Sunscreen for Kids

Sunscreen is just one of those essential, no compromise, must have items we need pretty much all year round now. The Cancer Council recommends using sunscreen every day on days when the UV Index is forecast to be 3 or above and sunscreen should be part of your daily morning routine on these days.

Finding one for kids that most importantly works but also is easy to apply and doesn’t irritate sensitive skin is actually quite hard. Take it from this eczema Mum, not all kids sunscreens are created equal.

We asked Adelaide based dermatologist Dr Annabel Stevenson from Dermatology SA for some information and advice about choosing sunscreen for our families. Here’s what she said…

Sunscreens can be divided into “physical blockers” (i.e. contain microscopic metal particles that reflect the sun) or “chemical blockers” (i.e. contain ingredients that absorb UV rays). The safest ingredients for children are “physical blockers”, for example zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as they are gentler on sensitive skin. Creams and lotions are better than sprays for even coverage.
Sunscreen use is really important. Studies have shown that any sunburn during childhood almost doubles the risk of developing melanoma in adulthood. Regular sunscreen use of at least SPF 15+ reduces your risk of non-melanoma skin cancer by 78%.

Did you know that SPF50+ only offers marginally better protection than SPF30. SPF50+ filters out 98% of UVB radiation, while SPF30 blocks out 96.7% of UVB.

Annabel’s Tips

• Sunscreen is best applied 20 minutes prior to going outside, and should be reapplied every two hours. Use SPF 50+ if possible, but at least 30+.
• If using a chemical blocker sunscreen, the ‘kids’ formulations often exclude the ingredients that are most likely to cause rashes. If using sprays, then ensure you are applying it with adequate density to the skin – a brief dusting may not be enough to protect from the sun.
• Modelling sunscreen use to your children will promote their use.
• Don’t forget that the best protection against the sun are clothes, hats, sunglasses and seeking out shade.
• Australian guidelines recommend keeping infants younger than 12 months out of direct sun altogether, although if sun avoidance just isn’t possible, a physical blocker sunscreen on the exposed areas should be used, and washed off when coming out of the sun.

So, in the lead up to summer we’ve done the hard work for you and put some a bunch of sunscreens to the KiA kids test. Some were already favourites we’ve been using for a while and we’ve added a few new brands that we have been hearing good things about.

One thing we discovered for certain is that not all sunscreens are made the same and you really need to work out what you need from your sunscreen.

• Will you be in and out of the water a lot?
• Do your kids have really sensitive skin or will you be using it on a baby?
• Are you looking for something tinted or rubs in clear?
• Do you need something that is super easy to rub in or are you OK to work a bit harder on application for something that will stay on for hours?

You actually may need to buy a couple of different brands to use for different situations and different family members depending on where and when you’ll be using it. The good news is that we actually like ALL of the ones we tested below and would be happy to recommend any of them. Take a read below and find out which ones will suit your family this summer.

Dr Annabel Stevenson is a consultant dermatologist who has an interest in paediatric dermatology and hair disorders. She consults at Dermatology SA, (Dulwich and Salisbury) as well as the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Ph: 8332 4155 Instagram @aussie.derm

We received some (not all) of the above sunscreens free of charge for the purpose of this review however as for all reviews from Kids in Adelaide the above is honest and in our own words.