7 Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Best Sunscreen for Kids

The last thing any parent wants is for their child to know the pain and discomfort of sun damage. The redness, blistering and tenderness can make a child miserable, but it’s so avoidable. However, in order to prevent sunburn, you have to use even the best sunscreen for kids in the right way – which essentially means avoiding the common pitfalls many fall foul of. 

We don’t want you to have to go through this kind of experience with your child, which is why we put this article together. In it, you’ll find seven handy tips to ensure you don’t. 

Mistake #1 – You’ve Got to Use Enough of the Best Sunscreen for Kids 

First of all, even the very best sunscreen for kids needs to be given the chance to do its work, meaning that you have to use enough of the product. If you don’t use a liberal amount of sun lotion, you may not provide a sufficient barrier against UV rays and this could lead to burning.

Mistake #2 – Missing Commonly-Forgotten Areas

Another big reason for kids getting sunburn is areas of skin that aren’t covered. The tips of the ears, the back of the neck and the tops of the feet are very common areas to miss and can be extremely painful. 

Mistake #3 – Not Reapplying After Swimming 

If your child loves having a dip in the pool with their friends, it’s going to affect how long the sunscreen they’re wearing lasts. In fact, when they get wet, sunscreen can easily wash off, so it needs to be reapplied right afterwards – every time! If you don’t, burning can happen quickly. 

Mistake #4 – Not Paying Attention to Expiry Dates

If you don’t keep a close eye on the expiry date of your sunscreen, it could leave your little one unprotected. That’s because it only stays good for around 3 years, after which it may degrade and lose its ability to protect the skin. Sunscreen doesn’t last forever, so be aware.

Mistake #5 – Waiting Until You’re Outside to Apply It 

Any amount of time your child’s skin is exposed to direct sunlight can lead to burning, so you should really apply sunscreen before you go out. This is particularly true when talking about chemical sunscreen brands that need 30 minutes to be fully absorbed. 

Mistake #6 – Skipping Cloudy Days

There’s a general assumption in society – that’s wrong – that sun damage only happens when the sun is blazing in the sky. The truth is, it can happen even on cloudy days, as UVA rays aren’t stopped by clouds of any size. Not even being inside your house can stop UVA rays, as they can come in through the windows, too. Don’t skip sunscreen, ever! 

Mistake #7 – Relying Solely On Sunscreen 

Lastly, what you don’t want to be doing as a parent is relying solely on sunscreen to keep your kid’s skin safe – not when there are so many other ways to keep them protected. So, we’re talking about sun hats, t-shirts, umbrellas and areas of shade, if there are any. Sunscreen is effective, but it should be one of a few different methods you’re using.

Using The Best Sunscreen for Kids to Protect Your Little Ones

All that’s required to keep your little one safe when they’re playing out in the sun is a little planning and thought. The more methods you use, the more you’ll do to ensure that they have healthy skin for life, as just one incidence of sunburn can double their chances of cancer later on. 

Just try and avoid these mistakes and you’ll go a long way to ensuring their skin stays happy and burn-free. That way, you can all enjoy the sun without it being at the expense of skin health.