How to choose the best sunscreen for children, how often to apply and how much to use?

Did you know that the most havoc is done on our skin up to 20 years of age? We're talking about the effects of sun radiation here, of course. Mummy isn't always on hand to apply cream on you while you're running around and who's gonna be applying cream when you’re mucking about at a music festival? Outside, of course.

And all these little sins from being burnt jump out at you later, when you're not expecting it even though you're applying sunscreen every day. And to help your children avoid this, it's better to get them used to sunscreen for children very early and explain the importance of sun protection. Because what you learn as a child....

Which children’s sunscreen cream is best?

The best SPF cream is of course the one you and your children will want to use. That's why choose a texture that suits you 100% whether it's a cream, milk, spray or stick. 

It should contain the following:

Broad spectrum protection

Dermatologists stress at every opportunity that broad spectrum creams are the only way to go. They should not only protect against UVB radiation, which causes sunburn and can lead to skin cancer, but also against UVA radiation. This won't burn, but it can also cause cancer and leads to premature skin ageing. The packaging should either display the words "broad spectrum" or the symbol PA+++ or the text UVB+UVA.

High protection factor (SPF)

Because you don't apply a sufficient amount of SPF most of the time, you don't get the protection promised on the packaging. Adequate protection is a teaspoon for the face and a shot glass for the whole body. That’s quite a large amount. Therefore, it is safer to use a cream with a protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and up. 

Water resistant

Children spend most of their holiday and summer life in the water. That's why you can't get by without a water-resistant cream. Such an SPF cream maintains its protection even during water fun and games or when perspiring. Even so, do not forget to re-apply a protective layer of cream every two hours. And after every swim as well.

Other tips:

• Don't forget the nose, ears, and the backs of arms and legs.
• Apply a protective factor (SPF) every two hours and after each swim.
• Children under six months of age should not be exposed to the sun at all. Purchase them special clothes with SPF protection (even for the water) and a hat and keep them in the shade.
• If you have children with sensitive skin or who burn quickly, get clothes with SPF protection for them too. This ensures 100 percent protection.
• Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., try to keep your children (and yourself) in the shade.
• Even if you prefer to use a cream or milk, toss an SPF spray into your beach bag, which you can spray your kids with on the fly, like a proper ninja.

With the right SPF protection, you don't have to worry about the summer (and year-round) sun at all. Don't forget about yourself either, the sun shines on you too!