Summer Skin 101: Caring For Your Baby's Skin All Summer Long

Summer is for long days outside, soaking in the warmth of the sun, spending pool days with friends, and being at the beach from sun up to sun down. Summer also means our skin is exposed to harsher conditions for more time so we have to take a few more steps to make sure it stays healthy and protected all season long. 

Baby and toddler skin are much more different than an adult's biologically. It is thinner, more prone to drying out, and their smaller bodies means they get hot much faster. These 4 simple steps help to create a summer skincare routine that is no fuss and allows for maximum fun in the sun. 

Step 1: Cover thoughtfully

Young babies and children can overheat easily since their bodies are still developing and cannot regulate temperature as efficiently as adults. Wearing clothes that cover skin but are still breathable help protect their skin from sun, and help their bodies stay cool. But material matters here - opt for natural fibers like 100% cotton, muslin, or linen. 

Step 2: Protect the Skin

Using a mineral based sunscreen to protect any exposed skin is important however the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding sunscreen for babies under 6 months old since their skin is much thinner and can absorb chemicals much easier. For babies under 6 months focus on covering as much of their skin as possible without overheating them and keeping them in the shade or away from direct sunlight.

For babies and kids over 6 months old, a mineral based sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or greater will help keep their young skin protected from the harsh sun rays. Don't forget to re-apply throughout the day if in the sun and after being in the water. 

The best way to protect skin is to also avoid the peak day harsh sunlight if possible. This is why Ayurveda also suggest that morning sunlight is best for kids but we know that isn't always going to be possible in the summer so taking precautions otherwise is key. 

Tip: Sunscreen can be stubborn to remove and often times can be broken down with oil. After a long day and before a bath, use a few drops of oil on the skin to help break down sunscreen to make it easier to remove during bath. 

Step 3: Replenish Moisture

Summer's greatest threat to baby skin isn't the sun — it's dehydration. Heat, chlorine, and salt water all pull moisture away, and skin that's dry becomes skin that's irritated, itchy, and prone to flare ups. At the end of the day, rinse of the chlorine and salt with a lukewarm bath followed with a light lotion and if needed a few extra drops of the Shanta Baby Oil to seal in moisture. 

Step 4: Soothe