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Sunscreen shelf-life: can you safely use last year's sunscreen?
There she is again: the sun! You, and many others, probably still have some left over sunscreen from last year in your cupboard. But, is it still safe to use or did it expire by now? Read more to find out when it’s time to buy new sunscreen. Expiration Sunscreen creams, sprays and sticks all come with an expiration date. Just as with your food, this date is usually on the pack of the product. Usually the shelf life of sunscreen is indicated with 12M. Which means it’s safe to use the product up until 12 months after opening. Note: the product needs to be well-closed and stored in a dry and dark place at room temperature! Keep in mind that if your sunscreen got very warm, the SPF might have gotten lower. Naïf sun protection has (when closed) a shelf life of 36 months, when opened you can safely use it for 12 months. Does this mean you need to throw out your sunscreen after a year? Not necessary, but it is important to note that you’re not as well protected. Make sure that, when using an ‘older’ sunscreen, you apply it more often, because the SPF is not as good. The same applies to after sun: 36 months closed, 12 months when opened. But, with after sun, it is important to buy a new product after a year, because an open tube or bottle can contain bacteria and you’d rather not put those on the already sensitive or red skin. In doubt? Take a sniff Not sure if your sunscreen is still good to go? Just smell it! Does it smell differently than when you first used it, you might want to stay away from it. You can also check of the product still looks good. Watery or lumpy? Better get rid of it and get a new one. Storing sunscreen Make sure to keep your sunscreen in a cool place. The bathroom might be your first thought, but keep in mind that the bathroom has a lot of temperature changes, so it’s not ideal. Rather go for a drawer in your bedroom or a closed cupboard. Some might think the perfect spot is the refrigerator, and it’s definitely an option, but not necessary!
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Our Baby Oil: Now New with 0% Fragrance
Baby skin is something very special. It is delicate, sensitive, and still getting used to the world. That's exactly why we at Naïf believe that care should be one thing above all: gentle, protective, and as reduced as possible. Because sometimes good care means adding less – and leaving more room for what is natural.From this thought comes our baby oil now also with 0% fragrance. Because every baby has different needsOur baby oil with fragrance has been a staple of many care routines for years. It smells subtle, feels pleasant, and is appreciated by many families. That doesn't change – this variant will of course remain in our range. At the same time, we know there are parents who consciously want to avoid fragrances. Whether due to particularly sensitive skin, a tendency toward skin irritation, or simply a desire to keep skincare as pure as possible.With the new fragrance-free variant, we want to meet exactly these needs. Not as a replacement, but as an addition. The same trusted care – just without fragrances.Babies don't need fragrance to be wonderfulBabies bring their own scent with them. One you can't explain, but you recognize immediately. For us, it was therefore clear: a baby oil just needs to be able to care gently.Our new baby oil with 0% fragrance gently provides the skin with moisture, protects it from drying out, and feels just as familiar as you know from Naïf – just without any additional fragrance.AllergyCertified – carefully testedOur new baby oil is also AllergyCertified. This means that formulations have been carefully checked to identify allergens and other harmful ingredients that can irritate the skin or lead to other known or suspected health problems. Products with this seal contain none of these ingredients. Especially with very sensitive baby skin, this can provide a reassuring feeling – for parents as much as for their little ones.Care that feels rightWhether with fragrance or without: Both baby oils were developed to gently care for and protect your baby's skin. Which variant fits best is your choice – by feel, by experience, and by what's good for your family.Because in the end, it's not about doing without or rules, but about trust. And about care that feels just as good as it works.
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Our Bath Oil, Now New with 0% Fragrance: Developed with Isabelle from @hebammenblog
As parents, you want above all one thing: to give your own child only the best – especially in the first weeks after birth. The skin plays a major role in this. It is still delicate, permeable and prone to irritation. And that's exactly why it's so important to us at Naïf to develop products that protect and above all really care – without burdening. For years, our baby bath oil has been a popular classic. It cares for sensitive and dry baby skin during bathing without drying it out, and provides intensive refatting. But from many conversations with parents, professionals and midwives in Germany and Austria, we heard: there needs to be a second variant. One that is even more tailored to the special needs of sensitive or irritated baby skin. One that is even milder. One that completely avoids fragrances.That's why we developed together with experienced midwife Isabelle Schneider a bath oil without fragrance.Who is Isabelle Schneider?Isabelle has been working as a midwife for many years – in the delivery room, in postpartum care and on social media. Under the name @hebammenblog she shares well-founded midwifery knowledge with hundreds of thousands of parents on Instagram. Open, honest and approachable, she talks about what really matters to young families – from the first bath to baby care to self-care in the postpartum period.Through her work with many newborns, she knows the challenges of sensitive skin intimately. She sees what really helps – and what sometimes can just be too much."The first baby baths can really be magical. It's recommended to use an additive that works nicely refatting. Nursing moms can happily use breast milk here, which is perfectly suited. If you don't want that, don't nurse, or your baby is already older, you can happily use a baby bath oil for sensitive skin. Less is more: choose a product here that cares gently, but still provides adequate protection."This attitude accompanied us in the development of the new bath oil: caring, but pure. Protective, but irritant-free. And always with the knowledge that baby skin has its very own language.Why a bath oil without fragrance?Water alone dries out the skin – this is especially true for newborns, whose skin barrier must still fully develop. A bath oil supports the skin by creating a fine protective film that preserves moisture and protects the skin from irritation.Our new Naïf Bath Oil with 0% Fragrance deliberately omits fragrances – not because we think fragrances are generally problematic, but because we know that many parents, especially at the very beginning, want a completely neutral, gentle care. For particularly sensitive skin types, with neurodermatitis, or simply to not mask the natural baby scent.What makes our bath oil specialThe Naïf Bath Oil without Fragrance is based on few, carefully selected ingredients – including sunflower oil and coconut oil, which are known for their refatting, soothing properties. It is: Without fragrance, therefore ideal for newborns and sensitive skin Naturally refatting, to strengthen the skin barrier Free from mineral oil and microplastics, vegan and dermatologically tested Easy to apply: just a few drops in the bathwater is enough So mild, that you often don't need to cream your baby after bathing Midwife Isabelle recommends:"Add a few drops of the bath oil to the water, bathe your baby in it and then simply pat dry gently – that's often all it takes."For you – and your babyThe Naïf Bath Oil without Fragrance is for all parents who want to focus on the essentials when it comes to care. It's perfect for the first baths after birth, for sensitive skin, for parents who consciously avoid fragrances – or for anyone who simply wants to experience the natural baby moment pure.We are very pleased to have developed this product together with Isabelle. Because good baby care begins with a real understanding of skin – and of parents.Have you ever wondered what you need for (the first) baby bath and what preparations would make your work easier? Isabelle has created a list for you, you can download it here and be well prepared:
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Make sunscreen a habit? Best decision ever.
Sunscreen on, hat on, UV clothing on – and every day as soon as it gets brighter outside? Sounds like just another item on your already full to-do list, right? But what if you could not only save the day, but give your child something that protects them for life? Children learn through repetition – including sun protectionYou know it yourself: nothing works better with small children than repetition. Whether it's a bedtime routine or brushing teeth – routines provide security. It's the same with sun protection. If your child experiences from the start that applying cream, wearing a UV shirt and putting on a sun hat are just part of the routine, it will eventually become second nature.And later, it will remind you when you're in a hurry. Promise.Why sun protection is more than a summer topicThe skin of babies and small children is particularly sensitive. It can't protect itself yet, but it stores every sunburn – and that has long-term effects. That's why it's worth building a healthy attitude toward skin protection early on.Or in other words: What is routine today becomes a healthy habit tomorrow.How to build simple routinesDon't worry, you don't have to turn your daily life upside down. A few simple tricks are enough: Apply sunscreen after brushing teeth – as naturally as part of your morning routine. At the lake or on vacation: UV protective clothing instead of stress – saves you the daily argument about "forgot to apply sunscreen" and protects reliably. The sun hat is always ready – in the backpack, in the stroller, by the door. Lead by example! – When your child sees you applying sunscreen, they usually want to too. And that's great. From participation to understandingSooner or later, your child will ask: Why do we actually do this? That's your chance. Explain in kid-friendly terms that the sun is nice but strong. That our skin needs protection to stay healthy. And that applying sunscreen isn't a must – it's an act of self-care.You're helping your child take not just their skin, but themselves seriously.So: what sometimes feels like extra effort today pays off twice over: for healthy skin and strong routines. You're laying the foundation for your child to later take care of themselves confidently and independently – with ease and understanding.Naïf supports you with gentle mineral-based (sun protection) products that make applying sunscreen pleasant – for your child and for you.Good protection. Good feeling. Every day.
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Which comes first? Sunscreen or Day Cream?
Once the sun starts shining it's time for some extra sun protection. Many day creams contain SPF, but when the sun is strong, it's not good enough and sunscreen is neccessary. But how does that work; sunscreen vs. day cream? Which one are you supposed to apply first during your morning routine? We've got the answer your looking for! The type of sunscreen your use has an effect on to steps in your morning routineAre you using sunscreen with a mineral or a non-mineral UV filter? The answer to this question changes the outcome of the question which one you need to apply first: day cream or sunscreen. A mineral filter is made of minerals, like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. This kind of UV filter reflects the sun like a mirror and protects the skin against UVA and UVB radiation. After applying sunscreen with a mineral filter you're immediately protected, but it can leave a bit of white cast on the skin.A non-mineral filter works differently. It gets absorbed by the skin where a chemical reaction takes place that absorbs UV radiation. Because this kind of UV filter gets absorbed by the skin there's a bigger chance of irritation. Not what we like to see on the sensitive skin of babies.Which one comes first?Alright, so as we said it depends on the UV filter in your sunscreen.With a mineral filter your day cream comes first. Why? You want your day cream to get absorbed by the skin, so all those great and moisturizing ingredients can do their job. Apply your day cream and give it some time before you apply sunscreen. Sunscreen with a non-mineral filter should be applied before your day cream. It only works when it comes in contact with the skin directly. You don't want the extra layer of the day cream in between!What about make up?Don't mix your foundation with sunscreen. It sounds like a great idea. And easy, which we like! But unfortunately foundation will mess of the SPF of your sunscreen, which means it doesn't work as well as you want it to. Better to avoid it and just apply the two seperately.Conclusion: apply your sunscreen under your make up, but over your day cream, No mixing and give your day cream some time to do its magic. And now it's time for some fun in the sun!
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What is the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50? And which factor do you need?
When choosing your sun protection, you're probably looking at the SPF (or factor) on the packaging. You might think: the higher the better, right? And we all know that SPF 50 is higher than SPF 30 or SPF 15. But what does that number actually mean? And which factor do you and your mini('s) need to be well protected on the go? No worries, we'll explain it to you! What is SPF?What does SPF actually mean? SPF stands for Sun Protector Factor. It is literally the factor that indicates how well you are protected. A sunscreen protects the skin against a large portion of UV radiation, but a small amount of UV radiation will always pass through. With an SPF 30, 96.6% of UVB radiation is blocked and with an SPF 50 even 98%. But what does this have to do with burning? With an SPF 30 that is applied correctly (sufficient amount and every two hours), your skin will burn 30 times less often than without protection. And with an SPF 50 that is (as you might guess) 50 times less. The effect of an SPF is thus also dependent on how your skin reacts without sunscreen.UVA and UVBThere are two types of UV radiation: UVA and UVB. SPF protects against UVB, this radiation causes you to burn. But it is just as important to protect yourself well against UVA - the radiation that accelerates the skin aging process. No burning, but skin damage. Fortunately, there is sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB, so always look for that!Need a memory aid for the difference between UVA and UVB? UVA rays cause skin aging: the A for Aging. UVB rays cause sunburn: the B for Burning. Now you'll never forget it!Which factor do you need?Good to know is that no sunscreen offers 100% protection against the sun. For adults, the Dutch Skin Foundation recommends using at least factor 30 on a summer day and reapplying every 2 hours. Sunscreen with a UV filter based on zinc oxide (mineral) creates a small layer on the skin that reflects UV radiation. Over time, this layer is damaged by friction, sweat and swimming. It is therefore important to reapply protection regularly, even with a water-resistant sunscreen.For babies* and children, the advice is to use factor 30 or 50. Depending on your mini's skin type. In addition, the Dutch Skin Foundation recommends not only using sunscreen but also avoiding, clothing and applying. So keep your kids in the shade as much as possible and wear covering (or UV-protective!) clothing and put on a hat or cap.*For babies up to 12 months, the advice is to keep them out of the sun as much as possible.
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Setting up a changing table? We share our best tips!
Baby on the way? Then you'll need to set up a nursery, of course. It's fun to work on, but especially if it's your first child, you might not know where to start. The changing table in particular is quite a challenge. What do you really need and what's just going to be in the way? Read our tips below! Changing table To set up a changing table, you first need a changing table, of course. You can actually use any type of (drawer) cabinet or table that is high enough to work comfortably at and wide enough for a changing pad (approximately 70x50x10cm). It's handy to have a slightly larger work surface so that in addition to the changing pad you can also place all your frequently used items. That makes changing easier. Via Marketplaces or secondhand shops you can find great cabinets or changing tables for a nice price. Changing pad A changing or diaper pad is a real must on your changing table. You want to be able to offer your baby a comfortable spot, after all. Changing pads often have a raised edge on both sides, so your baby doesn't just roll off the table. Very handy. You can place the pad lengthwise or widthwise on your changing table. It just depends on how you prefer to change and how much space you have. They come in all sorts of types, sizes and prices! A simple pad does the job, but you can make it as fun (and stylish!) as you like. Pad cover Changing pads are often made of plastic. Very handy when poop, pee or spit regularly gets on them. But it's not very comfortable, and usually not very pretty either. That's why there are special changing pad covers. Not only practical because it goes straight in the wash when it gets dirty, but you can also alternate with fun prints to complete your nursery. Additionally, you can also place a cotton cloth over your changing pad cover so you don't have to wash the cover after every accident. Baby wipes Perhaps the most practical and important part of the changing table: baby wipes. When the diaper comes off and your baby is squirming on the table, there's no time to waste. With your free hand you want to quickly reach the wipes. Choose a variant suitable for sensitive baby skin, with 0% perfume and alcohol, and that also comes out of the package easily. There are also special boxes to store your wipes: they come out of the package more easily and stay moist longer. When placing them, consider your dominant hand, left or right-handed, you don't want to miss during changing. Changing table baskets To keep the changing table organized and have all frequently used products within reach, a couple of changing table baskets are really a must. You can use them to store your diapers and wipes, but also to have care products like zinc cream and a rich cream at hand quickly, or to store pacifiers, rattles, and cotton cloths. You can use the drawers below for rompers, clothes and extra items (diapers and wipes). A wall shelf or rack A shelf above your changing table is not essential, but very handy if your changing table isn't very large. And it's also nice to decorate! On the wall shelf you can place, for example, a book, poster or a stuffed animal. You can also fit extra care products on it, such as everything for those first baby baths.
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The top 5 worries every parent has about baby care (and the answers that actually help)
As a (new) parent, you have a lot on your mind. And call us Naïf, but we believe you should be able to use care products without worries. Of course, that's easier said than done, because you want the best for your baby. Where to start? We're happy to help! What care products do I need for my baby? Good question, because when you look in the stores there's just so much to choose from. No worries, because a baby really doesn't need much. At Naïf we're big fans of just the basics: bath oil, baby oil and zinc cream. Oh.. and don't forget the stacks of baby wipes, you really don't want to be without those. After a few weeks, you learn what your baby needs. For dry skin, you'll want to give some extra love with a body lotion, rich cream or baby balm. Does your little one have a full head of hair, then a baby shampoo might be handy. As your kids get older, you can make the care routine more and more fun. Replace the bath oil for example with bath foam for a bath full of bubbles and fun. Want to know more? We previously wrote a comprehensive blog about what you really need, and what you don't. What are good ingredients and which ones should you avoid? Good ingredients are ingredients that really contribute to the best care for your baby. Think for example of plant-based oils for hydration and glycerin to support dry and damaged skin. Also antioxidants such as vitamin E (the official name is tocopherol) and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as shea butter, panthenol, aloe vera and zinc oxide are a good addition to your baby care. On the other hand, you'll want to avoid ingredients that can be harmful to your baby or the planet. Think of microplastics, mineral oils and ingredients that may contain 1,4-dioxane such as PEG and SLES. In this blog we already wrote about everything you do and don't want in your baby care. What should you look for when buying baby wipes? As a parent, you go through stacks of baby wipes. To be precise, about 14,000 PER CHILD! Something that is used so often on your baby's skin must of course meet a number of requirements. First of all, they must of course do what you buy them for: cleaning baby bottoms (and nose, hands and table because multi-functional, that's what they are). What you want is a moist wipe, but not too moist. It's also important that they're nice and sturdy, because you don't want to get dirty hands. It just happens that 94% of the Ouders van Nu testers are satisfied with the sturdiness of Naïf's baby wipes! Also important: how does your baby's skin react to them? Does your baby get a rash from using baby wipes, then it's time to look for something new. To prevent irritation, you may want to check the ingredients beforehand. Is the ingredient list as long as your receipt after you've done a week's worth of shopping? Then leave them and look for baby wipes with less ingredients. The fewer ingredients, the lower the chance of irritation. There are a number of ingredients you'll want to avoid when it comes to baby wipes, because they're simply not necessary to clean your baby's bottom properly. Alcohol is a good example of something you don't want to use on the sensitive skin around the diaper area. You'll also want to avoid fragrance, because that's really not necessary to get things clean. If it's up to us, plastic doesn't belong in baby wipes either. Unfortunately, the vast majority of baby wipes are made from it. If you think it's important to save on plastic, then the choice for a baby wipe without plastic is quickly made. You can recognize them by the "no plastic inside" logo on the packaging. Should I apply sunscreen to my (newborn) baby? The short answer is yes! You should also apply sunscreen to your (newborn) baby. And yes, that starts with the early spring sun. The first step, even more important than sunscreen, is to keep children under 1 year out of the sun as much as possible. Seek out shade or create it yourself with a parasol or sun shade. Step two is protective clothing. Make sure your baby wears light, but protective clothing. There's even special UV-protective clothing, but that's not necessarily required. Want to know how protective the clothing is, then hold it in the sun for a moment. If you can see through it, it doesn't do much. If it blocks the sun, then you're good. And then comes sunscreen! Apply SPF 50 sunscreen generously to any skin not covered by clothing. You can choose a cream, stick or spray. Just make sure it's not a misting spray. Those evaporate in the air and very little ends up on the skin. Plus, your baby can also inhale this type of spray, which is of course not the intention. A liquid spray (like ours) that doesn't mist can be used! With babies, you might prefer to spray it on your hands first and not directly on the skin. How much exactly do you need to use? Just a nice thick layer. Don't forget to reapply every two hours and also cover the often forgotten spots, like the ears, nose and lips well. More sun protection tips? We spoke with dermatologist Elodie Mendels about how to prevent sunburn. Help my baby has a rash, what should I do? A rash on your baby is never fun, but it does happen often. That sensitive skin sometimes gets a real beating. To fix the rash, it's of course important to know exactly where it comes from. Diaper rash Diaper rash is a form of rash that is common in babies. No wonder either, that wet diaper is a breeding ground for bacteria. You recognize diaper rash by the red skin and sometimes, if it's really bad, there are also open wounds. How to prevent and cure it? You can preventively apply zinc cream. The zinc oxide in this cream protects the skin against moisture by forming a barrier. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and thus helps with the healing process. It's also important to keep the skin clean and dry. Taking the diaper off from time to time and letting your baby play on an absorbent mat ensures that the skin can dry properly. Dry skin or eczema Your baby can also suffer from dry skin, or even eczema. What do you do then? It's mainly important to keep the skin well moisturized. For this you can use a rich cream or baby balm. A lotion is often not enough for dry skin or eczema, because lotion consists largely of water, it is absorbed too quickly by the skin. You'd rather want a fat-based product, so that it doesn't sink in immediately, but instead creates a protective layer on the skin. Baby acne You might not expect it, but your baby can also get pimples. Baby acne is common after birth and has everything to do with your hormones. Yes really! Fortunately, it also goes away once those hormones are out of your little one's body. Are you breastfeeding? Then baby acne may last a bit longer, because your milk also contains hormones that can cause pimples in your baby. Cradle cap Then there's cradle cap. That thick greasy and yellowish rash that often appears on the head of a (newborn) baby. Where does it come from? The vernix layer that your baby gets at birth. When that dries out between the hairs, cradle cap forms. If it lasts longer than four weeks, it's no longer called cradle cap but seborrheic eczema. Both will go away on their own and is otherwise not dangerous. If you think it looks unsightly, you can smear the scalp with baby oil and try to comb or scrape off the cradle cap after half an hour. If this doesn't help, there are also special creams that can help with cradle cap Other rashes With other rashes, such as chickenpox, impetigo and measles, it's always wise to visit your doctor. They can help with the right treatment for your situation.
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This is how you choose the best skincare for your kids
A baby's skin needs love and the best possible care. With ingredients that are safe for sensitive baby skin, but also nourish and protect it effectively, so you don't have to worry. How do you choose the right skincare? And what do you all need when the baby comes? You can read about it here. Sometimes it feels like your baby needs a 12-step skincare routine, but the reality is: your baby is okay and doesn't need that much. We've made list of products that are a must during the early and later days and which ingredients you want and don't want in your baby's care! What products do you need? For a newborn baby, it is useful to have a few basics at home. Care products you will use most often in the first period are: zinc cream (for nappy rash), a nurturing baby cream or body lotion (for dry patches) and a bath oil or mild wash gel (for in the bath or shower). Then you can expand with a baby shampoo and, for example, a bath foam. Also essential: plastic-free baby wipes! Which ingredients are great and which to avoid? To protect the baby skin as well as possible, make sure to choose ingredients that truly are important for your baby, such as: avocado oil (nourishes the skin and is almost identical to human skin oils in terms of ingredients) camomile (bisalobol on the label), calms the skin and is used in diaper cream, for example. cottonseed, helps the skin to retain moisture zinc oxide, has a healing and cooling function with e.g. diaper rash nut oils like almond oil and macadamia oil. These often also have a healing and calming effect. Coconut - this is often used as an ingredient (coconut oil or coconut fat) as a natural foaming agent in combination with salt. It's much milder than, for example, harsh chemical foaming agents like SLES. Sunscreen with a mineral UV-filter based on zinc oxide. It reflects the sun rays instead of absorbing them in the skin. This means a lower chance at skin irritation.. Ingredients we prefer to avoid: Ingredients that can irritate or dry out the skin, such as aggressive foaming agents (SLES), hard alcohol (note the difference between hard or soft) or allergens in essential oils (often used as natural perfume). substances that can close off the skin, such as mineral oil (paraffin, petroleum jelly, etc.) substances that can disrupt the hormonal balance, such as PEG and synthetic preservatives (parabens, phenoxyethanol) substances that can be potentially harmful to nature, such as plastics, microplastics and ingredients in chemical UV filters (Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene). Fun fact: Naïf carries the Zero Plastic Inside certificate from the Plastic Soup Foundation. When Naïf founders Jochem and Sjoerd first became fathers, they discovered that babycare could be better. Therefore, always do your own research and make your own considerations. Do you want natural care, but are you not a fan of musty creams? Then you can opt for a synthetic perfume. This means your product is not 100% natural, but it is gentle on the skin. Want a foam bath but not dry skin? Meet in the middle with Naïf bath foam based on Coco Sodium Sulfate.
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