Sun Protection Creams

As we approach Summer we come to that time where parents everywhere are considering the best way to protect their little ones from the sun. It is rare for us in the UK to get really hot weather but it is also widely accepted now that even on cloudy days, delicate skin can burn. The dilemma is that it has also been widely publicised recently that Vitamin D deficiency is increasingly common in people in the UK, the sun being our main source. The trick is to ensure your children get enough sun to get their Vitamin D without risking burning their skin and increasing the risk of skin cancer.

It is the UVB rays in the sun that boost levels of vitamin D and some studies have shown that during the Winter in the UK there is not enough sun to increase levels of vitamin D. Therefore our bodies rely on stores from the Summer months.

The NHS advise is that in the UK if we spend some time in the sun in the middle of the day exposing as much of our skin as possible, 10-15mins should be enough but obviously this varies from one person to the next. Sunscreen should be applied if you are in the sun longer than this.

It is also worth considering the type of sunscreen you choose for your family. Chemical sunscreens work because your body absorbs the chemicals contained in them and the chemicals then absorb the sun's rays. Mineral sunscreens work by coating the surface of your skin and reflecting the sun's rays away from your skin.

Chemical sunscreens have been linked to an increased risk of cancer but I will allow you to do your own research on that topic as it is highly controversial.

In conclusion, there are many variables involved in sun protection. The intensity of the sun, the time of day, the percentage of your skin that is exposed, UVA/UVB rays, individual sensitivity to the sun. As parents we have to make informed choices and take calculated risks on all sorts of topics.

Personally, I go for my usual mantra of 'everything in moderation' so my kids are allowed to play in the sun for short periods of time without sunscreen. I don't bother sending sunscreen to school, despite demands by teachers, because I don't think they spend enough time in the sun for it to be necessary. They do, however, all take hats. If we are outside in the sun for prolonged periods of time I prefer them to cover up with a light t-shirt or rash vest if in the water, rather than applying head to toe cream. We then just use a mineral sunscreen (Naturally Cool Kids Sunshine Armour is our favourite) on face, neck and forearms.

When choosing a sunscreen make sure it protects against UVA and UVB rays and whatever the SPF factor, reapply every 2 hours if you are in full sun.

I hope that helps, lets hope we get some sun this year!!