Why you need different sunscreen for kids and the best brands to buy
SUNSCREEN is a must if you're taking your kids out on a sunny day.
But using the same one for all the family might not offer them the best protection - children have more sensitive skin, which will need lotions with a higher SPF.
Do kids need special sunscreen?
We've recently spoken to Matthew Gass, from the British Association of Dermatologists, who revealed that: "A baby’s skin can burn within minutes, which is why it’s so important to keep them out of direct sunlight."
From March to October, or when being exposed to the sun, kids should be covered up with suitable clothing, wear at least SPF30 sunscreen and spend time in the shade.
Infants under six months should always be kept out of direct sunlight.
Any sunblock you pick needs to be effective against UVA and UVB - and it needs to be regularly reapplied to all parts of the body that are exposed to the sun.
Picking the right sunscreen for the environment
With the beach being one of the most popular activities for Brit families, using the wrong product can damage our oceans.
Oxybenzone and octinaxate, which can often be found in sunscreen, causes damage to coral reefs by making them more susceptible to bleaching and they can be toxic to fish.
With that in mind, we've come up with a list of the best coral reef friendly sunscreens that are also gentle for delicate children and babies skin.
The best coral reef friendly sunscreens for babies and children:
- Evy Sunscreen Mousse Kids SPF 30, £18.95 from Amazon -
If you're looking for an easily applied sunscreen, look no further.
Envy Sun Mousse is a long lasting protection for sensitive children's skin.
It's non-sticky and doesn't clog pores.
- Childs Farm SPF 50+ Roll on Sun Lotion, £7.99 from Boots -
We know how tricky it can be to put sunscreen on an active child.
But with this Childs Farm Roll on sun lotion, you can make it a fun activity - by pretending it's a car or a sun-protecting machine.
It will also keep the skin hydrated and moisturised.
- Soltan Kids Anti-Sand Protect Spray SPF 50+, £6.50 from Boots -
This sunscreen has the highest UVA star rating, perfect if you're looking for ultimate protection.
It dries in under a minute, meaning no wasting precious beach time.
It comes in a generous bottle of 200ml for a bargain price of £6.50.
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