Kids need the most protection. They’re also the hardest to apply it to.

If you’ve ever tried to sunscreen a wriggling four-year-old in a car park before a beach day, you’ll know that the science and the reality don’t always line up. Here’s what matters most – and how to make it work in practice.

Why Kids’ Skin Needs More Protection

Children’s skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin, and it’s less equipped to deal with UV damage. Exposure in childhood contributes disproportionately to long-term skin damage and raises lifetime skin cancer risk – which is why getting sun protection right early matters so much.

The British Association of Dermatology recommends SPF 50+ for children, all year round from March to October and whenever they’re exposed to significant sunlight outside of those months.

What to Look for in a Kids’ Sunscreen

High SPF. SPF 50 or 50+ is the starting point for children. Don’t go lower.

Broad spectrum protection. That means UVA and UVB coverage – look for broad-spectrum UVA and UVB coverage on the label alongside the SPF rating.

Gentle formulation. Kids’ skin is more prone to reactions. Look for fragrance-free options and formulas designed specifically for children. Malibu’s kids’ sun care range is formulated with sensitive young skin in mind.

Water resistance. If they’re going near water (and they will be), water-resistant formulas last longer. Still reapply after swimming and towel drying.

Making Application Actually Work

Apply sunscreen 15-20 minutes before going outside so it has time to absorb properly. Don’t forget the ears, the back of the neck, the tops of the feet and the back of the hands. These are the spots that get missed and burned most often.

Reapply every two hours – more often if they’ve been in water or sand has been involved (it rubs off more than you’d think).

If they hate the application process, try making it part of the routine rather than a standalone task. Before they get dressed, not at the beach when the ice cream van is in sight.

Sun Protection Is Just One Part of It

SPF alone isn’t the whole answer. Shade between 11am and 3pm, light long-sleeved clothing and a hat do a lot of the heavy lifting. Sunscreen fills the gaps – the arms, legs and face that are inevitably going to be exposed.

The Full Kids Range From Malibu

From high-factor SPF 50 to gentle face and lip formulas, Malibu’s kids’ sun care range is made for real family summer days. Browse the full range and find your match.