Have you got questions on keeping your children safe in the sun? Ask expert Dermatologist, Dr Mary Sommerland, for advice - £200 voucher to be won

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This thread has now closed. Scroll down to read Dr Mary Sommerlad's answers to your questions.

Whether you have a child with a skin condition you need advice on, or you’d just like some top tips about how to protect children from the potentially harmful effects of the sun, ask Garnier’s dermatologist, Dr Mary Sommerlad.

• Everyone who shares a question on the thread below will be entered into a prize draw.
• One lucky user will win a £200 voucher provided by Mumsnet.
• Dr Mary Sommerland will be back online to answer a selection of your questions.

About Dr Mary Sommerlad:
“Dr Mary fell in love with skincare as a child sat on her mum’s lap at her vanity table while she applied her skincare. There are still certain products that if she sees now, take her straight back to that time. It was never a chore for Dr Mary to study for Dermatology assessments or presentations as skin, in health and in disease, is incredibly fascinating. In Dr Mary’s practice, both adults and children are seen with a wide range of skin conditions. Since becoming a parent to two little ones, Dr Mary has become even more interested in safe and sustainable skincare and is passionate about sharing skincare expertise with as many people as possible to ensure that effective and accessible skincare is available to all. Ask Dr Mary about skincare that suits the whole family.”

Here’s what Garnier has to say:
“As the only sun care brand with research recognised by the British Skin Foundation and over 85 years of experience in developing safe and effective sun protection, our mission is to teach children and families how to be safe in the sun. This is more important than ever as despite being a nation of sun-lovers, only 50% of us use sun care frequently when outdoors in the UK*. This is a topic that Dr Mary feels passionately about, understanding from her own experience as a mother of young children that getting kids to have good habits when it comes to sun protection is extremely important to their lifelong relationship with the sun. From expert advice about sensitive skin, to practical tips about keeping your little ones protected when the weather can be unpredictable, Dr Mary is on hand to help. Whatever your questions about sun protection for the whole family, share them below!”

*UK online survey of 1,548 women aged 18 – 65, March 2017

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!

MNHQ

Mumsnet Insight T&Cs apply

For blemish prone skin look for formulations that target blemishes. Often these will be more of a liquid/ fluid formulation rather than cream. For pigmentation, look for formulations that are designed for pigmentation issues such as Garnier Ambre Solaire Anti-Dark Spots & Anti-Pollution Super UV Protection Fluid; this is also a fluid formulation so less likely to block pores.

Avoid vigorous rubbing in as you may inadvertently rub it off. Instead, apply a thin coat to all exposed surfaces. Choose formulations that blend in easily such as Garnier Ambre Solaire Kids Sensitive Advanced range.

Sunscreens that contain high quantities of minerals such as Titanium or Zinc can leave white marks; these however should wash out easily in the wash. Alternatively, use chemical based sunscreens which have lower mineral concentrations.

If the Brand is reputable (i.e. it has been approved for use in the UK and EU) then it will have undergone testing to show it is still effective after the number of hours it claims to be effective for. It will have undergone laboratory testing before going on the market. This rigorous testing is why I recommend buying Sunscreens from reputable accountable to Trading Standards only (as opposed to homemade products sometimes sold in markets).
I would however recommend re- apply after swimming.

I would only use sunscreens designed for children on children's skin as adult formulations have not been tested on children's skin which tends to be more absorbent and more fragile than adults.

If it was one sunscreen only I would recommend a children's over an adult. Adult sunscreen has not been tested on children's skin which tends to be more sensitive/ reactive to ingredients than adult.

Physical protection such as a wide brimmed hat and long light sleeves. Schools have a duty to protect children from sunburns so they do allow hats in playgrounds. Children should also stay in the shade in sunny weather.

There is now research evidence showing that even with SPF50 on the skin still makes vitamin D. It is important to remember that the UK government recommends all adults use vitamin D supplementation in the Autumn and Winter as UVB is low during these times; for children it is recommended all year round.

Reapply roughly every 2hours in warm weather. Reapply after swimming or exercise. If your school will not help with re- application then I recommend physical protection such as wide brimmed hats and long light sleeves.

The best one is whichever one you will use consistently. Regardless of oil or cream or other formulation, provided they are the same level of SPF and UVA protection, you will get the same benefit. It comes down to choice.

Sunscreens can be prescribed in very specific genetic skin conditions. otherwise, most GPs will not prescribe sunscreen.

No difference

Reapply every two hours or so and definitely after swimming. Also encourage your daughter to use physical protection such as wide brimmed hats and long light sleeves. You can get longer lasting sunscreen but do remind her to reapply if she has been very active or if the weather is very warm as sweat will dilute the sunscreen.

I would suggest SPF50. Look for mist preparations as they cover scalps well and as you don't need to rub in as much tend to irritate eczema less.

Yes I would recommend this.

Long term: avoid sunbathing always. Use physical protection always such as wide brimmed hats, long light sleeves and stay in the shade. Avoid beach activities between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest and use long sleeve rash vests for beach days. This is the same advice as on holiday. And of course, sunscreen everyday and don't forget to reapply.

Sun exposure can harm your Childs skin which can lead to other skin complications later on to protect your Childs skin children who are younger should apply sun blocker which contains zinc and titanium. Older small kids can use sun projection of spf 30. Other ways are to keep them safe from sun can be wearing out hat. Wearing protective clothes or avoiding outing at odd timings.