Getting children to wear sunscreen can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle when it triggers irritating temper tantrums, so turning it into a positive, enjoyable habit can make a big difference.
Ahead of Melanoma Awareness Month (May), we spoke to some experts who highlighted the importance of keeping children properly protected from the sun.
“Children’s skin is significantly more delicate and vulnerable than adult skin. The outer barrier isn’t fully developed, which means ultraviolet (UV) radiation penetrates more easily and can cause damage at a deeper cellular level,” explains Dr Ross Perry, GP and medical director of Cosmedics. “What many people don’t realise is that a proportion of lifetime sun damage actually occurs before the age of 18.
“Even a handful of serious sunburns in childhood can increase the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma, later in life.”
Dr Tina Tian, consultant dermatologist at Stratum Dermatology Clinic Oxford, agrees and reminds parents that sun protection isn’t just for the beach and summer holidays.
“When the UV index is above two, that is when you really want to protect your children against skin cancer,” says Tian. “I ask my Alexa every morning what the UV index is going to be in my local region, but you can also look online or check weather apps.
“Even during some days in March this year we had some days where the UV index was four and above, so I would be checking it from March to October as a minimum.”
However, convincing young children to actually apply sunscreen can be a real challenge, so here are 11 expert-backed hacks on how to make this process easier and more enjoyable.
1. Make it part of their routine
“Make it part of the daily routine rather than something optional,” recommends Perry. “If it’s treated like brushing teeth, it becomes non-negotiable.”
2. Involve them in the process
“Letting children choose their own sunscreen, whether it’s a roll-on, spray, or one with fun packaging gives them a sense of control,” says Perry.
3. Choose non-stinging sunscreen
“When sunscreen gets into children’s eyes, it can really sting so look out for sunscreen that is labelled as non-stinging,” advises Tian. “The P20 one is really good due to the fact that it’s so water-resistant, so it doesn’t really move and won’t migrate into the eyes and make them sting.”
4. Make it into a game
“You can also make it more engaging by turning application into a game, using songs,” recommends Perry.
Tian agrees: “I often ask my daughter what kind of face she wants me to paint with the sunscreen to try to make it more fun.”
5. Explain why it’s important using age-appropriate language
“I think it’s important to tell your child why sunscreen is important by using age-appropriate language,” says Tian. “When they’re younger, you can get children’s books that talk about moles, and when they’re older you can use more grown-up educational resources.”
Perry agrees and adds: “For younger children, explaining that sunscreen is like an ‘invisible shield’ that protects their skin can make the concept more relatable and less of a chore.”
6. Make it a reciprocal process
“With my son I find it really helpful to get him to put some sunscreen on me first to make it a bit of a reciprocal thing,” says Tian. “So, he does it on me first, and then I’m allowed to do it on him.”
7. Allow extra time for application
“Make sure you leave enough time to put on sunscreen before you leave the house,” advises Tian. “If you do it in a rush and accidentally get it into their eyes, they might become really traumatised by it and won’t want to do it next time.
“Set aside five minutes before you go out of the house to put sunscreen on so you’re not rushing and can do it slowly.”
8. Let them play with the lids
“A lot of sun creams have lids and you can draw funny faces on the lid and let your kids play with it while you’re doing the cream,” suggests Tian.
9. Warm it up in your hand beforehand
“Sun cream often feels very cold, so it can help to warm it up in your hands a bit before you start putting it on your child so it’s not too much of a shock for them,” advises Tian.
10. Choose a lighter texture
“Many children dislike thick or sticky formulations, so opting for lightweight, quick-absorbing sunscreens designed specifically for sensitive or paediatric skin can make a big difference,” says Perry.
11. Be a role model
“Children are far more likely to accept sunscreen if they see parents applying it consistently themselves,” says Perry. “For children it really is about building lifelong habits that protect their skin for decades to come.”