a little girl using NIVEA Kids Protect & Care Suncream SPF 50+

What Makes a Sunscreen Good for Kids?

Discover what makes a sunscreen good for kids with SPF tips, safe ingredients, and expert advice to keep your child’s skin protected.

What's in this article:

Why Sun Protection Is Important for Kids

Children’s skin is more sensitive to UV rays than adults, making them more susceptible to sunburn and long-term damage. Overexposure can increase the risk of skin conditions later in life, therefore, protecting your child’s skin now is in their best interest for the future. This protection involves the regular application of sun cream, but also the use of other means of protection, such as wearing protective clothing and avoiding direct sunlight, particularly during the hours when the sun is at its highest.

There are many sunscreen options available and finding the right one can feel overwhelming. From understanding SPF levels to choosing skin-friendly ingredients - selecting the best sunscreen for you involves more than just grabbing the highest protection factor. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about kids’ sunscreen, including SPF recommendations and practical application tips. 

What Makes a Sunscreen Good for Kids?

5 Factors to consider to help you find the best sunscreen for kids:
Little boy using NIVEA Kids Ultra Protect & Play SPF50+

1. Skin Type:

Consider your child's skin sensitivity and any specific needs, such as extra hydration. Creamy lotions offer even coverage and hydration, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

 

2. Formula:

Different sunscreen formulas suit various needs. Spray-on lotions provide quick application for active kids but may require extra care for full body coverage. Choose based on skin type, activity level, and ease of use. 

 

3. Water Resistance:

Choose a product that matches their daily activities, whether it's water-resistant for swimming or long-lasting for outdoor play. For example, NIVEA Kids Ultra Protect & Play SPF50+ offers extra water and sand resistance, keeping kids protected during splashes. Regardless of the formula, always reapply after water exposure.

4. UVA Protection:

UVA protection is essential to protect the skin from damage. Under European legislation, all sun protection products must have at least one third the UVA protection of UVB protection. In the UK, the UVA protection factor is indicated by a star system from 1 to 5, with a UVA index of 4 or 5 stars indicating superior protection. 

 

5. SPF (Sun Protection Factor):

SPF measures protection against UVB rays, which cause sunburn. SPF 50+ or higher is ideal for kids as it offers a high level of protection, shielding their sensitive skin. 

For this reason, most kids suncream is available with SPFs 50 or more. Even on cloudy days, it is important to protect children with a high level of protection.

Discover The NIVEA Kids Protect & Care Suncream SPF 50+

When selecting a sunscreen for kids, consider a formula that is easy to apply, non-sticky, and water-resistant to support active outdoor play. The NIVEA Kids Protect & Care Suncream SPF 50+ is all of these, plus more. Enriched with ingredients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Panthenol, which work together to help strengthen the skin barrier while keeping your child’s skin safe from harmful UV rays. 
NIVEA Kids Protect Suncream SPF 50+
applying NIVEA Kids Protect & Care Sunscreen

Which Sunscreen Should You Choose for Babies?

For babies, protecting their delicate skin from the sun is critical, as their skin is thinner and more sensitive to UV rays. Here’s what to consider when choosing sunscreen for babies:
Age Suitability:

Babies under six months should avoid direct sun exposure altogether. For older babies (six months and above), choose a sunscreen specifically formulated for their delicate skin. 

Formula:

Opt for sunscreens designed for the sensitive skin of babies and whose formula has been tested under paediatric supervision.

SPF Level:

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF over 50 to provide optimal protection from UVB rays and containing solar filters that protect against UVA rays.

Water Resistance:

Choose water-resistant formulations and reapply immediately after water exposure.

NIVEA Babies & Kids Sensitive Protect Spray SPF 50+
For babies over six months, the NIVEA Babies & Kids Sensitive Protect Spray SPF 50+ offers gentle, effective protection. Especially designed for kids and babies, the caring formula is enriched with Organic Chamomile fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin or prone to eczema. Easy to apply, it also offers a very good water resistance for efficient protection during outdoor activities. 
NIVEA Babies & Kids Sensitive Spray
Which Sunscreen Do I Choose

Facts Overview

Why Sun Protection Is Important for Kids?
Children’s skin is more sensitive to UV rays than adults, making them more susceptible to sunburn and long-term damage. Overexposure can increase the risk of skin conditions later in life. Protecting your child’s skin now can help to improve their skin health later in life. This involves not only applying sun cream, but also taking shelter from the sun and wearing appropriate protective clothing.

Does kids’ sunscreen last all day?
No, like all sunscreens, kids' sunscreens do not last all day and need reapplication every two hours, and immediately after water exposure. 

How early should sunscreen be applied before sun exposure?
Generally, it is advisable to apply sunscreen about 20 minutes before going outside to allow it to fully absorb and activate. 

7 Tips for Applying Sunscreen to Children

Correct sunscreen application is key to ensuring your child is well-protected from UV rays. Follow these tips and steps for best results:

1
Start with Clean, Dry Skin:

Ensure your child’s skin is clean and dry to help the sunscreen adhere better. 

2
Use the Right Amount:

Apply a generous layer—about a teaspoon for smaller areas like the face and neck, and more for larger areas like arms and legs.

3
Cover All Exposed Areas:

Don’t forget often-missed spots like ears, the back of the neck, and tops of the feet.

4
Apply Generously and Evenly:

Make sure the sunscreen is spread evenly to avoid missed spots, ensuring maximum coverage.

5
Apply 20 Minutes Before Exposure:

This gives the sunscreen time to fully absorb and activate for optimal protection.

6
Reapply Regularly:

Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours and after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.

7
Pair with Other Protection:

Combine sunscreen use with protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses for comprehensive sun safety.

Application Tips for Toddlers:

Toddlers are highly active and may resist sunscreen application, making it crucial to choose a format that is quick and easy to apply.
•
Use a roll-on, spray, or stick sunscreen

For faster and more targeted application, minimising fuss. If you use a spray, spray a small amount of cream into your hand before applying to the face to avoid the risk of inhaling the product.

•
Apply in small sections

To keep toddlers engaged and reduce squirming. 

little boy using NIVEA Babies & Kids Sensitive Protect Spray SPF 50+

The NIVEA Kids Sunscreen Range

Explore the NIVEA Kids Sunscreen range, formulated specifically for kids and babies. With very high SPF protection and gentle, water-resistant formulas, NIVEA kids sunscreens provide effective, tailored protection care for children. Each product in the NIVEA Kids Suncream range is dermatologically tested and provides immediate UVA and UVB protection, making it safer for your children to play outdoors.
NIVEA Kids Suncream

Common Sunscreen Mistakes Parents Make

Parents often reduce the effectiveness of sun protection by making common mistakes, such as:
•
Not applying enough sunscreen:

Use a generous amount, around at least a teaspoon for the face and neck, and a teaspoon for each region of the rest of the body.

•
Missing key areas:

The ears, back of the neck, tops of feet, and hands are often overlooked.

•
Applying spray formulas without spreading:

Sprays can be convenient but it is necessary to massage the cream well into all parts of the body in order to ensure even coverage and avoid neglecting some exposed areas. For the face, spray a little cream into your hand before applying. Do not spray directly onto the face to avoid inhaling the product.

•
Forgetting to reapply:

Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours and immediately after swimming or sweating.

Sunscreen Expiry & Storage Tips

Sunscreen can lose effectiveness over time, so always check the expiration date before use. Most sun creams do not have an expiry date, but a shelf life after opening, illustrated by an open jar followed by the number of months (usually 12 months). So be sure to note the date of opening. It is also important to store your sun cream properly to guarantee its lifespan. Keep your sunscreen in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving it in direct sunlight, such as in a hot car, as heat can break down the active ingredients. If sunscreen changes in texture, smell, or colour, it’s best to replace it.

Summary

By choosing a sunscreen and adopting the correct sun safety habits, you can ensure your child’s skin is well-protected from harmful UV rays. This includes choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen suitable for their skin type, applying it correctly and consistently, and complementing it with protective clothing, hats, and shade. With consistent protection and the right product, your child can safely enjoy their time outdoors.

FAQ's

What factor sunscreen is best for kids?

SPF 50 or higher is the safest option for children, offering the highest level of UVB protection.

Can I use sunscreen on babies?

For babies under six months, avoid direct sun exposure at all cost and use UV-protective clothing, a long-brimmed hat, sunglasses and parasols.. For older babies, choose a baby-specific sunscreen like NIVEA’s gentle formulas from the NIVEA Babies & Kids Sensitive Protect range.

How long does sun protection last for children?

Most sunscreens last up to two hours. Reapply more frequently if swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

Can sunscreen be applied over other skincare products?

Yes, but sunscreen should always be the last step in your child’s skincare routine to ensure it forms a protective layer on the skin.

How can I make sunscreen application easier for my child?

Opt for kid-friendly textures handy format like sprays or roll-ons spray-on oils or roll-ons and textures suitable for children, such as light creams or lotions that are easy to spread and penetrate quickly.

Is there a way to test if sunscreen has expired?

Check the expiration date or shelf life after opening on the bottle. Expired sunscreen may not provide adequate protection and should be replaced.

Should I use factor 50 or factor 30 on my child?

It’s always best to choose the highest SPF possible for kids’ suncream, such as SPF50 or more, to ensure optimal protection from the sun. However, even with a higher SPF it's important to reapply sunscreen frequently to maintain effective protection.

What’s the difference between kids’ suncream and one for adults?

Kids’ suncreams are formulated for delicate skin with gentle ingredients, like Vitamin E and Panthenol, to support the skin barrier as well as broad-spectrum sun filters to protect children's skin.

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