Kid-friendly sunscreen tips for parents

Properly applying sunscreen is key to adequate protection from the sun's potentially harmful rays. Understanding the basics of sun care is the first step to protecting your skin.

• Start your day by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin, including often-missed areas like the ears, lips, and back of the neck. Look for sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for optimal protection. Apply evenly all over the face for adequate coverage. In the GCC, where UV levels are intense for most of the year, this step is non-negotiable even on overcast or cooler days.


• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. Seek shade between 10am and 2pm when UV rays are at their strongest. Wearing sun-protective clothing such as long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses is an additional precaution, and is especially practical given the outdoor heat across the region.


• Check your skin regularly for new or changing moles or growths, and see a dermatologist annually for a professional skin exam. Be diligent about sun protection to reduce your risk of skin cancer and premature ageing.

Sun, sea and sand… the perfect recipe for sticky skin! Fortunately, Vichy’s Anti-Sand Mist for children features anti-sand technology specifically designed for busy parents - and busier kids. Sand can remove part of your sun protection, but Vichy’s Anti-Sand Mist is quickly absorbed by skin, leaving more time for fun and games without worrying about constant reapplication.

If you plan on spending a lot of time by the pool, it’s important to remember that water babies need particular care during warmer summer months. Whether we’re talking ponds, swimming pools or wading pools, water can reflect up to 60% of the sun’s rays, with 10% of UVA rays penetrating up to 20m underwater. It’s also important to take care of your skin when you’re out of the water, as sand can still reflect up to 40% of UV rays even in the shade.[1] Vichy’s sun protection for children is water resistant, leaving a hydrating sensation.