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Sun protection product that doesn't need to be rubbed in?

33 replies

BuyOneGetOne · 13/04/2025 22:54

DS has extreme sensory issues with anything 'gloopy' (e.g. oils, creams - anything viscous basically).
This makes sun protection very fraught.
If there was a product that didn't need to be rubbed in at all, that would help a bit!
Any recommendations?

OP posts:
Pompom12 · 13/04/2025 23:00

Would the easiest option be to remain fully clothed in long sleeves and trousers... Linen maybe? A Panama hat? Shoes not sandals

Xiaoxiong · 13/04/2025 23:04

I use Ultrasun SPF50 mist on my face, ears and back of my neck - it doesn't need to be rubbed in. It works on scalps too if you can't wear a hat.

Agree with @Pompom12 that rash guards / UV shirts are good for sun protection even if you don't mind suncream. You don't say how old your DS is but when mine were little they hated sitting still for suncream so we dressed them in sunsuits, and now they're older they wear rash guards and board shorts.

Comingtosunset · 13/04/2025 23:06

Heliocare invisible spray

spray and go.

no need to rub it. It’s lovely as I hate sticky hands

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BuyOneGetOne · 13/04/2025 23:09

Thanks.

He's 10.

I'm especially anxious about his face as he suffered bad sunburn on his face three years ago. He will happily wear a cap most of the time but that's not enough.

OP posts:
NeilDiamondsBlowDry · 13/04/2025 23:09

P20
https://www.boots.com/p20-original-spf-50-spray-100ml-10323670

whoknows1230 · 13/04/2025 23:10

Aldi do one in an aerosol can, definitely factor 50, and I think factor 30 too. It’s been a godsend for my sensory ASD child.

BuyOneGetOne · 13/04/2025 23:11

@NeilDiamondsBlowDry Is there a particular P20 product that you recommend?

OP posts:
NeilDiamondsBlowDry · 13/04/2025 23:12

Sorry Op I’ve just updated the post with the right link 😎

BuyOneGetOne · 13/04/2025 23:13

@NeilDiamondsBlowDry Thanks!

OP posts:
BuyOneGetOne · 13/04/2025 23:14

I'm going to buy all your recommendations and try them all with him...am so desperate.

OP posts:
Seawolves · 13/04/2025 23:14

I use the Aldi/Lidl dry spray on my little boy, it's factor 50, non sticky and less than £5 a tin. He's never burned with it on.

NeilDiamondsBlowDry · 13/04/2025 23:15

Although boots appear to have no stock right now but it’s available elsewhere 😎

ncanon88 · 13/04/2025 23:18

Boots Soltan do a sun stick for kids. It's like a giant lip balm and is applied the same way, you just glide the stick across your skin. It's clear, and you don't get the same mess that you get with creams.

BashfulClam · 13/04/2025 23:21

Boots soltan spray. My DH has sensory issues so can’t wear anything heavy but has lupus so needs a broad spectrum protection. We use this in 35c high UV last year and can’t back as white as we went.

catin8oot5 · 13/04/2025 23:21

Garnier does a reasonably priced aerosol spray

lunaemma · 14/04/2025 00:15

This one, or the Aldi spray are both good
if you come across the banana boat spray cheap on Amazon that’s excellent - I’m a pale redhead who stupidly went out for 3hrs in midday sun wearing it and I didn’t have the slightest bit of pink on me
My dad HATES spf and I’ve converted him with the sprays (as a side note excellent for elderly people wearing sandals who can’t reach their feet!)

https://amzn.eu/d/aqeUMlE

YourOnMute · 14/04/2025 00:39

I'd try the stick spfs. Also did you try applying with a make up brush? That can make the sticky feeling easier..

handmademitlove · 14/04/2025 07:29

My ASD DD tolerates some creams using a solar buddie - she says boots soltan is the least sticky and gloopy!

Gliblet · 14/04/2025 07:34

Seawolves · 13/04/2025 23:14

I use the Aldi/Lidl dry spray on my little boy, it's factor 50, non sticky and less than £5 a tin. He's never burned with it on.

This ! The Aldi spray on F50 is awesome stuff. I've been using it for years on DS (and DH and I!) and we've done all day outdoor events, long walks, beach days, without issues with sunburn. Obviously hats, hydration, shade where possible, but the occasions where I've missed a bit of myself with the spray and just that tiny gap has got burned give a good demo of how effective the spray is.

KickboxingWanker · 14/04/2025 07:39

We use the Lidl factor 50 spray - it’s brilliant, my son has never burnt with it and it beat some of the big names in the Which tests a few years ago.

Daisychainsandglitter · 14/04/2025 07:58

My DD is autistic and struggled for years with sun creams etc. we now use either a spray or mist which has the desired effect without causing any distress.

AntiHop · 14/04/2025 08:08

For face, sun bum stick or boots own brand.

StressedEric · 14/04/2025 08:16

I use this for us all -Spray and go

my go to spray is linked above Factor 50

OnyourbarksGSG · 14/04/2025 08:55

Is it the rubbing in or is it the oily greasy residue that bothers him the most? I can’t stand greasy oily sun cream and I only use altruist f50. It absorbs very quickly, exactly like a moisturiser and doesn’t leave any reside at all. I apply it in a single long stroke with a fully loaded ultra soft baby sponge. Works brilliantly and the only sun cream I’ve never ever got burnt using.

Sadsadworld · 14/04/2025 08:58

Will he wear a full wide brimmed hat? Or cap with flaps/legionnaire style?

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