You and your child likely know how important it is to wear sunscreen, but it isn't always super straightforward and easy to just slap some sunscreen on and you're good to go, especially when your child has strong sensory sensitivities or aversions.
For some, putting on sunscreen can be a big challenge, leading to tears, sensory overload, or even meltdowns. After all, there are a wide variety of potential sensory issues to consider when it comes to applying and wearing sunscreen.
Now, some of these potential sensory issues might be more obvious (such as the smell or feel) and others (such as temperature or look) might be things you didn't even think to consider. Yet, they are factors that are important to consider if you're hoping to protect your child's skin from the sun's harmful rays.
So, let's take a closer look at some common sunscreen sensory issues that your child might be experiencing. Then we'll also take a look at some sun protection strategies to try.
Common Sunscreen Sensory Issues to Consider
Here are some things to consider when it comes to applying and wearing sunscreen:
1. Tactile (Texture & Feel): A lot of sunscreens feel greasy, sticky, or have a slimy texture, but the thickness and residue of the sunscreen can also cause issues. Sometimes things can also get caught in the sunscreen (e.g., hair or sand) while applying it, which can further affect the texture and feel.
2. Smell: Many sunscreens have a strong fragrance or chemical smell that can be overwhelming and/or unpleasant for those sensitive to smells.
3. Application Process: There are lots of potential sensory issues related to the application of sunscreen such as pressure sensitivity, how it is applied (e.g., rubbing it into skin), temperature and texture when applied, application noises, frequent reapplication, spray distance (if using spray), accidental ingestion, accidentally getting sunscreen in the eyes, etc.
4. Visual: Sunscreen can leave skin looking shiny and reflective or even leave a white cast. These visual changes can be overstimulating or distracting for some.
5. Sound: Squirting and spraying noises might be bothersome to those who are sensitive to noise.
6. Temperature: A lot of sunscreen lotions, in particular, can feel cold on the skin when first applied. They can also get warm if the bottle has been left in a hot environment (e.g., out in the sun, in a hot car). So the contrast between the skin temperature and that of the sunscreen may be uncomfortable to some.
7. Taste: Sometimes kids might accidentally ingest some sunscreen during the application process. For instance, the mouth might be open while spraying sunscreen or sunscreen gets on lips, hands, or fingers and then end up in the mouth.
8. Environmental Factors: Don't forget to consider the environment in which you apply the sunscreen too. After all, things like outdoor conditions (e.g., temperature, wind), timing (e.g., after playing in the sand for a bit or before heading outdoors), routines (e.g., how it was applied and when and by who), distractions (e.g., a sibling, music playing, watching others play on the beach), multiple sensations (e.g., music is playing while kids are screaming and waves are crashing plus sand in shoes and wet swimsuit plus rubbing sunscreen too hard plus you're thirsty and hungry and it's really really bright out), etc. can also trigger strong sensory responses.
9. Emotional & Psychological Factors: Many kids might have negative experiences or anxiety related to wearing sunscreen in the past. As a result, they may associate wearing sunscreen with discomfort. So they might get worked up and anxious knowing that they will have to apply sunscreen. It's important to consider your child's regulation level as well.
10. Other Miscellaneous Factors: Not only do you have to consider the things above, but you also have to consider the type of sunscreen used, your child's sensory profile, how it might interact with clothing (e.g., residue on clothes that might be tactilely and visually irritating), and so on.
Need help identifying and understanding these underlying sensory issues? It can be helpful to learn more about the 8 senses, patterns of sensory processing, and how to identify sensory triggers for more information.
Sensory-Friendly Sunscreen Tips & Strategies
Now that you know some possible sensory triggers and sensitivities when applying sunscreen, let's take a closer look at what steps you can take to help make the experience less overwhelming. For instance, you could:
- Opt for unscented or fragrance-free sunscreen.
- Experiment with different brands, textures, and types of sunscreen until you find what works best for your child. You might even use different ones for different body parts.
- Rub sunscreen lotion in your hands as a way to warm it up a bit before applying.
- Apply sunscreen gradually and slowly.
- Use small amounts of sunscreen.
- Let your child apply the sunscreen themselves, offering guidance and assistance where needed.
- Focus on applying sunscreen to the most vulnerable areas first.
- Experiment with different application techniques (e.g., using sponge applicator, adjusting spray distance, wearing gloves while applying, gentle rubbing with hands, using a light touch).
- Set expectations on applying and wearing sunscreen (e.g., when to apply and reapply, how much to apply, why it's important to use sunscreen, etc.). A social story can be helpful here (see below).
- Explore other options for sun protection such as SPF clothing, hats, sunglasses, umbrella, covering skin, etc.
- Make sure your child is well regulated before applying sunscreen.
- Check in frequently with your child as you apply sunscreen and take breaks as needed.
- Explain each step as you are applying (e.g., "I'm going to put some sunscreen on your arms.").
- Apply sunscreen in a calm and quiet environment, if possible (e.g., at home before going to the beach, in a shaded area at the park).
- Try applying sunscreen in front of a mirror so your child can see what they're doing.
- Use coping tools and strategies while applying sunscreen (e.g., wear headphones, plug your nose, close your eyes/mouth, cover your ears, listen to calming music, play with a fidget, count, use deep breathing, watch a video).
- Create a sunscreen routine as a way to help reduce anxiety (e.g., put on sunscreen before going outside or putting sunscreen on in a particular order).
- Make sure your child's skin is clear of any debris (e.g., sand or loose hair) before applying sunscreen. For instance, you could wipe your child's skin with a cloth or towel first.
- Clean up immediately after application (e.g., wiping excess off with a damp cloth or a soft towel, washing hands after applying).
Obviously, this list of sun protection tips and sensory-friendly strategies is not exhaustive, by any means.
However, you can probably see that it's important to play around and experiment a little bit so that you can find what works best for your child. (Keep in mind that what works for one child might not work for another).
It's also important to make sure that your child is well regulated before applying sunscreen.
Need More Help? Try this Sunscreen Social Story!
This social story about sunscreen talks about the importance of wearing sunscreen, when and how to apply, sensory issues and some strategies, and so much more. It's also editable, meaning you can customize it to fit your needs. It's a great tool to help your child with their sunscreen related sensory issues.
Grab your copy of the sunscreen social story
As discussed above, understanding some of the common sunscreen sensory issues can help you better support your child when applying sunscreen. And, hopefully, some of the above tips and strategies will help make the process go a bit smoother and easier for your child.
