Please teach me about sunscreen!

[purplemurple1]

OK I'm dark skinned - I use factor 4 occasionally on holidays abroad, and have never burnt. So don't really know where to start with this one.

I've got a 9month old olive skinned (think he will tan as his Dad's family tan), I'm abroad cloder climate then the UK max 15 to 20 during the summer.

So what factor sunscreen does he really need, how often, when do you apply it, do they need it on cloudy days or just when the sun is really out, .... tbh I don't even know what questions I'm meant to be asking.

Also he won't keep a hat on, any tips as I'm assuming this matters as well.

Thanks

he should really use a baby suncream - probably factor 50 at that age and apply it frequently (it also needs to have protection against UVA rays - we have a star rating in the UK for UVA where 5 stars is the best protection - fewer stars means less protection)

You should apply it if he is going to be exposed to sunlight but remember you can burn on cloudy days too. On our weather pages we get a UV rating for each day so if the UV level is high you should be using suncream.

My HV told me today that babies only need factor 30, it's enough for the sun protection and let's vitamin D through which they need.

most baby suncream is factor 50 and you would have to search out a lower factor. Babies should really be kept out of direct sunlight anyway.

You only need 15 mins sunlight per day to get enough vitamin D. Get a hat with ties under the chin. The factor number refers to how long you can spend in the sun before you burn. So I burn after ten mins in the sun. If I was to wear your factor 4 sun cream I'd burn again after 40 mins. Make sure you apply liberally. An average adult needs about three tablespoons of sun cream to cover their body. Babies obviously less! Expensive isn't always best. Boots Soltan is inexpensive and has five stars. Apply before you go out and leave time for it to be absorbed - cream can stain clothes.

She said I didn't need to use baby sunscreen at all. Just normal stuff. I'd got baby sunscream as if said i figured it would be better if he sucked it off his hands I'd of thought. I'm just passing on what I was to today. It's up to everyone what they do with their baby I think x

I'm in a similar situation to you, I'm mixed race and have a baby with porcelain skin! I've been using garnier baby sun cream factor 50, I put it on first thing in the morning head to toe and then top it up about every 2 hours.

DS likes to take his hat off so I bought another and distract him from taking the one off of his head by putting the spare in his hands.

nhs says Choose sunscreens that are formulated for children and babies' skin, as these are less likely to irritate their skin

www.nhs.uk/Livewell/travelhealth/Pages/SunsafetyQA.aspx

The nursery my son goes to use factor 50 and apply it three times a day. They also don't go out in the middle of the day. All children must wear a hat and they have a long sleeved top if necessary.

I am using this as he ultimate care (and I'm normally a bit slacker).

Just read that it's only 15-20 degrees where you are. I would not always out cream on when it's that temp.. Maybe stick to factor 30 on hot days but watch his skin very carefully.

Enjoy your summer, k

I would also suggest that you use a higher SPF too OP. Just because you are darker skinned and don't burn doesn't mean that you are immune to sun damage and skin cancer. Remember that UV rays can penetrate clouds, so it's irrelevant whether it's sunny or not. Perhaps look into a moisturiser or foundation with at least SPF15?