Sunscreen Reccomendation for Toddler with Very Sensitive Skin?

Updated on October 05, 2009
R.R. asks from Highland, IN
26 answers

My son has had many bad reactions to different types of sunscreen. I have tried making sure I don't put it on when it's hot, using different kinds, types labeled "baby" etc. The only thing that has worked is the very expensive and tiny neutrogena stick. It's difficult to put on because it is a solid stick and you have to rub it in a lot. I would really like to get a lotion that is easier to put on him, but every one I've tried causes his to get blotchy with hives and his eyes swell shut. It's really sad. He has red hair and very fair skin, so I'm baffled as to what to do. We put hats and rashguards and longer swim shorts on him for swimming, but his face and arms and legs still need sun protection. I have heard there are lots of chemicals that can cause irritation, but I would love it if any one can point me in the direction of a good resource that explains all this scientifically/medically. Has anyone has had a similar experience and actually found something that worked for their kid? If so I'd love to know!

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So What Happened?

Thanks for all the great suggestions! I'm going to try the Neutrogena lotion since I already know the stick product works and I don't want to do any more experiments on him if I don't have to, but if I can't get a hold of a bottle, I'm going to try some of the other options. Thankyou guys so much!

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J.C.

answers from San Diego on

I was an avid California Baby user until I read on a website rating the best "green" sunscreens and switched to Blue Lizard. It is only $9.99 we have been using the Baby Lizard but it is usually out, so last time I bought the Blue Lizard sensitive skin and it is EXACTLY the same, must just be a marketing thing. My husband accidentally bought the Sport one and I made him take it back. I suggest the Baby or Sensitive Skin, which ever you can find. I always find it at CVS. I also tried all the others from the health food store but they were kinda gross and difficult to put on.

1 mom found this helpful
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T.

answers from Las Vegas on

I like the California Baby stuff. You can get it on line or at Whole Foods. It isn't cheap but I love it.

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E.E.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have used Earth's best sunscreen and have had great results. My favorite solution is the full body wet suit with the 50 SPF in the material. They are great. I bought one big so it would last 2 seasons. You never have to worry about applying sunscreen.

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J.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

in adition to the nuetrogena pure & free baby stick there is the same type in a regular lotion as well. that is what our pediatric dermatologist recommended for my son with sensitive skin and it works really well. you were given a lot of great new options but if the stick is working for your son I would try the lotion...you're right about the stick, really hard to put on! goodluck!

1 mom found this helpful
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L.S.

answers from San Diego on

Try looking into Arbone. They have an infant line of lotions, soaps and sunscreen. I used their sunscreen on my daughter and loved it. My sister has used it and still does use it for her 3 children. I believe their products tend to be all natural. Take a look...you have to purchase it through someone that sells the product...kind of like Avon. Maybe you can order it online, not sure. Hope this helps!!!!

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H.A.

answers from Santa Barbara on

Also one of the problems with sunscreens, even the ones labeled for kids, is that they contain oxy-benzone, which causes cancer in rats. Trader Joes makes a wonderful sunscreen that does not contain oxy-benzone and is great for sensitive skin, isn't super expensive ($5.99 I think), and isn't all weirdly greasy like so many hippy sunscreens can be! It's in a yellowish-orange tube, spf 30. I use it on my 20-month-old all the time and it's wonderful. They also have a great face sunscreen.

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T.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

We try not to use sunscreen if at all possible, but if we're spending lots of time outdoors during "peak" hours, we use Avalon Organic Baby (unscented) sunscreen.

CA Baby is good too - I love the one that smells like lemongrass, but they also have an unscented.

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I.Y.

answers from Los Angeles on

Try Blue Lizard... it's not easy to find, you may have to get it online. My son has very sensitive skin too and we use it without any problems. I will tell you this, in my experience a stick is much easier. :) Good luck!!

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A.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

Both my daughter and I have fair skin and terrible allergies. My sunscreen allergy is the worst- full body hives.
Her pediatrian recommended Vanicream Sensitive SPF 60. Neither she or I have had a reaction to it. On line you can get it for $11 a tube.

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K.H.

answers from Honolulu on

California Baby
Dr. Haushka baby sunscreen

anything with zinc as the main form of protection...avoid "active ingredients" that start with "O".

C.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

I've had good luck with this product:

http://www.myswimbaby.com/catalog.php?category=175

It scores higher on the cosmetic database than I would like, but is not greasy, and is non-irritating for my baby. It's the best thing I have found so far.

The best resource for looking up the toxicity of skin care products is Skin Deep, the cosmetics database by The Environmental Working Group:

www.cosmeticsdatabase.com

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A.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

I also recommend Kiehl's. It's pricey, but it's thick and lasts longer. It's also free of the bad stuff. If you go to the store, you can get a sample so you'll know if your son will have a reaction before you buy.

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D.W.

answers from San Diego on

Hi R.,

I have heard nothing but positive feedback with babies/kids with really sensitive skin using Arbonne's Baby Care sunscreen. It's free of all the junk that is not good for babies' skin and it works!

I highly recommend it - it also has a 45 day money back guarantee so how can you go wrong.

Check it out at www.arbonne.com and give me a call or send me an email at ____@____.com. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.

Blessings,
D.

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T.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi Robin,

I'm so sorry to hear that your little guy is having such a tough time. It's so hard to know how best to care for them when they are allergic to products we need to use. But you are right, there are so many dangerous chemicals in different products like the sunscreen.

I have a little guy who is very fair as well, and struggles too with many allergies. We have found a sunscreen made by an online wellness company that does not cause any negative reactions.

They also make many other healthier, safer home products and are able to do it at very competitive prices. We have been so thankful for the allergy changes our family has experienced as a result.

Please feel free to drop me an email if you would like to know more. This has changed our life!

T.

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J.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

It is expensive, but I use California Baby. There is a website you can go on to see which have ther least amount of chemicals and toxins in them called cosmeticsdatabase.com This was the most safe one i found, but a 4 oz tube is 18 bucks. There are other choices on there if that is to steep, I used that when my munchkin was smaller. I think there is one called Kiss My Face that is good as well. Your best bet is to go to Henry's or another store of that type and buy one without scents, they are a bit more pricey, but it is better than having allergic reaction. Good luck to you, hope you find one. : )

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J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

I use California Baby on my son and he's had no negative reactions. I actually use it for myself too b/c I have super sensitive skin and allergies.

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E.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

Try California Baby. You can buy it at Target, Whole Foods or online at California Baby. Their products are made for sensitive skin and are made with natural products. Not tons of chemicals like other products that are bad for children.

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J.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

We literally stay away from sunscreen, since your skin is yor largest organ and anything put on it gets absrobed into the bloodstream. There are WAY too many checmicals in sunscreens and the reason everyone needs more vitamin D lately is due to the sunscreen addiction.

We limit our kid's time in the sun, especially at the hottest times of the day and if we can't, they we use Devita....it's all natural and works great. You can buy it anywhere that sells natural products, but here's one site:

http://www.omnisupplements.com/product_p/15967.htm?Click=717

L.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

R.,
Why don't you try a sunscreen without chemicals, one that has a physical blocking agent in it? Badger is a good one, Soleil Organics is good and we also use California Baby.

Hey, they aren't cheap, but our health is worth it.

Also, here is a fantastic site for rating all personal body products for safety and cancer concerns. It's put together by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and is outstanding. I consult it religiously now before buying makeup, shampoos/conditioners, lotions, etc. etc. They also rate sunscreens for safety and efficacy.
www.cosmeticsdatabase.com

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M.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

You might try a brand call Tru Kid. It's a fairly new line made just for kids with no chemicals or toxins. You can check them out at www.trukid.com

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C.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

1 of my kids is sensitive to sunscreen. The baby ones make her break out too. I have found the aerosols work better. (not the spray lotions) we use banana boat sport when we are swimming and neutrogenia when we are out side w/o water. and the stick on the face. good luck.

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C.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

Arbonne has a SPF 30 sunscreen in their baby care line. It works wonderfully, so well that everyone in the family uses it. I usually get burned even with SPF 50 on but I've never gotten burned with the Arbonne. It is all natural. Also, it was the only sunscreen I used on my daughter until just recently. I forgot it one day and used some of my friends Coppertone for babys. She totally reacted to it and her face got red as a tomato from the reaction. Now I won't use anything except the Arbonne. Good luck!

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F.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

Check out skindeepcosmetics.com for answers to chemicals in skincare and for a list of completely safe and natural products. I like Badger brand suncare. Found in natural health food stores. Good Luck!

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C.K.

answers from Santa Barbara on

I haven't had this issue, but i use a skincare line called Kara Vita that uses pharmacuetical grade products. their stuff is very gentle and may be worth trying (although it can be pricey). Here is the site: http://www.karavita.com/ and my contact's email address: ____@____.com (Janeen). Hope you find something that works for your little guy!

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E.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

Unfortunately, it's a lot of trial and error for us. One daughter can only use Neutrogena Sensitive while that causes another daughter to get hives. The only sunscreen that has worked for both kids is California Baby. I got it at Whole Foods (insanely expensive~I think $27?). Had I known the cost, I wouldn't have thrown it in my shopping cart. But, it seems to be free of everyhing and works! I'd try to find it cheaper online, though.

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R.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

Have you tried Kiehl's? They make a baby sunscreen that might work on his skin. It's a little more pricey but might work...

Just a thought....

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