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

[ConfusedAboutSunscreen]

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...

Of course you rub it in

They be Vit D deficient at this rate

Did you apply suncream when you arrived?

If so you are in the wrong anyway!

Suncream should be applied about 20 minutes before exposure to the sun to allow it to absorb into each layer of skin for greatest protection.

The sprays don't stay thick so it doesn't matter how thick.

It should be reapplied after towel drying or wearing clothes as it removes dead skin and you need to make sure all layers are protected again.

Thanks for all the advice it is really helpful!!
I'm trying really hard not to pass on any anxiety to my children, so we "just happen" to not be out in the midday sun (fits with lunchtime anyway).
They have sensory issues and they don't like it being rubbed in, and are too young to care what other people think (yet...!) so they haven't complained or anything.
I will look into the sun-protect clothing; tbh I had always thought it was a bit of a swizz, not sure why I have been so sceptical about it probably because it wasn't around when I was younger.
Does anyone know if the repellent zinc-ey ones are better or worse than the chemical reaction ones?!
I do worry a bit about the amount of chemicals but most of all I am worried about them getting sunburnt as it hurts so much (they have really, really low pain thresholds) plus the risk of skin cancer as it runs in my family.

Australian here I’ve always been told that it shouldn’t be rubbed in fully as this can cause uneven coverage. Apply at least a teaspoon per limb and gentle smooth in but my kids have always visably had a white cast from the sunscreen sitting onntop then it absorbs. Then a rashie, hat

Put it on when getting dressed. Let that stuff soak in/dry. Then reapply when you get to your destination. No it doesn't want to be thick like ghosts. It's uncomfortable, sticky, more likely to run into their eyes and more likely to rub/wash off.

Oh and always the sun protection clothes if going in water, I see little kids running round splash pads in bikinis, it's insane. DS had always worn the ufp tops that come right up your neck and right down your arms. Used to wear the full length trousers too but now just long upf shorts as he's more active and complains about the trousers.

You have e to rub it in and then reapply at regular intervals.

Have you considered rash suits?

The nivia spray is like hair spray - doesn’t need rubbed in, dries in seconds and is applied in seconds - no stick hands no wet feeling, and can be reapplied in seconds

Sunscreen uses chemicals to protect you and needs rubbed it, sunblock blocks the sun which is why it leaves a white tint and you apply it thicker. We use babo and badger sunblock to avoid the nasty chemicals

Thanks so much for all these wonderful suggestions - really very grateful x