How much sun cream?

[PassMeTheCookies]

I feel a bit silly asking a question like this, because I should know this 6 years into parenting 😂

We’re going to Turkey for 10 days. Two kids, aged 2 and 6. Adults aside, how much suncream would you take for the kids?

I’ve got the Garnier aerosol mist sun creams, if that makes a difference in terms of how far they will go.

We’ve only been to mainland Spain before with the kids, and not during peak summer time, so I feel a bit unsure on how much they might need in a hotter climate. I don’t want to under pack, but also don’t want to over pack either.

I'd take 2 bottles each of 'proper' sun cream and use the mist for top ups. I love the oil mists but they aren't very economical, I usually buy one or two over the summer and keep them in my bag to give the kids a quick spritz as and when needed!

Actually if it's an 8 hour one then a bottle each. I've used about half a bottle on my 2 kids this week (4 days of preschool) just doing the bits of skin you can see

I find you get 5 or 6 applications from the can for one adult so possibly 5 for two small children? That’s 1 a day minimum in that heat.

We found it to work out very expensive and switched to garnier invisible protect 50 which gave nearer 15 full applications and goes on easily.

I’m so glad I asked. I hadn’t expected them to be so minimal in terms of how much you get, so I think I’ll pick up 2-3 more bottles of normal suncream to apply before going out, then use the mist as a top up through the day like you suggest. I’ve got 3 of the mist ones, and I’ve got 2 regular suncream for me and DP (which I know I need more of). So maybe I’ll buy 2-3 more liquid sun cream that’ll do us all.

I am the scarier end of the scale but have had melanoma and bcc skin cancer and have been told to never use the sprays at the main source of protection (actually told to not rely on creams only fully covering up but you've got to live life!).

Altruist and La Roche Posay are recommended by the Skin Cancer Dept at my hospital, and Altruist do an amazing big pump of factor 50 for £20 something (online, Amazon or Sainsburys). Their face ones are really good too.

I do use sprays, but only as interim top ups until I can put full cream on again - I know how much easier they are for kids but you honestly need to use a ridiculous amount to get the right level of coverage.

Have a lovely trip

I’d say 3 bottles between both. I’d rather take more than less though because it’s really expensive in turkey.

You might want to change usernames after this or ask MN to delete this thread as you’ve asked this on an open facebook page so some people will be a able to identify you.

Thank you for the heads up. I’d asked it as part of a wider post yesterday and got responses on my other questions but not on the sun cream, so had asked on here too but forgotten about the link. I’ve deleted the FB post just now, and I’ll name change after this. Thank you xx

Thank you for the responses ❤️ I picked up two extra bottles today for the kids xx

No problem. It’s a brilliant hotel but it’s really hot and sun cream is so expensive out there so take more than you think you need.

2 bottles each! This has blown my mind. A bottle lasts all summer here, clearly doing it wrong!

This is the tested volumes to use https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/about-sunscreen

In that heat I'd recommend the kids wear t shirts or body suits in the water as the sunscreen will wash off faster than you can reapply.

I used to use P50 in the mornings as a really good base on the kids then top up. Again I’d recommend a long sleeve rash vest with shorts/bikini bottoms also so much easier for the frequent toilet trips.

When I worked in skincare and sold specific sun care items it was advised that one bottle per person per week is recommended. If you have excess product after a week away then you’ve not re applied enough.

i don’t like the mist ones, I may be wrong but I feel like they aren’t absorbed like lotions that you have to rub in.

This is excellent for children abroad -
https://www.vichy.co.uk/all-products/suncare/sunscreens/uv-protection/capital-soleil--antisand-milk-spf50-plus

Thank you for everybody’s help, and particularly thank you for the info from cancer.org. I am very pale and freckle and really worry about sun exposure.

A poster has mentioned about the body suits, and I had totally forgotten that of course I have bought DD2 sun safe suits, all of which are down to the knee and elbows, and DS6 has swim shorts, along with rash vests to wear on top so maybe I don’t need as much cream as I think 😂

DD has a genetic disorder, which impacts her skin, so we’re limited on brands we can use that she doesn’t react to. So far, we’re good with Garnier Sensitive, and Piz Buin Allergy creams. I haven’t tried La Roche Posay yet, but she does have the balme from that brand as her daily moisturiser so I think that will be safe, too.

In total, I’ve got 4 Piz Buin Allergy (2 x 30spf, 2 x 50spf - kids will only use the 50), and 3 of the Garnier Sensitive Mist, for four of us for 10 days. I’ll make sure the kids are covered in the sun cream liquid in the morning, and use the mist only as a top up.