Sun protection may be a necessary part of your skincare regime, but did you know that wearing sunscreen is just as important for children too? Younger skin is especially vulnerable to the sun: between 40 and 50% of UV damage occurs during childhood and adolescence. Forming safe sun habits from a young age is an excellent prevention method, and it starts with using only the safest sunscreen for babies and kids.

The first—and most essential—step towards preventing damage from the sun is to use high-quality and gentle sunscreen. For more than 40 years, La Roche-Posay has been at the forefront sunscreen technology, developing a range of cutting-edge sunscreen products that offer broad-spectrum protection against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Best of all, these products don’t contain harsh ingredients, making them suitable for sensitive skin types. The Anthelios range is not only tested on sensitive skin under dermatological control, but it also has the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) logo, underlining its commitment to skin safety, at no matter what age.

Protecting the skin of your little ones is essential as the skin protection system in babies hasn’t yet fully formed, so their outer layer is thinner and burns more quickly than that of adults. Similarly, children with sensitive skin or eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, can experience additional irritation or flare-ups with heightened sun exposure. The entire Anthelios range is developed to offer a variety of textures for all needs, in order to leave the skin feeling smooth. After all, the best sunscreen is one that can be applied generously on a regular basis, whether it’s for toddlers or parents. Offering non-greasy and weightless textures really is the name of the game!

For extra hydration and protection, La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Dermo-Kids Lotion SPF 50 for Face & Body has a texture specifically adapted for children of six months or older. It glides effortlessly over the skin and leaves a slightly translucent white film to allow even coverage before melting into the skin, resulting in an invisible and dry finish. This formula has been specifically developed for kids and tested under dermatological and pediatric control. For parents, there’s an all-in-one Anthelios Ultra Fluid SPF 50+ facial sunscreen. Moms and dads will also benefit from partnering their sun care regime with products that address signs of aging head-on with targeted skincare products like La Roche Posay’s Hyalu B5. This range contains simple, effective ingredients backed by scientific innovation and numerous clinical studies. It’s your skin’s best chance at reducing signs of fine lines and wrinkles.

La Roche-Posay’s sunscreen is designed to protect even the most sensitive skin types from the sun, which is vital as parents will sometimes find that their children and babies with eczema experience flare-ups in sunlight. That’s because UV rays can be harsh on skin prone to eczema, thus triggering breakouts.

Fortunately, La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Dermo-Kids Lotion SPF 50 offers a powerful synergy of organic and mineral filters to offer optimal UVA protection.

On the search for the best sunscreen for kids? First, make sure they’re wearing a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, which is recommended by Canadian dermatologists. Apply a generous amount on all exposed areas, especially on parts that get the most sun exposure, such as the face, ears, tops of feet, back of knees, hands, shoulders, neck and back.

Sun safety goes beyond sunscreen. First, keep kids out of the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun’s UV rays are strongest. If spending time outside is unavoidable, make sure they’re wearing a comfortable cap or wide-brimmed hat to shield them along with protective clothing with long sleeves.

Are you wondering about sunscreen for newborns? Babies under six months of age are strongly discouraged from direct sun exposure as their natural protection mechanisms (melanocytes) aren’t properly formed yet. Wherever possible, a child-friendly sunscreen offering optimal UVB/UVA protection should be applied to any exposed areas, but it’s best to keep them out of the sun for prolonged periods. Read up on more ways to keep kids safe from the sun’s damaging rays to prevent any severe long-term damage. After all, sun exposure is incremental, and any amount throughout your life contributes to an increased risk of skin cancer.

Yes. All sunscreens have expiry dates. Be aware of when that date has passed, as an expired product is less effective. Also be aware that after opening, a sunscreen expires within 12 months. In other words, make sure to fully use the sunscreen bottles you open during the following 12 months in order to maximize the UVB/UVA protection.

SPF stands for sun protection factor and works by protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful UVB rays. For broad-spectrum protection, look for a sunscreen with the UVA circle logo as well; this helps to ensure better sun safety for you and your children.

For kids and adults alike, dermatologists recommend choosing a face or body sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.