Top Tips: Summer Skincare Tips For Kids

*This blog post is in collaboration with iHerb*

The sun is finally shining and of course we are all making the most of it, it is England after all so we don’t know how long it will last – we’d like to think it is here for the Summer but it could just as quickly disappear in a few days.

It’s only natural to want to head out into it as much as we can however while the sun’s rays make us feel good we need to protect ourselves from it.

Too much sun exposure can considerably damage our skin. The heat from the sun causes dryness in unprotected areas of the skin decreasing its supply of natural lubricating oils. Additionally, the sun has ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can lead to burning and changes in the structure of the skin (long-term).

Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer and sunburn doesn’t only happen while sunning yourself on holiday – you can just as easily burn in the UK, even when it’s cloudy.

As adults we can choose what to do with our skin, but children can’t so it’s our responsibility to ensure we keep them protected and look after their delicate skin.

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Top Tips for looking after children’s skin this summer

Stay in the shade between 11am – 3pm

The sun will be at its hottest at this time so the easiest way to avoid getting too much exposure or burnt is to avoid it. If you can’t avoid it then stay and play in shady areas – trees offer great shade as does a sun canopy or even a large blanket hung over a washing line can make a great make shift tent/shade.

Sunscreen

Essential for all sunny days, even when it is only bright yet cloudy too – cloud protection won’t hide you from the suns ray’s. For children ensure you use a sun protection factor of at least 30 SPF (Sun protection factor), the higher the better. You should aim to ensure that they also have at least a UVA protection rating too – this can be found on the back of the suncreams.

Suncream should be applied at least 15 minutes before heading out into the sun to allow it to absorb into the skin, a rough guide for applying to children is that you use around 2 teaspoons of cream for the face, arms and neck or if your child is wearing a swimming costume then roughly 2 tablespoons is needed.

Remember that it doesn’t last all day either and needs reapplying often and will also need reapplying after swimming, although some are swim/water resistant they will still need reapplying.

For the children I like to use Jason Natural, Family Natural Sunscreen, SPF 45, this comes in a squeezable tube and contains no parabens, harsh sulfates, petrolatum, artificial colour or phthalates and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It is a white coloured cream and a little thick in texture so does require a little extra rubbing into the skin – As Harry suffers very badly from Eczema I do need to be careful what I apply to his skin at all times – you can read my post on top tips for dealing with Eczema here.

I then use Kiss My Face, Face Factor, Face + Neck, 50 SPF, Sunscreen on their faces, ears and neck – this also contains no parabens or oxybenzone and is water resistant for up to 40 minutes. This cream isn’t as thick and is easier to apply and to run into their faces, always the area they complain about the most.

Cover up

Wearing sunsuits is the best way of covering up in the sun, they can be used for swimming or just playing outdoors. There are many types available from 2-pieces to short sleeves and long sleeves versions. Both my children have long sleeves versions with long legs to keep them completely covered.

Thin linen trousers or thin long shorts/skirts are good for children as they cover more skin, linen or cotton long sleeved tops are better than being topless in the sun. Close-weave fabrics don’t allow in the sunlight as much as other fabrics.

Protect their head and eyes

A wide brimmed hat will offer protection for the head, face, ears and neck – while a baseball cap will protect the face it won’t protect the back of the neck.

Sunglasses will stop squinting in the sun and will help protect young eyes from the bright sunlight.

Take breaks often

If you have had children out in the sun for a while bring them inside for breaks from the sun. Having lunch inside, coming inside for a drink or an ice-lolly or even to read a story or watch a programme.

Stay hydrated

Children will happily keep playing so will need reminding to have a drink. Water is of course best to hydrate them but diluted squash or even ice-pops will also help and may be easier to get them to take.

I also use George’s Aloe Vera, Aloe Spray Mister to help cool them down, this is an Aloe Vera cooling mist which is sprayed onto the skin and offer relief from sun burn but also has a cooling effect too. This comes in a pump bottle which is easy to spray directly onto the skin and can be left or rubbed in. It sprays in a very fine mist.

Apply after sun

This isn’t only something you should do if you are burnt but a good way of rehydrating the skin and moisturising it after exposure to the sun. I use Jason Natural, Moisturizing Gel, Aloe Vera, this comes in a large 16oz bottle and is a non-oily moisturising gel. This is a white cream, much thinner than the suncreams and very easy to apply, it is also absorbed into the skin very quickly and isn’t sticky after applying.

This also contains no parabens, SLS, petrolatum, artificial colours or phthlates

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