Product Review: Sunscreen review

REVIEW SUNSCREEN REVIEW

By Rebecca Wilson

With summer just around the corner (we hope!) we all know we need to be getting ready to slip, slop, slap and wrap. But which product as reviewed by parents is best to slop on our little one’s skin. There is such a vast range of sunscreen products available now with different SPF values, application methods and prices. So where do you start? Firstly, SPF is Sun Protection Factor and it is important to note that no matter how high the SPF value is on your sunscreen, some of the sun’s UV rays can still reach your skin. Sunsmart New Zealand recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and applying it to your skin 20 minutes before going outside, and then again 10-20 minutes after going out into the sun in a two-coat approach. The top three brands recommended by parents who responded were: Skinnies Kids SPF50 gel came as a top recommendation. It is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that does not contain water and is vegan friendly. A huge bonus to a number of parents with this product is that it isn’t white! It is a honey-coloured gel with a cocoa butter texture and only requires a very small amount to cover face, neck and ears. This product retails for $42.99 for 100ml. Earth’s Kitchen Moringa & Harakeke SPF50+ certified natural sun protection for sensitive skin and babies was another popular choice amongst parents and is suitable for use from 0-12 years or onwards for those with sensitive skin. This is the first fully certified natural broad-spectrum sunscreen and has great reviews as skincare as well as sun protection with the list of lovely ingredients. This is a concentrated product so application requires you to rub it between your fingers prior to applying to the skin as the warmth makes spreading the product much easier. This sunscreen retails for $38 per 150gm. Little Dragon Natural SPF 50 Broad Spectrum sunscreen is a natural and organic sunscreen suitable for use on all babies and is made to specifically meet the Australia and New Zealand standards. Little Dragon also offer a 30 day satisfaction where you can return the product for a full refund if you aren’t happy with it. This sunscreen retails at $24.95 for a 75ml tube. Cetaphil SUN kids 50SPF is a readily available sunscreen, being found in most pharmacies rather than online purchasing. Stains on clothes, but very high reviews for protection Nude Alchemist Sun-Barrier Cream comes with a number of positive reviews. It is 100% natural and organic and suitable for babies. The main ingredient

is zinc oxide providing great protection. An added bonus to this sunscreen is that the scented option doubles as a mosquito and sandfly repellent. It is important to note the sun-barrier cream has not been lab tested so can not be given an SPF value. It retails for $18 for a 50gm pot.

Nivea Sun Kids Protect and Play also have a sensitive option for sun protection. Nivea offers SPF50+ for protection and comes in a number of application options including roll on and spray. This sun protection also has the longest water resistance with 4 hours protection, however does still recommend reapplication every 2 hours. A benefit to Nivea as a brand is that it is easily available at supermarkets and pharmacy. Nivea retails for $15 per 200ml There is an incredible array of products available for sun protection and they all vary extremely in ingredients used, protection offered/SPF value, application process and cost. It is vital to always check product information labels as some products labelled for children are not recommended for use on babies under 12 months of age. As well as using sun protection, the use of shade and keeping skin covered with light layers will also keep your little one protected from the sun during those beautiful sunny summer days.