Sun safety for children

When the sun shines, children naturally want to spend more time outdoors. But with this increased sun exposure comes an increase in risk of harmful UV radiation, which can cause extreme damage to young skin.

We are proud to join forces with the Melanoma Fund and Skcin - the UK’s foremost skin cancer charities - in championing the vital message of early sun safety education. Together, we’re committed to helping children understand, from their earliest years, why protecting their skin in the sun matters. By fostering awareness at a young age, we can inspire habits that last a lifetime, encourage children to take ownership of their own skin health, and make sun protection an instinctive part of their daily routine. This partnership not only equips children with the knowledge to stay safe, but also supports parents by making sun care simpler, more accessible, and a natural part of family life.

Why are children more vulnerable to sun damage?

The sun’s rays are especially dangerous to children because their skin is softer and more sensitive than adult skin. Research has shown that sun exposure during childhood plays a role in the cause of all types of skin cancer¹, and single episode of severe sunburn in childhood can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life by approximately 50%². Young skin is not only more susceptible to sunburn, but also to long-term damage, due to its low concentration of melanin and thinner structure. As such, the more time a child spends exposed to UV radiation, the higher the chance of skin health problems as they age, including pigmentation, premature skin ageing and deep DNA damage.

Popular spots for children to play - such as gardens, beaches, parks and playgrounds - are especially risky in terms of sun exposure. These open spaces often lack physical shade, which leaves children vulnerable to direct sunlight, particularly between the peak hours of 10am and 4pm. The reflective surfaces of sand and water at the beach can also intensify UV exposure. These places are also a lot of fun, which makes it harder to drag children away from their play for reapplication! Even for older children, proper sun protection remains a worry as they may be spending time away from you and forget to reapply.

To protect your child’s skin against the sun’s damaging rays, and to help avoid the long-term health problems linked to sun exposure, the whole family must practice sun safety, which includes choosing the right sunscreen. But what ingredients and properties should you look out for?

What to look for in a child-safe sunscreen

Several features make an SPF child-friendly, but the most important factor is its protection level. Always choose a full-spectrum sunscreen that is SPF 50+ and PA++++. The aim is to find a high-level protection that defends against the full light spectrum, including UVA, UVB, visible light and infrared-A. Another thing to look out for in sunscreen for children is gentle formulations that won’t irritate sensitive skin, especially if your child suffers with eczema or similar conditions.

We understand that busy parents and excited children need sunscreens that are easy to apply and quick-drying, without leaving any mess. Being able to apply sunscreen on wet skin is also a must, as it ensures kids’ skin is properly protected when they’re at the beach, in the paddling pool or enjoying water play³.

The ultimate sunscreen for your children can be found in the HELIOCARE 360° range. Our award-winning sun protection brand includes dedicated Pediatrics products: Pediatrics Mineral SPF50+, a light and hydrating mineral-only fluid; Pediatrics Atopic Lotion Spray SPF50, an easy-to-apply spray that provides gentle protection to young skin; and our Pediatrics Stick SPF50+, which is fun to apply with an invisible finish.

You can also take things a step further with the HELIOCARE 360° Advanced Gel Body SPF50, the first body sunscreen to prevent and repair sun damage whilst enhancing the functionality of vitamin D in the skin.

HELIOCARE 360° Advanced Gel Body SPF50

Suitable for ages two and up, this easy-to-apply, fast-absorbing sunscreen is powered by innovative ASPA-Fernblock® Technology.

ASPA-Fernblock® takes sun protection to a new level, offering powerful antioxidant protection by combining Fernblock® with potent extracts of Aspalathus linearis (ASPA). Fernblock® is the supercharged extract of Polypodium leucotomos, an incredible plant with natural protective and restorative mechanisms against the sun’s rays. Meanwhile, ASPA is a South African plant, more commonly known as Rooibos, which is flavonoids and packed full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

ASPA-Fernblock® protects the skin from the full spectrum of light, clinically proven to prevent sunburn and sun allergies, as well as protecting against collagen breakdown, protecting and repairing skin cell DNA damage, preventing light-induced pigmentation, protecting the skin’s immune system and improving the efficacy of SPF filters. ASPA-Fernblock® also targets the skin’s vitamin D function; while vitamin D is vital in skin health (playing a key role in skin cell renewal, immune function and healing) overexposure to UV rays can actually deplete vitamin D stores. Furthermore, oxidative stress will damage our skin’s vitamin D receptors, which impacts the ability to synthesise vitamin D effectively. That’s where ASPA-Fernblock®’s OptiD effect comes in: helping to optimise the skin’s natural vitamin D function, as well as protecting vitamin D receptors (VDRs) from oxidative stress, ensuring that you and your children are getting only the very best from the sun.

Our Advanced Gel Body SPF50 also contains glycosylases, which are DNA-repair enzymes that work to reverse oxidative DNA damage and support the skin’s natural repair mechanisms. It is water and sweat resistant, and can be applied to wet skin. It also has a light, gel texture that feels good on the skin, absorbing quickly and leaving no greasy residue or white cast. Finally, it’s gentle on the skin and eyes, with no risk of stinging.

This August, with every Pediatrics & Family order, we will include a special treat for your little ones! We’ve included a Sun Safety Activity Book from  Skcin - the UK's leading skin cancer charity, to help your child learn about staying safe in the sun in a fun and engaging way - the perfect companion to their new sun care routine. These fun, 16 page, A6 activity booklets engage early learners with sun safety, reinforcing key messaging throughout the story book with “George the Sun Safe Superstar.”

You will also find a QR code to scan in every order, linking to the Melanoma Fund’s Sun Safety Quiz - a great way to start sun-safe habits early and make learning part of the fun. Developed with leading experts, the Melanoma Fund’s Sun-Sorted! quiz is a fun, educational tool designed especially for children. It features 13 multiple-choice questions packed with fascinating facts about the sun, their skin, and the world around them. Once completed, children receive a personal rating on the Solar Scale - encouraging them to learn more and improve their score each time they play!

“Teaching children to take responsibility for their own skin health is vital. When they understand how and why to apply sunscreen, it becomes a habit, not a chore. The Sun-Sorted! quiz is a simple but powerful first step - helping them learn, act, and respect the sun for life.” 

- Michelle Baker, CEO, Melanoma Fund

Additional sun protection tips for children

While sunscreen is an essential tool for sun protection, it should never be the sole method used. Additional measures, such as wearing a hat and protective clothing, are also important.

A wide-brimmed hat is one of the best ways to shield your child’s face, ears and neck from direct sunlight. Choose a hat made from breathable materials, as well as having a good fit to ensure it stays on during play. Many hats also come with UPF ratings for added protection and peace of mind. Encourage your child to seek shade during peak sun hours. Find sheltered spots, like under trees, umbrellas or canopies. During these times, let your child take a break from active play to cool down and rehydrate.

Water activities are a favourite for many children, but they also require more frequent sunscreen reapplication. Even water-resistant sunscreens lose their effectiveness after swimming or towel-drying. For maximum protection, reapply every two hours, or more frequently if your child has been playing in the water or sweating heavily.

Parents of small children should also be aware of excessive heat, as babies are unable to regulate their bodily temperature. The littlest children under the age of six months should be kept out of the direct sunlight altogether.

Healthy sun behaviours should start in childhood, which will help to establish good habits. It’s also important to lead by example; while 85% of parents in the UK will protect their children’s skin when they play outdoors, only 28% adults think they set a good example by protecting their own skin⁴.

SPF tips for kids: How to make sunscreen easy and fun

• Incorporate SPF into your morning routine, just like brushing their teeth or putting on their socks. Aim to apply approximately 30 minutes before heading outside.
• Make sunscreen fun, not a chore. Encourage your child to name body parts as you apply, and point out any spots you might have missed. Apply it in playful patterns, ensuring that they get full coverage, including easy-to-miss areas like the ears, eyelids, back of knees and under straps. Our Pediatrics Stick is a great way to make application fun - let your child draw with it before rubbing in.
• Give your child some autonomy by labelling their sunscreen and putting it in ‘their bag’. They may also enjoy setting a timer for reapplication, and reminding you when the timer goes off.
• Check your little one is comfortable with their other sun protection, such as sun hats, glasses and rash vests. Let them be part of the process when selecting these items. If they are wearing their favourite colours and characters, they’ll be more likely to keep them on.
• Encourage shade-seeking during the hottest part of the day. If possible, invest in a sun shelter. Pack extra toys and snacks to keep them entertained during this break.
• Offer plenty of fluids on hot days. Ice lollies count!

Protect your little ones with HELIOCARE 360° - 20% Off Selected Pediatrics and Family Products!

Offer valid until 12:00 1^st September 2025.