Everything you need to know about sunscreen for children and babies

Sunbathing without sun protection can lead to sunburn, sun damage, pigment spots and increases the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is important to apply sunscreen to children's sensitive skin well when they are going out in the sun. Sun protection factor (SPF) means that children can stay out in the sun longer than they could without protection. In addition to using sunscreen for children, it is important to protect children with a sun hat and sunglasses. Also, take a break from the sun in the middle of the day and use a parasol on the beach.

Can children use adult sunscreen?

Children have more fragile skin than adults. The skin is not fully developed and is therefore very sensitive to the sun. How sensitive the skin is, of course, also varies from child to child. It is therefore recommended to use a sunscreen that is specifically adapted to children's skin. To avoid reactions and the development of allergies, children's skin should be spared from allergens that could be found in adult sunscreen. Adult sunscreen has a chemical UV filter, while children's sunscreen often has a physical filter that acts as a protective filter on the skin.

Choose a sunscreen that is easy to apply, such as a sun spray, gel or sunscreen that can be applied to wet skin. Applying sunscreen can be a challenge for children when there is a lot of fun going on around them. Sunscreens that are especially suitable for children are often labeled as "Kids" or "For Children".

Choose waterproof sunscreen for children

Children are usually active in the sun and swim a lot. Therefore, it is important that sunscreen for children is water-resistant, so that the sun protection factor does not deteriorate in water. Even if the sunscreen says that it is water-resistant, it does not mean that it can be used in swimming indefinitely. There are two classifications:

«Water Resistant» – The UV filters in the sunscreen can withstand 2×20 minutes of swimming before the sun protection is significantly reduced.

«Very Water Resistant» – You can swim for 4×20 minutes before the sun protection in the sunscreen is weakened.

Remember that it is not only swimming that can weaken the protection of sunscreen, but also sweating and towel drying after swimming. This is especially true for sunscreens for children, as they often contain physical UV filters. The sunscreen remains on the outside of the skin and is wiped off when it comes into contact with a towel.

Children should wear sunscreen with a high SPF

Since children's skin is extra sensitive to dangerous sun rays, it should be protected with sunscreen with a high SPF. Children must have a minimum SPF of 30 or 50 where the sun is stronger. If you are traveling to a sunny place in the winter, it is extra important to monitor and protect your children's skin at the beginning of your vacation. Then the skin is not used to the sun and is extra prone to getting burned quickly.

This is how often you should apply sunscreen to children

Even if the sunscreen is waterproof, it should be reapplied evenly throughout the day – especially if you are swimming a lot and are active. A good rule of thumb is to reapply (both yourself and your children) every two hours. UV filters in sunscreen are broken down by heat and sunlight, so reapply regularly to your children, whether they are swimming or not. Remember that too much sunscreen is better than too little.

Sunscreen for babies, toddlers or school children?

Sunscreen for young children should contain physical UV filters, which means that there are particles in the sunscreen that reflect the sun's rays. Make sure that the sunscreen protects against both UVB radiation and UVA radiation. You can check this in the product description for each product. You need to think a little extra about what ingredients the sunscreen for young children in particular contains. Both endocrine disruptors such as parabens and allergens should be avoided. Look for sunscreens with the Nordic Ecolabel. Those sunscreens do not have UV filters that are on the EU's list of suspected endocrine disruptors or classified allergens. Children under 1 year of age should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

Sunscreen is important everywhere – in the mountains and on the beach

It can be easy to forget that sunny spring days are also harmful to the skin. A good rule of thumb is to remember to apply sunscreen to children's faces on days with nice weather and sun when children will be outside a lot. If you are unsure whether the weather indicates that you should apply sunscreen to your children, you can check the UV forecast for the area where your child will be staying. If the forecast indicates 3 (moderate strength) or more, you should apply sunscreen to children where the skin will be exposed.

Can I use the sunscreen from last year?

Sunscreen can be used within the expiration date stated on the bottle if it has not been damaged by improper storage (too hot or too light). Check the expiration date on the bottle and look, feel and smell it. If it smells strange, has a strange consistency or colour, you should buy a new one.

Keep this in mind when children are going to be in the sun a lot:

• Take breaks from the sun (preferably in the middle of the day when the sun is strongest).
• Use at least SPF 30 on children.
• Reapply about every two hours.
• Reapply when children have been swimming a lot.
• Remember to protect their ears, lips, neck and face extra well.
• They should wear a cap or sun hat. This will also protect the scalp.
• Remember sunglasses – children's eyes can also be damaged by the sun.