Children’s skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin and burns faster. That is why children need sunscreen with very high protection (SPF 50+), UVA and UVB protection and formulas suited to sensitive skin.
This category is part of Sunscreens and sun protection. After-sun care can be found in After-sun care.
Which form to choose
| Form |
When it is practical |
Examples in our range |
| Cream, lotion and milk |
Precise application on face and body; for babies and dry skin |
Mustela high UV protection lotion, Sebamed Sun Baby, Vichy Capital Soleil kids milk, Uriage Bariésun kids milk, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo-Pediatrics, Dermedic Sunbrella Baby |
| Spray |
Quick application on larger areas, at the beach and pool |
Eucerin Sun Kids spray, Bioderma Photoderm Pediatrics, Chicco spray SPF 50+, Top Ten Kids Sensitive, Uriage Bariésun kids spray |
| Stick |
Face, nose, ears and lips – for top-ups during the day |
Mustela sun stick SPF 50 |
| Gel and wet-skin formulas |
Light texture; can be applied to wet skin after swimming |
Eucerin Sun Kids Dry Touch gel-cream, Babe Pediatric Wet Skin, Ladival kids gel |
How to protect your child properly
- Keep babies under six months out of direct sun – shade, light long-sleeved clothing and a hat are the basic protection
- Avoid the sun between 11 am and 5 pm
- Apply a generous amount before going out, and reapply every two hours and after every swim and towel-dry
- Water-resistant sunscreens also need reapplying after swimming
- For sensitive and atopic skin, choose fragrance-free formulas
When to see a doctor
- blisters or sunburn over a large area
- fever, chills, vomiting or headache after time in the sun
- any sunburn in a baby
Pharmacist’s advice
Sunscreen is only part of the protection: a T-shirt, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and staying in the shade are just as important. Do not skimp at the beach – a thin layer protects far less than stated on the pack.
Before first use, apply a little to the inside of your child’s arm and wait to see whether redness appears.
Ljubica Barbulović, Master of Pharmacy
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See also
Frequently asked questions
From what age can a baby use sunscreen?
For babies under six months, shade and clothing are the basic protection; use sunscreen on small areas only when exposure cannot be avoided, on a paediatrician’s advice.
How often should sunscreen be reapplied on a child?
Every two hours and after every swim, sweating or towel-drying.
Is cream or spray better for children?
Both protect equally if enough is applied; cream is more precise for the face, spray quicker for the body.
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