How to Protect Your Child's Skin in the Sun: A Dermatologist's Guide
"In our house, sunscreen is non-negotiable. Just like brushing teeth, it is part of the morning routine, rain or shine."
Professor Nicola Ralph, Consultant Dermatologist, Institute of Dermatologists
Summer in Ireland brings longer days, outdoor adventures, and for parents, the familiar scramble to get sunscreen on a wriggling child before they run out the door. But protecting children's skin from the sun goes beyond SPF. Hats, clothing, timing, and knowing what to look for in a sunscreen all play a role.
At the Institute of Dermatologists, we are asked about sun protection for babies and children regularly. Here is what we recommend.
Why Children's Skin Needs Extra Protection
Children's skin is not simply smaller adult skin. Newborn and infant skin is structurally thinner than adult skin, making it more susceptible to UV damage and more absorbent of topical products. Habits formed in childhood around sun protection also have a direct impact on long-term skin health.
Sun exposure causes cumulative damage over time. Protecting children's skin now is one of the most effective things parents can do for their child's skin health in later life.
Under Six Months: No Sunscreen
For babies under six months of age, sunscreen is not recommended. Their skin is particularly delicate and highly absorbent. Physical protection is the right approach:
-
Keep babies in the shade as much as possible
-
Use a breathable UV-protective cover over the pram or buggy
-
Dress them in light, loose, sun-protective clothing
-
A wide-brimmed hat is essential
-
As a rule of thumb, only the hands and feet should be left uncovered
Avoid direct sunlight in the three hours either side of solar noon. This is when UVB radiation is at its strongest.
Six Months and Over: A Layered Approach
From six months onwards, sunscreen can be introduced alongside physical protection. The two work together. Clothing and shade remain important, and sunscreen covers what clothing does not.
A rash vest or UV-protective swimwear is particularly practical. It covers most of the body, which means sunscreen only needs to be applied to the face, neck, hands, and feet. Far easier when you are chasing a toddler.
What to Look for in a Children's Sunscreen
Not all sunscreens are equal. When choosing an SPF for a child, look for:
-
Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection
-
SPF 50 or SPF 50+
-
Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formula
-
Suitable for sensitive or eczema-prone skin
-
Water-resistant
-
Paediatrician or dermatologist approved
It is always worth doing a patch test 48 hours before using a new sunscreen on a baby or young child. Apply a small amount to the inner arm and monitor for any reaction. If irritation develops, discontinue use and speak with your GP.
Sunscreens We Recommend for Children
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 is a dermatologist-developed face sunscreen formulated with niacinamide and zinc oxide. It calms and protects skin prone to sensitivity, redness, and breakouts, and absorbs cleanly without leaving a white cast. Professor Caitriona Ryan's personal recommendation for children's faces.
Formula type: mineral and niacinamide blend. Fragrance-free.
Shop EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46: Institute of Dermatologists
"This is the one I use on my children's faces. It absorbs beautifully, does not irritate and I trust the formula completely."
Professor Caitriona Ryan, Consultant Dermatologist, Institute of Dermatologists
EltaMD UV Pure SPF 47
EltaMD UV Pure SPF 47 is a 100% mineral sunscreen formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide only. It is fragrance-free, gentle on sensitive skin, and suitable for both children and adults. It glides on wet or dry skin and absorbs quickly. A good option for parents who prefer a mineral-only formula.
Formula type: 100% mineral. Fragrance-free.
Shop EltaMD UV Pure SPF 47: Institute of Dermatologists
EltaMD UV Sport SPF 50
EltaMD UV Sport SPF 50 is built for active days. Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, it is a practical choice for swimming, sport, and outdoor play. SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection in a formula that stays put.
Formula type: combination of mineral and chemical filters. Fragrance-free.
Shop EltaMD UV Sport SPF 50: Institute of Dermatologists
Elave Sun Paediatric SPF50+
Elave Sun Paediatric SPF50+ is specifically formulated for babies and children. Paediatrician-approved from newborn, it is allergen-free, fragrance-free, and free from sulphates, SLS, alcohol, and preservatives known to cause irritation. It is a combination of physical and chemical SPF offering broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection plus advanced infrared protection, and is water-resistant. It is also suitable for eczema-prone and sun-sensitive skin.
Shop Elave Sun Paediatric SPF50+: Institute of Dermatologists
Get Holiday Ready with EltaMD SPF Bundles:
If you use EltaMD SPF yourself, our build-your-own SPF bundle lets you choose 3 or more EltaMD sunscreen products and save 15% automatically at checkout.
There's six formulas to choose from, including UV Pure SPF 47, UV Sport and UV Clear. A practical way to stock up for Summer for the whole household.
Hats, Clothing and UV Protection
Clothing is one of the most effective and overlooked tools for sun protection. UV-protective swimwear and rash vests carry a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, which tells you how much UV radiation the fabric blocks.
Practical tips for parents:
-
Choose a wide-brimmed hat that protects the face, ears, and back of the neck
-
Long-sleeved UV rash vests or swimwear significantly reduce the area that needs sunscreen
-
Tightly woven, lightweight fabrics offer good protection for everyday wear
-
Sunglasses with UV protection are worth introducing early, particularly on holidays
Making hats and UV clothing part of the summer routine from a young age helps children build habits they carry with them.
When Is UV Strongest? Timing Matters.
In Ireland, UV radiation is at its strongest between 11am and 3pm. During these hours, particularly in summer, it is worth:
-
Scheduling outdoor play for earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon
-
Seeking shade during peak hours
-
Remembering that UV rays penetrate cloud cover. Even on an overcast Irish day, children can burn
How to Apply Sunscreen to Children
Application matters as much as the product itself.
-
Apply sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before going outdoors
-
Be generous. Most people apply far less than the recommended amount
-
Pay attention to easy-to-miss areas: ears, the back of the neck, tops of feet, and the back of the hands
-
Be careful around the face. If sunscreen gets into eyes, wipe gently with a clean, damp cloth
-
Reapply every two hours, and immediately after swimming or towel drying
Reapplication is just as important as the first application. The SPF level does not extend the time between applications.
Sun Safety Year-Round
Sun safety does not stop when summer ends. UV radiation is present year-round in Ireland, and even on grey winter days, UVA rays that contribute to long-term skin damage can penetrate cloud cover.
Building sun protection into the daily routine, not just beach days and holidays, is one of the most valuable habits you can pass on to your children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use adult sunscreen on my child?
Adult sunscreens are generally safe for children over six months, provided the formula is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and broad-spectrum SPF 50. What matters is the formula, not whether it is labelled for children or adults. EltaMD UV Pure SPF 47, for example, is suitable for both.
My child has eczema. What should I use?
Look for a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula that is specifically suitable for eczema-prone skin. EltaMD UV Pure or EltaMD UV Sport are good options. If your child has severe eczema, speak with your GP or dermatologist before introducing a new sunscreen.
Does sunscreen stop my child from getting enough Vitamin D?
This is a common concern and a common misconception. Sufficient Vitamin D can still be synthesised with sunscreen use. During winter months in Ireland, when UV levels are low regardless, a Vitamin D supplement is a sensible precaution for the whole family.
What SPF should I use on my child?
We recommend SPF 50 or SPF 50+ for children. The higher SPF provides stronger protection, which is particularly important for delicate skin.
When can I start using sunscreen on my baby?
Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under six months of age. If necessary only use a mineral based sunscreen like EltaMD UV Pure.
From six months onwards, a gentle, broad-spectrum SPF 50 formula can be used alongside physical sun protection measures.
Shop our children's sun protection range
View the full range at the Institute of Dermatologists
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have concerns about your child's skin, please speak with your GP or a consultant dermatologist.
