☀️ Summer’s Almost Here—Let’s Talk Sunscreen (Without the Overwhelm)
Not all sunscreens are created equal—especially for our littlest humans. If you’ve ever stood in front of a sunscreen aisle with a squirmy toddler wondering What’s the difference between SPF 30 and 100?, you’re not alone.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated.
In this blog, we break it all down so you can feel confident and covered this summer.
🧴 Sunscreen vs. Sunblock: What’s the Difference?
Here’s the deal: the term “sunblock” is outdated—and no longer legally used in Canada. Why? Because no product can truly block the sun. What we use today are sunscreens that either absorb or reflect UV rays.
Just remember: even high-SPF sunscreens don’t make you invincible. You’ll still get some sun exposure, which makes reapplication key.
🔍 How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for Kids and Babies
When faced with a wall of options, keep it simple. Look for these four essentials:
- Broad Spectrum Protection – This means it shields against both UVA and UVB rays.
- SPF 30 to 50 – More isn’t necessarily better—SPF 30–50 offers plenty of protection without a false sense of security.
- Water + Sweat Resistance – Think splash pads, sweaty hikes, and beach days.
- Parent-Approved Ingredients – (More on this in a minute 👇)
🌿 Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens: What’s the Difference?
There are two main types of sunscreen: mineral and chemical. Both are considered safe, but they work in very different ways—and that’s important to understand, especially when you’re choosing for little ones.
| Type | How It Works | Key Ingredients | Best For |
| Mineral (aka physical) | Sits on top of the skin and reflects UV rays like a shield | Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide | Babies, toddlers, sensitive skin |
| Chemical | Absorbs into the skin, then converts UV rays into heat and releases them | Avobenzone, Oxybenzone, Octocrylene | Older kids, adults |
🧠 Here’s the key difference:
With chemical sunscreens, UV rays actually need to penetrate the skin before the active ingredients can deactivate them.
With mineral sunscreens, the protection happens on the surface—UV rays are reflected away before they enter the skin. That’s why mineral sunscreens are often recommended for babies, toddlers, and anyone with sensitive or reactive skin.
🎯 Bonus: Zinc oxide, a hero ingredient in mineral formulas, provides strong protection against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
🎯 How to Apply Sunscreen Properly
Even the best sunscreen won’t help if it’s not applied correctly. Here’s your cheat sheet:
- Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure
- Use 1 ounce (a shot glass worth) for full-body coverage
- Reapply every 2 hours, and always after swimming or sweating
- Don’t forget the ears, tops of feet, hairline, and lips
(SPF lip balm = must-have)
👶 Sunscreen Tips for Babies Under 6 Months
For the tiniest humans, shade and protective clothing are your best friends. Their skin is more absorbent, so most doctors recommend avoiding sunscreen entirely unless absolutely necessary.
Still not sure? Check in with your Oona ND or pediatrician before applying any product.
🎥 Want the Full Breakdown? Watch Our Free On-Demand Class!
There’s a lot to know about sunscreen, and we’ve only scratched the surface. In our quick, expert-led video class, you’ll learn:
- Which sunscreen ingredients can act as hormone disruptors
- Product testing tips for sensitive skin
- Spray vs. lotion vs. stick—what’s actually best
- And how to make sunscreen part of your toddler’s routine (without the meltdown)
✨ Watch the FREE On-Demand Class with Dr. Alexsia →
💡 Still Have Questions?
We love chatting all things sun safety (and toddler wrangling). Send us an email at hello@oonacares.com.
🧡 At Oona, our NDs are here to help you protect your family’s health—naturally.
