Sun Tan lotion for kids. Which one ?

[Kayleigh]

Have just been to Boots as a friend told me that a lot of the sun tan lotion was BOGOF. But I got myself totally confused by all the different makes, factors, sprays, milks. What should I go for for the kids ? We are going to Menorca in June and I have two very pale boys who will be 6 and 3.

Is the coloured stuff better than the white stuff, or will they be totally green ?
Spray or cream ?

Help !!!!

We use Avon factor 30 or 40 spray ir goes on purple so you can see wher you have been then fades in. Our little one is 2 and a half and very fair. It seems to work for him - it is on special offer at the moment if you can find an Avon Lady! He likes the spray as it is funny!!

I like the sprays - quick to put on. Coloured ones are good in that you can see where you have sprayed - it does rub in so they don't run around green all day. I have found that one of the green ones has stained ds' cream baseball cap so be careful.
The one I tend to use is a Nivea one - factor 30 for the kids.
However, I have just bought one from Avon in what looks like a plant spray. Will try that before we go on holiday in case it is crap.

Helsbels - posts crossed, hopefully, it will be ok then.

yes - it will be - ds loves it - we chase him round spraying him!! I always use the avon adult ones myself and have never had any problems. Remember though that all suntan lotions have a shelf life of about a year and you need to keep them in a cool dark place to store - have a lovely holiday!!

Look for maximum UVA protection as well as the SPF. Tescos own brand spray is good (I've got SPF 30 and max UVA for DSs who are actually tan-easy-don't-burn children. I used Nivea all last year but then found out it was 1* short of UVA maximum. Tescos was BOGOFF (or buy 2 for £X, can't remember) recently - might still be.

You can buy Avon online if you don't have a Lady BTW!

Just got back from an appointment with the head of dermatology at a leading London teaching hospital, where he told me that he hates sun block because people think it protects them, when all it does is stop the burning. In his own words: "It doesn't stop the damage. You, Madame, have seen enough sun for your entire lifetime. I will schedule you for surgery on 26 June." I use factor 30 and thought I was doing well. Having said that, DD (4.5 yrs) was the ONLY child on a Greek beach last year wearing a foreign legion style hat, neck to knee long sleeve Ozone suit, and factor 30 all over her. Don't take any chances, especially with the kids. Slap the stuff all over them, and then pile on the sunsuits. If I'd been sensible in my youth I wouldn't be going in to have bit chunks cut out of me.

janinlondon, am really sorry to hear this honey.
If you don't mind me asking what are you having done ?

I know, I keep my kids out of the sun as much as poss, I always make then wear a hat and top and shorts, I do not bother with suncream as I am sure that sunburn is your bodys way of saying the sun isn't good for you.
School hates me though, they like kids to bring in lotion, I send mine in with huge hat!

Thanks Kayleigh - its not life threatening as far as he can tell. Just having some odd looking dark moles taken off my legs. But I was inspired to go in by a friend who has been told she has two years maximum to live because of melanoma on her legs. I thought the consultant might think I was a time waster, but he took me very seriously. If anyone has any funny looking spots, please please please go to a doctor about them! Incidentally I spent the first 25 years of my life in Australia, which may be why he took me more seriously.

Jan, am not just being nosey - can you tell me why you thought your moles were worth seeing a doctor about?

Kayleigh - they say to watch for anything that you think may have changed in appearance. It may be a change of colour, a difference in shape, size, itchiness or bleeding. Moles with more than one colour, or uneven edges seem to be suspect too. In my case a previously unnoticed mole seemed to have a darker centre and lighter surround - which I thought was a bit odd. Does this help? If there's something specific feel free to ask?

I have a mole on my side (waist) that has always stuck out slightly but seems to have got much bigger. I also seem to have acquired new freckles/moles in various places although they are mostly flat.

Kayleigh - if you think it is bigger, go see your GP and say so. Unless the GP can see that its something really ordinary, you'll probably get a referral to a consultant dermatologist. I know how much these things can worry you. Cannot tell you how many nights I woke up thinking about it. And if there is something amiss, the sooner they get to it, the better. You will go, won't you?

I will go, I promise. Have been sticking my head in the sand over it. Now I have actually voiced it (well written it) I can see I need to check it out. Have made a note in my diary to go to sat morning surgery.
Will let you know jan. And thanks.

Glad to be of help. Make sure you use the words you used to me - they listen for stuff like "its changed" "its grown" etc. If you just say "can you look at this" they may not take it as seriously. Do let me know how you get on. Best of luck.

going back to the sun cream/lotion, we use P20. Its quite expensive but you put it on ONCE a day (don;t need to 'top up' and its waterproof and isn't sticky. DH's cousin's dh(still with me) used to be British windsurfing champ years ago, and did competitions all over the place, and that's the stuff they all use. But have to agree , shouldn;t be out in the sun anyway.

Two I would NOT recommend: Boots Soltan factor 50 (stains clothes) and Garnier kids lotion factor 25 - we have got handprints all over the outside of the car from it and they don't wash off!!!

jan, I went to the doctor this morning. I feel so much better already. It has been niggling me and I knew I should check it out. I told him everything I had told you and he had a good look at it and surrounding area. He says he is almost sure it is non-cancerous but would like me to get it checked anyway - as "you can never be 100% sure". I have PPP through work so he is giving me a letter to refer me (I can pick it up tuesday) and then I can make an appointment.
Thanks honey.

Adding to helenmc's post - we also use P20, although only on one kid, as the other one came out in a rash with it.
It's great stuff though!

For some reason I have a feeling that P20 doesn't have a very good UVA sun screen in it. I remember looking at it last year.

Kayleigh that's great news. And a weight off your shoulders I'm sure! Have a great Easter.

Thanks jan, you too.

soupdragon - youre' right P20 is only SPF 20 - but on the instructions inside it says all day protection and quote 'high level of protection'.Its the stuff my bil used on his kids, and he had melanoma (survived 4 years). REally scary stuff.

We use Boots Soltan factor 60 on the children & i use it on my face. BOGOF is a good offer as you will need quite a few bottles if there are 4 of you going away for two weeks in June.Most people take far too little coz its expensive and try to eek it out.

Whatever you use, I would also put a sunproof suit on a 3yo, plus hat. Don't know if you can get them for 6yo, so put on l/s t shirt and hat. Even when they are swimming if possible. You need to apply the lotion quite thickly and let it soak in rather than rub it in. And reapply frequently.

Remember to try to keep them out of the sun at the hottest times ie 11 - 3.Go to the pool or beach early, then have a siesta after lunch. You will probably keep them up much later on holiday as the Spanish eat much later than we do in the evening.

Remember that getting sunburnt as a child is a risk factor for skin cancer as an adult.Sorry i know this is scary!!!!!!

Kayleigh, glad your ok!!!! I'm an Avon Rep, when you come round for tea, I'll show you the most recent book, I also keep alot of sunlotions in stock....Ring me and we can make a date for next week.