Let's talk about sunscreen for kids. Do we need to buy a separate sun cream for our children? A family day out in the sun requires a big, heavy bag. The unlucky bag carrier has to lug around water bottles for everyone, wet wipes for post-ice-cream hands, all the sun hats everyone refuses to carry themselves and of course those all-important SPF supplies. According to the NHS from March onwards in the UK we shouldn't be leaving the house without some form of SPF. So how do we go about lightening our tote bag load without compromising on sun protection? The answer is simple. Pack a bottle of SPF that's suitable for the whole family and no that doesn't necessarily mean forsaking your own favourite skin-loving bottle of SPF and using the kid's version instead because, sound the klaxon, our kids can use the same sunscreen as us if we shop right.
Advertising campaigns and shelves full of kids-only sun care products in supermarkets may have us convinced that we need to buy separate sun cream supplies for the little ones but the truth of the matter is we can all use the same one as long as it offers sufficient protection and is sensitive-skin-friendly and hypoallergenic. Founder of Ultrasun and sun care expert Abi Cleeve tells Grazia 'the most important factors in choosing UV protection for kids is a sensitive formula with a very high SPF and UVA filter.' The NHS recommends choosing an SPF for kids that's no lower than SPF 30 and Abi says that the UVA filter should ideally be over 90%. Abi says that we should be looking for very high UVA and UVB filters in a stable formula when shopping for SPFs that work well for both ourselves and our children. 'Look for formulas that are fast-absorbing and non-greasy, ' continues Abi, 'which makes applying it to wriggling little ones less challenging.'
The £6 Sun Cream Caroline Hirons' Raves About And Is Suitable For Kids Too
A bottle of good sun cream needn't cost the earth. Globally renowned aesthetician and straight talking beauty influencer Caroline Hirons took to Instagram this week to rave about a £6 face SPF that has, Garnier assures us, been tested under paediatric control and is safe for the kids to use too.
Caroline wrote 'I'm testing SPFs at the mo and this @garnieruk Ambre Solaire Anti-Dryness SPF 50 is the dog's b******'*. I do one layer all over my face and neck (and tops of my ears - BUN)and then I go in again over my areas of hyperpigmentation.' Caroline continued 'So far I'm loving it. I've had no issues wearing makeup over it, but I only really wear concealer day to day and a little foundation if doing telly.' Duly noted. Already inspired and keen to shop more sensitive-skin-friendly SPF buys? Scroll on down...
Shop: The Best Sun Creams For Sensitive Skin
Best Sun Creams For Sensitive Skin - Grazia 2021
1 of 8Pai Skincare British Summer Time: Sensitive Sunscreen, £32
This do-it-all wonder cream protects skin from damaging UVA, UVB, blue light and infra-red. Super silky and lightweight, the formula is 99% natural and suitable for sensitive skin.
2 of 8Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Hydrating Hypoallergenic Face Sun Cream Mist SPF 50, £6
Sensitive, oily skin? This dermatologically tested concoction is for you. With a non-greasy formula, it can be applied underneath or on top of makeup to protect skin and is completely transparent upon application.
3 of 8La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine SPF 50+, £17.50
When thinking of the best brands in skincare, one that automatically jumps out is La Roche-Posay. Providing a solution for those with oil-prone skin is the Anti-Shine SPF; a dry-touch, water-resistant gel cream.
4 of 8SkinCeuticals Sheer Mineral UV Defense SPF 50, £37
Suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive of skins, this silky sheer fluid spreads evenly and dries quickly. Formulated with 100% mineral filters (which contain titanium dioxide and work to form a physical barrier that deflects or bounces harmful UV rays away).
5 of 8Shiseido Clear Stick UV Protector WetForce Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50+, £28
With Wetforce Technology, this sunscreen acts as a protective veil for 80 minutes and actually becomes stronger when it comes into contact with water or perspiration. Being a clear stick formula means a non-sticky, smooth texture with no residue left on the skin. No mess, no fuss. It's great for touch-ups on the go.
6 of 8Ultrasun Extreme SPF50+ 100ml, £22.00
Recommended by skin experts and prescribed by GPs for those with the most sun sensitive skin and prone to sun allergies including babies. Ultrasun Extreme SPF50+ delivers very high protection from both UVA (95%) and UVB (SPF50+). Formulated with antioxidants and vitamins E and B5, it absorbs quickly with no greasy feel or chalky appearance. Contains no perfume, emulsifiers or preservatives, suitable for vegans and reef-friendly.
7 of 8Ultrasun Family SPF30 100ml, £20.00
Delivers long lasting high level, broad spectrum protection (UVA 90% and UVB SPF30) and is water, sweat and towel resistant. The gentle hypo-allergenic formula is free from emulsifiers, perfumes and preservatives, making it ideal for children's skin.
8 of 8Garnier Ambre Solaire Anti-Dryness UV Protection Cream SPF 50+, £6
'I'm testing SPFs at the mo and this @garnieruk Ambre Solaire Anti-Dryness SPF 50 is the dog's b******'*. I do one layer all over my face and neck (and tops of my ears - BUN)and then I go in again over my areas of hyperpigmentation.' - Caroline Hirons.
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