Why sunscreen for children matters
Children’s skin is significantly more delicate than adult skin, as it is thinner and therefore more vulnerable to the sun’s rays. Sun damage during childhood can have consequences later in life, which is why consistent sun protection is essential for skin health.
Protection against UVA and UVB rays
UVB rays cause sunburn, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and can contribute to premature ageing, pigmentation changes and more.
A good sunscreen for children should protect against both types of rays. Rudolph Care sunscreens provide broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, helping to protect your child’s skin throughout the day, combined with moisturizing ingredients that care for the skin.
Reduced risk of sunburn and skin damage
Sunburn in childhood increases the risk of serious skin damage later in life. By using sunscreen regularly, even on lightly sunny days, you significantly reduce this risk. The recommendation is to use sunscreen when the UV index is above 3, including on ski holidays where the sun’s rays are reflected by snow.
Gentle, moisturizing and Nordic Swan Ecolabel certified formulation
Rudolph Care sunscreens for children are developed without fragrance and with a strong focus on moisture and care. They help keep the skin well hydrated, even after many hours outdoors, and are certified with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel with consideration for both your child and nature.
Which SPF should your child use?
The choice of SPF depends on several factors: your child’s skin type, the UV index, time of day and how long your child will be in the sun. Please note that it is always recommended to keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight to protect their delicate skin.
SPF 30 vs SPF 50
SPF indicates how well the sunscreen protects against UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks around 98%. The difference may seem small, but for delicate children’s skin, the extra protection can be crucial.
Is SPF 30 enough for children?
SPF 30 can be sufficient in situations with a lower UV index, for example:
- Shorter periods in the sun
- Cloudy days
- Playing in the shade
- Slightly older children with less sensitive skin
Kids Sun Lotion SPF 30 is a good choice for everyday use in Scandinavia, where the UV index is often moderate. The light lotion absorbs quickly, does not feel greasy and makes sunscreen application easy, even when your child is eager to move on.
When is SPF 50 recommended?
SPF 50 or higher is especially recommended:
- For children with very fair or sensitive skin
- At a high UV index
- On holidays closer to the equator or in high altitude sun
- At the beach, pool or during water play
- During prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
Kids Sun Lotion SPF 50 provides high and reliable protection and is well suited for long days outdoors. Sun Balm SPF 50 is an excellent choice if your child tends to have dry skin or needs a sunscreen that stays on, even during play and movement. Always remember to supplement sunscreen use with plenty of shade and lightweight clothing to cover and protect the skin from the sun.
Sunscreen for babies
Baby skin is extremely delicate and should be protected with extra care.
- Sunscreen is recommended from the age of 6 months. Until then, avoid exposing your baby to direct sunlight.
- Young children should also avoid direct sunlight and be protected with sunscreen from 6 months of age.
- Use shade, sun hats and protective clothing as primary protection.
When sunscreen is necessary, it should be gentle, fragrance free and developed for children's skin. Rudolph Care Kids Sun Lotion SPF 30 and SPF 50, Sun Balm SPF 50 and Sun Stick SPF 50 are suitable for young children, but direct sun exposure should always be limited as much as possible.
See also the Danish Health Authority’s fact sheets on sun and infants and on sun protection for children.
How to use sunscreen correctly on children
Correct use of sunscreen is just as important as choosing the right product.
- Use a generous amount, approximately a child’s handful or 15–20 ml for the entire body. Preferably apply in two layers.
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before your child goes out into the sun.
- Reapply every two hours, or if your child has been swimming, sweating, playing intensely or towel drying.
Remember exposed areas such as shoulders, neck, ears, nose, lips and feet.
Types of sunscreen for children
Kids Sun Lotion SPF 30 and SPF 50
A gentle lotion developed for children’s skin. Without active ingredients, but with plenty of moisturizing ingredients. Children’s skin does not need active ingredients that firm and even out the skin, only those that moisturize and care. Kids Sun Lotion is also AllergyCertified.
Sun Balm SPF 50
This product is our biggest children’s sunscreen hack. Although the balm is not specifically developed for children, it is brilliant for them. Sun Balm SPF 50 is developed for an active lifestyle and for those who want a versatile, intuitive product that stays on the skin during physical activity and resists both water and sweat. It has proven to be an outstanding children’s product that many small sunscreen sceptics accept more readily than a classic lotion. Sun Balm SPF 50 is fragrance free, water resistant and easy to apply. The sunscreen routine is therefore over in no time, which is often an advantage with children who lack patience while sunscreen absorbs. The buttery soft texture does not feel “cold” on the skin, unlike a lotion. Everyone with children at the Rudolph Care office swears by Sun Balm SPF 50 to protect our children’s skin, and we are happy to pass on our warmest recommendation to you.
Sun Stick SPF 50
A sun stick that is also easy to use on children. It is essentially our Sun Balm SPF 50 in stick form, making it easy to protect lips and other exposed areas such as cheeks, nose and ears.
Benefits of sunscreen without unwanted chemistry
Rudolph Care sunscreens for children are formulated with as high a natural and organic content as possible, combined with stable chemistry from the laboratory. We develop and produce sunscreens that respect both the body and our shared environment. Rudolph Care sunscreens are an obvious choice for families seeking the best sunscreen for children.
But wait – chemistry?
At Rudolph Care, we are proud of the way we have chosen to compose our sun protection using stable chemical UV filters that meet EU recommendations for optimal UVA and UVB protection and are approved by the Nordic Swan Ecolabel.
The word “chemistry” can easily sound negative, but it does not have to be when care is taken to choose the safe kind. We have chosen chemical filters because we believe good chemistry makes sense where it provides the greatest benefit, which it does in our sun range. Chemically produced UV filters are controlled, giving us full knowledge of the content and effect of the finished product. Another reason we favor chemical filters is that they are coral friendly and do not feel greasy, sticky or leave a white cast on the skin.
Difference between sunscreen for children and adults
At Rudolph Care, we have chosen to formulate our Kids Sun Lotion without the active natural ingredients we add to our sunscreens for adults. This is because children’s skin does not need active, firming or optimizing care, but instead benefits from simple, moisturizing care.
All the sunscreens we recommend for children, including Sun Balm SPF 50 and Sun Stick SPF 50, are fragrance free to be as gentle as possible on children’s skin.
Rudolph Care recommendations
Here is a short overview of our sunscreen recommendations for children, including a small aftersun tip.
Kids Sun Lotion SPF 30
Light, fast absorbing lotion for everyday use and moderate sun.
Kids Sun Lotion SPF 50
High protection for days with strong sun and holidays in sunnier climates.
Sun Balm SPF 50
Rich and caring balm. Easy to apply, ideal for dry skin and active play, including in water.
Sun Stick SPF 50
Protection for exposed areas. Easy to bring anywhere.
Aftersun for the whole family
After a day with lots of sun, the skin often needs calm, rest and plenty of moisture. Aftersun Repair Spray is easy to spray over your child’s body (avoid the face), where it cools, moisturizes and soothes the skin. Aftersun Soothing Sorbet provides moisturi<ing, cooling care for the entire body and absorbs easily into the skin.
FAQ
Here we answer frequently asked questions about sunscreen for children.
Which sunscreens should be avoided?
You decide which products to apply to your child’s skin, but we always recommend avoiding sunscreens with fragrance, allergenic substances and unnecessary chemistry. Choose Nordic Swan Ecolabel certified products for your child.
What are the three sun safety rules for children?
Shade, sun hat and sunscreen, in that order. It is especially important to keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
Is SPF 30 enough for children?
Yes, in certain situations, but SPF 50 is recommended in strong sun. If in doubt, choose SPF 50.
Can adults’ sunscreen be used on children?
You decide what to apply to your child’s skin, but we recommend choosing a gentle product without fragrance and active ingredients, such as Kids Sun Lotion.
Is it good to apply sunscreen every day?
Yes, when the UV index is above 3.
When should children use sunscreen?
When they are outdoors in the sun, including on cloudy days, when the UV index is above 3.
Best sunscreen for children without unwanted chemistry?
A fragrance free, Nordic Swan Ecolabel certified sunscreen with moisturizing ingredients.