Suncream on children EVERY DAY?

[elisio1]

Ok, having only just discovered (yes, I've been hiding under a rock) that dermatologists recommend that we wear at least factor 15 sunscreen on exposed skin EVERY DAY of the year, rain or shine, the logical extension to this is that we should put suncreen on our children every day.

But something in me is reluctant to smear chemical-containing cream over their young, perfect skin this every day (obviously I do so when the sun is hot and on the beach )

Am I also behind the times on this?

Does everyone else put suncream on their kids' exposed skin every day of the year?

[Niecie]

I don't but then the latest information is not to put it on every day. There was a case in the news a month or two ago of a girl who had rickets due to lack of sun. Her mother put suntan lotion on her every day and it inhibits vitamin D absorbtion or something.

In the UK in January I don't think there is much point is there.

[GingerbreadDad]

Zinc oxide sunscreen acts as a physical block rather than a chemical block much better imo

[elisio1]

Thanks for replies. It's hard to know what to do about sun these days, isn't it? Do you know which sunscreens contain zinc oxide? Have always gone for Soltan, but not sure if it contains this?

[GingerbreadDad]

The ingredients list on the product should show what it contains there are different brands so best to keep a look out.

[fumanchu]

According to an article I read recently, 90% of vitamin D in our bodies comes from sun exposure and many people are severely deficient. I only use suncream on my kids in very hot sunny weather and beaches. Obviously, I ensure they do not burn but I think people are rather hysterical about the sun.

[dycey]

Hat and sleeves pretty good protection against sun. I only use factor 15 in a screen on my face. Hat on my son when sun feels strong / bright. Cream when feels burning.

Totally agree about the chemicals on skin. I feel best avoided unless hot.

[greycircles]

I only cream mine abroad or when it is very hot here. Neither have ever been burnt. I also will often put a tshirt with elbow length sleeves on the in preference to a shorter sleeved/sleeveless top to avoid excessive use of suncream. Abroad, I shove loads on them, but that's only one week a year and not even every year anyway.

[littleducks]

I use the green people organic sunscreen after recommendations on here, we have used it for 3 yrs and it seems good to us (though £££). I don't use it every day in summer let alone all year I couldnt afford to and sont think it is necessary.

I do think covering up is actually better than wearing barely any clothes and having to repeatedly reapply cream when it is really hot

[Hulababy]

Is it really a good idea to cover children in suncream every day? What about vitamin D?

[issynoko]

I go for clothes and sunscreen when it's really sunny. Always check ingredients - I avoid Parabens - not sure why but am a sucker for scare stories involving unnecessary chemicals. Bit gloomy today though. Might go out and dance in the acid rain.