Sun Protection, seeking advice

[KateJB]

I'm going on hol soon with my 1 year old. During the few sunny days so far this year I've used a soltan factor 50, but find it really hard to rub in and messy (also then find it really difficult to get off my hands) Have used pampers sunnies which are so easy to apply and don't leave mess everywhere but incredibly expensive. Can anyone recommend a high factor that applies and absorbs easily? Was thinking about applying suncream on a fragrance free wipe, would that affect the protection of the cream.
Also, for mums thinking of buying a sun protection suit, I almost bought one mail order for £24 but then found one for £9.99 in Adams, quite small though so buy one size up

My advice would be to be sure to get a nice floppy hat. My DD loves the hat because she knows it means she is going outside. In the U.S., we have Coppertone SPF50(I think, not sure) for babies - it sprays on, so is very easy to apply. It is not cheap, but you can buy pretty cheap at Costco. Have fun on holiday!!

By the way, I believe it is called Waterbabies - be sure to get the spray bottle.

Message withdrawn

There is another thread about sun protection suits. I'm a huge advocate of them and would personally recommend them but read the other thread to make your own mind up.

I bought a spray on factor 50 the other day that works well. It's not quite as thick as the tubes. I think they say that a factor 50 is not that much better than some of the slightly lower factors (30's etc) but I still always buy the highest I can get.

You can get a high factor aerosol at Matalan, quite cheap but I don't know how good it is.

The main thing, whatever you use, is to put it on at least 30 mins before going outside - I think this can be a problem with toddlers! - keeping a T shirt on is a good idea too (even if not a sun protection one).

BTW the 'sun protection (like) suits' in Mothercare have no SPF in them?????????????????????????????

Sorry, forgot to add Safeways own coloured spray SPF 30, 'goes on' easy and is not greasy on the skin afterwards.

I've also bought spray on SPF 30 at Lidl - goes on blue so you can easily see what's what and quickly fades into the skin.

Sorry, forgot to say it was really good value ie: cheap!

Go onto www.Suntogs.com

This gives you the Full UV protection suits ( SPF 100 )

All you then have to do is put the cream on face, hands and feet.

Alot less hassle.

I advise a 2 piece as nappy changing is a pain with a one piece - bit like going to the loo when you are wearing a swimsuit rather than a bikini

Having said that - cannot remember the last time I wore a bikini !

I used p20 while on holiday in Portugal. It was great, you apply it 90 minutes before going out in the sun and you do not need to reapply it - even after swimming.

Its about £18 for a 100ml bottle - but it should last you about 2 weeks on a toddler.

Warning - don't mosturiser on first - it doesn't bond with the keratin in your skin...and I got a red nose!

DON'T use P20 on children - there are no barriers to UVA rays in P20, only to UVB rays. This will stop your children from burning but will not prevent the rays that cause skin cancer. Better off using a sun suit and reapplying the factor 50, or choosing a once a day cream with barriers to both A and B rays. Ultrasun is a good one but not readily available. Some small chemists sell it - not the larger ones.

have bought spf50 coppertone cream from boots recently - rubs in easily.

We use 'Sunsense', which is SPF 50 (worked well in Hawaii) and is a roll on. Non sticky and easily absorbed too. Made by an australian company but available from some UK companies via the net. Do a search for Sunsense on Google. I think it costs about £6 and it lasts ages.

Jennyh, that's interesting - I bought some P20 but was worried by the "tan without burning" phrase that appears prominently on the bottle. FWIW, I think P20 is revolting - it smells terrible, so strongly that it made my dd dribble profusely when I applied it and my skin stung when I used it (and I don't have sensitive skin). It also dried very unevenly, and left dry, flaky patches.
I find the Boots Soltan range very good - the factor 60 smells of oranges rather than embalming fluid!

sunsense is currently not available in the UK - I think they are in the process of finding another UK company to be the supplier...

but it is brilliant sunscreen - recommeneded by a dermatologist for my brother who had to have skin cancers lasered off his face.....

Just had details of the new UK supplier, will post them later.

Still waiting for Parecelforce & Customs to sort out our direct order

Ha, had a call from Customs to say they've re-evaluated their charges and the parcel is being re-despatched today so will email people directly once it arrives.

The new UK distributor is Typharm, these are their details:

Tele: 01 603 735200

Fax: 01 603 735217

e-mail: [email protected]

Can anyone please tell me which lotions only need applying once a day and protect from A & B rays?

This sounds likje a good idea.
Thanks

Yes, Ultrasun 28 does and it really does work so long as you put it on 30 minutes before the children go into the sun. I know you can get it from some indepedent chemists such as Moss chemists, but I got mine from the Koolsun website \linkkoolsun.com{} when I bought a sunsuit. I think you can get it from Ultrasun direct too. \linkultrasun.co.uk{}