Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Help settle an argument about correct / safe sun screen practice?

35 replies

ConfusedAboutSunscreen · 29/07/2024 19:37

My kids are both very fair (one is freckley the other very pale with white-blonde hair). Have so far managed to avoid them getting sunburnt by being strict about hats / staying out of sun 10 - 2, covering up, etc. I have also got very pale skin w/ rosacea and gotten burned a few times and it hurts so much so really want to avoid this happening to my kids.

Extended family were going to a lake today with a beach and I was applying suncream really thickly. Kids looked like ghosts! My brother said it needs to be rubbed in a bit. My thinking is that a thicker layer prevents burning for longer. It got quite heated (no pun intended). Am just using Soltan / Ambre Solaire for kids stuff from Boots as is my brother for his family. If I am wrong I would actually be quite happy as I don't want to waste it as it isn't cheap!!

YABU - it's fine to rub it in
YANBU - thicker layer protects the skin for longer

As an aside I remember when I was small we had "sun block" but this doesn't seem to exist anymore? Does more-than-factor-50 exist? I was thinking of the Australian cricketers with that green stuff on their faces which they didn't rub in? Maybe should use this...

OP posts:
bakewellbride · 29/07/2024 20:03

Do your kids not say anything op? If I leave even the tiniest bit of white on my nearly 6 year old he's hysterically howling mummy RUB IT IN.

InTheRainOnATrain · 29/07/2024 20:01

Rub it in! Obviously use enough for decent coverage. Apply 30 minutes before going in the sun and reapply after swimming/every 2 hours. No one needs a factor higher than 50, probably not even 30 especially if you’re that strict on staying out of the sun between 10-2 (think I’d have a mutiny on my hands if I told mine that!).

whyamiawakestillitssolate · 29/07/2024 20:00

I’m not sure I’m understanding - are you using a normal sun cream but putting it on like paint and leaving it sticky and liquid on top of skin? I don’t know anyone that does this - everyone I know rubs it in like body cream - we do use quite a bit but not so you can still see it once rubbed in and my very pale dd has not burnt (also only re-apply every 3 hours probably in England)

You can get higher factors - I really like the neutrogena factor 70 that you can get in the USA - we stock up on holiday - I think you also can get it online.

SlowRunner06 · 29/07/2024 19:58

Have a look at Badger Suncream. Expensive but organic. Works well for my fair skinned children.

I'd be rubbing the cream in though. Factor 30 is also sufficient.

bakewellbride · 29/07/2024 19:54

I'm team rub it in

LorneSausage · 29/07/2024 19:52

Family history of skin cancer here and my dermatologist advised me to apply sunscreen thoroughly half an hour before you go into the sun and smooth it in gently. I do it as part of getting dressed to make sure every bit of skin is covered. Reapply every couple of hours and every time you've been in the water but as PP said, clothing is better and staying out of the sun is best of all.

TinyYellow · 29/07/2024 19:51

A thicker layer does not prevent burning for longer. You’re supposed to put cream on half an hour before you go into the sun, then again when you get there, then again every hour or so.

Catza · 29/07/2024 19:46

No, that’s not really how the sun cream works. You can safely rub it in but still use a fair bit. If you want physical protection, then cover them up with clothes. You don’t need to waste the lotion for that.

KeirSpoutsTwaddle · 29/07/2024 19:40

Use more than you think, so more than moisturiser for example. You aren’t trying to rub it in like body lotion.

But more so- use physical sun blocks- sun shirts that block the sun. That way you don’t need to use so much chemical on them, spend so much, or make them stand still as long!

TakeMe2Insanity · 29/07/2024 19:40

Depending on the brand it does need rubbed in.

The coloured stuff cricketers wear is zinc but it comes in a stick (like lipstick) so hard to spread. Factor 50 on the face should work along with good sun sense. Top up regularly.

Swipe left for the next trending thread