What is the difference between adult sunscreen and children's sunscreen? Can sunscreen for adults and children be mixed?

Sun protection is usually needed all year round, and sunscreen is the most commonly used product in our daily sun protection. Both adults and children need to use sunscreen when the ultraviolet rays are strong. So, what is the difference between sunscreen for adults and sunscreen for children?

The difference between adult sunscreen and children's sunscreen

1. Ingredients and irritation

Children's sunscreen products are non-irritating. When adults use sunscreen, it can only achieve the sun protection effect when it is absorbed by the skin, while children's sunscreen can form a protective film when applied. The difference between children's sunscreen and adult sunscreen lies in the ingredients. Children's sunscreen has simple ingredients and does not contain irritating ingredients, which is very good for baby's skin.

2. The nature of sun protection

Children's sunscreen is a physical sunscreen that is specially designed for children. It uses the principle of reflecting sunlight. This type of sunscreen does not need to be absorbed by the skin and has no irritation. It is suitable for sensitive skin and is safer for children to use. Adult sunscreen is just the opposite. It is not only irritating but also easy to cause allergies if used improperly. Most adult sunscreens are chemical sunscreens. This type of sunscreen needs to be absorbed by the skin to achieve the sun protection effect. It will not work until 20 minutes after application. Generally, several chemical substances must work together to absorb ultraviolet rays that damage the skin. The safety of children's sunscreen is well known. Children must not use adult sunscreen because children's skin is delicate and smooth, with a thin cortex and low melanin content. Compared with adults, their resistance to ultraviolet rays is very weak, so it cannot meet the requirements of children's skin.

There is no difference in SPF between adult sunscreen and children's sunscreen

There is no difference between children's sunscreen and adult sunscreen in terms of sun protection index. The SPF value and PA value of adult and children's sunscreen products are the same, and the labeling method is also the same. The SPF value is the efficiency of resisting ultraviolet UVA, and the PFA value is the efficiency of resisting ultraviolet UVB. That is, children's sunscreen has the same sun protection effect as adult sunscreen.

Can adult sunscreen and children's sunscreen be mixed?

Children's sunscreen is safe and non-irritating. Adults can naturally use children's sunscreen, especially for people with sensitive skin. However, children cannot use adult sunscreen because children's skin is delicate and tender, with a thin sebum layer and a low melanin content. Therefore, their resistance to ultraviolet rays is very weak compared to adults, and adult sunscreen cannot meet their special needs.