojoba oil, pomegranate oil, raspberry oil are good options.

If the child is older, you can gently start introducing essential oils use - Everybody Loves the Sunshine Oil or Zinc Lotion is an excellent option.

Before 5 years of age:

11am-5pm – zinc protection – Suntribe cream and stick.

Other times – pure oil or lotion (no essential oils).

From 6 years of age onwards

11am-5pm – zinc protection – Suntribe cream and stick and Living Libations Everybody Loves the Sunshine sunblock

Other times – Everybody Loves the Sunshine Oil or pure botanical oil/lotion.

Living Libations has an oil without sunscreen and a Lotion and stick with sunscreen

SunTribe has a lotion and sticks with sunscreen.

So, to summarize, it’s fundamental that the child is exposed to the sun (both skin and eyes) for proper development and growth. During the strong sun hours (11 to 5pm), extra protection is needed – use a non-nano zinc product which is the safest, cleanest and even has skin healing properties.

What I usually recommend is to blend the oil with the zinc lotion and find the perfect combination, depending on the hour of the day and the skin type/colour of the child.

 Go here for the Suncare Collection