To not smother my DCs in suncream?

[CantankerousCamel]

I know there is a lot of information suggesting ‘there’s is no such thing as a healthy tan’ but AIBU to think it’s gone too far the other way?

I am very lax about suncream personally (choice partly and research mostly) but everywhere I look, people seem to be smothering children in factor 50 every second of the day!

This cannot be healthy surely? Some sort of happy medium is necessary? Obviously some skin needs heavy sun cream and some needs none (I have Spanish skin and my husband is South African, neither of us or the kids have burned when being careful with staying in the shade in midday sun and popping a thin layer on/hat if needed

Why the factor 50 in May?

AIBU to think NICE should be adjusting guidelines to ward off such thick use of creams on young children? It is important for skin to experience sunlight, especially in the Northern Hemisphere and especially this time of year when moderate exposure is easier, safer and will prevent burning later on in the summer.

ps, and my 15 yo doesn't want to ''look old''. She equates letting any sun touch you at all with 'getting old''

Why the factor 50 in May?

It was 30 degrees in my garden a few weeks ago. I stood talking to my neighbour for about 5 mins and I could feel myself starting to burn.

NotLinkedIn Your DD souns like an eminently senaible girl. They are now taught at school about the risks of sun exposure. They understand it more than us. They are right to teach about the ageing properties because it's true and may be a more motivating factor for teenagers who think they are invincible( most of us wouldnt worry about cancer at 15)

The sun ages skin so your daughter sounds very sensible.
It's years later that the damage shows.