We may be in the midst of a nationwide lockdown [1], but we're here to remind you that sunscreen is still essential [2], especially for your children whose skin is most sensitive.
In a mere few days (June 20 to be exact), summer 2020 will have officially begun. And despite everything that's happening on the pandemic front, lockdown restrictions are slowly easing, which means you may have started spending more time outdoors with your family as the weather warms up. There's no doubt your children are already begging you for trips to the park or, if you're lucky enough to have outside space, more time in the garden [3].
Whether that means they're darting around with the grass under their feet or splashing excitedly in a paddling pool [4], it's important that their skin is protected from top to toe at all times. We know that time is precious for busy parents, which is why we wanted to make your life a little easier by sharing the top sunscreens for children as recommended by dermatologists and skin specialists, all right here in one convenient place.
Remember that the sun is strongest between 11am and 3pm, so try to find a shaded area between these times to keep your little ones cool.
Bioderma Photoderm Kid Mousse
"The sunscreen I'd recommend for children is the Bioderma Photoderm Kid Mousse [5] (£14.50). It provides high-level SPF 50+ protection, but it's also fun and smells lovely. Children actually enjoy having it applied!" — Dr Sophie Shotter, medical director and founder of Illuminate Skin Clinic [6]
SunSense Kids
"One of my favourite sunscreens for children and babies over 6 months old is SunSense Kids [7] (£15). This is a broad-spectrum SPF 50 UVA/UVB lotion which is also fragrance-free, so it's great for sensitive or delicate skin. It's easy to spread, nonsticky, and water-resistant for up to four hours, however I would still recommend topping up immediately after swimming, sweating, or towelling off." — Justine Kluk [8], consultant dermatologist
Altruist Sunscreen SPF 50
"I've had many parents tell me that Altruist Sun Creams [9] (£4 and up) are the only ones their children will use, as they go on easily, are not sticky, leave the skin feeling smooth, and don't smell." — Dr Andrew Birnie, consultant dermatologist and founder of Altruist Dermatologist Sunscreen [10]
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF 50+
"Generally, if budget isn't an issue, I tend to recommend the La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF 50+ [11] (£13, originally £17.50) since it seems to be well tolerated by even children with sensitive or eczema-prone skin." — Sreedhar Krishna, NHS consultant dermatologist and founder of the SkinDoc app [12]
Soltan Kids Protect & Moisturise SPF 50
"The best sunscreen for the face, arms, and legs is Soltan Kids Protect & Moisturise SPF 50 [13] (£3.50) used once daily. It will last when in water and gives a total block, which lasts three-to-four hours, so it probably needs to be applied twice daily if you're in and out of a pool." — Dr Ross Perry, medical director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics [14]
Ultrasun Family
"I really like Ultrasun Family [15] (£18). I use it on my two children, especially on beach holidays when it's really hot as they're prone to heat rash and I find that this sunscreen doesn't exacerbate it. Also, it's not greasy, it's easy to apply, and it's got waterproof capabilities, so even as they get in and out of the pool, I know they have some protection." — Dija Ayodele, aesthetician and founder of West Room Aesthetics [16] and the Black Skin Directory [17]
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo-Paediatrics Baby Lotion SPF 50+
"My favourite sunscreen for children and babies has to be La Roche Posay Anthelios Dermo-Paediatrics Baby Lotion SPF 50+ [18] (£9, originally £12) because it offers high-factor protection against UVA, UVB, and even infrared radiation. It is dermatologically tested and backed by clinical studies. As well as this, it's hypoallergenic, which means it's suitable for use on sensitive or eczema-prone skin, which babies often have. It's also highly water-resistant and contains shea butter to help moisturise the skin and leave it hydrated." — Dr Aneesha Ahmad, medical director of Skyn Doctor [19]
Mustela Very High Protection Sun Lotion
"In addition to providing adequate UV protection with SPF 50+, Mustela's Very High Protection Sun Lotion [20] (£17) contains antioxidants such as avocado extract and vitamin E, which neutralise free radicals and repair sun damage. Also, its patented natural ingredient, avocado perseose, provides a good skin barrier, which makes it suitable for sensitive skin." — Dr Jinah Yoo [21], consultant dermatologist & honorary senior clinical lecturer