Community Wisdom: How to Get Loved Ones to Wear Sunscreen

Smart suncare always includes sunscreen. We know (or at least we hope!) that you’re applying (and reapplying!) SPF30+ every day, all year round. The best skincare routine in the world (not that we’re boasting) isn’t going to deliver long-term skin health if the crucial protective sunscreen step is ignored. Bonus points if you’re using our Daily Defence Oil-free SPF 50 Sunscreen, which was designed specifically for use with active ingredients.

Tanned skin is damaged skin and this damage is cumulative. From accelerated ageing, development of pigmentation and a higher risk of developing skin cancer to just plain uncomfortable post-sun dryness – you wouldn’t wish sun damage on your worst enemy. We asked our community on The Collective (that’s you!) how you make educating and protecting your loved ones a priority when the sun comes out. 

Read on for tips from partners to parents of ‘I don’t wanna’ kids, on how to get them to protect their skin daily – not just on holiday. Whether that’s convincing mum that it’s never too late to start using sunscreen or getting your brother to slather up and lower the risk of skin cancer, let’s keep reminding them (and celebrating them!) whenever they reach for the sunscreen.

How do you get loved ones to wear sunscreen?

Philipa: I just say that we would never let my four-year-old go out without sunscreen, so why is it any different for adults!

Maria: I like to tell anyone who will listen that if you don’t use sunscreen every day any skincare treatments are just wasted money because they won’t be effective.

Kellan: I ask about any skin concerns regarding appearance, whether it’s fine lines, texture, or hyperpigmentation. UVA and UVB worsen all of the above, so as soon as they’re aware of that, it usually does the trick! UVA for ageing and UVB for burning!

Claire: When I tell people I use SPF50 every single day, sun or snow, they look at me like I think I’m Joan Collins! It’s just another skincare step. I send my dad different ones through Amazon randomly, he loves it.

Megan: I get my three-year-old and six-month-old with SPF on a makeup brush every day! If the older one refuses (as they love to) we talk about sunburn and look at pictures, the best way to explain the dangers is with visuals!

Debbie: I just keep telling my kids, they’ll thank me for it when they’re still being asked for ID when they’re 40. Especially my teenage daughter!

Em: My three-year-old knows it’s a non-negotiable like teeth brushing. I’ve nagged my partner so much that he now applies sunscreen every morning before work. Mission accomplished! I’ve just got the rest of the extended family to sort out now!

Ellie: I sneak up and spray my dad’s head and face when he’s in the garden without any sunscreen on!

Tamsin: I apply sunscreen to my children with a big soft makeup brush – they love it!

Emma: My parents are terrible in terms of applying SPF, in that they pretty much just don’t. I’ve been trying to talk them into using it and have reminded them that a few older family members have had pre-cancerous cells removed, which was caused by sun damage.

Lauren: People tell me I have good skin and I honestly think it’s down to three things. One: Always SPF 50. Two: Genetics. Three: Skin + Me. That’s what I always say when asked.

Tamsyn: If you don’t use sunscreen, you’ll look like a handbag! Cheap, not designer!

Iza: My partner started using SFP 50 thanks to me and believe me, that wasn’t easy to accomplish! I do the same every single day, thanks to Skin + Me because I wasn’t aware of how important it was before.

Siouxie: I chase the kids with sunscreen. when they fall defeated I have my chance to quickly rub it in their faces!

Lydia: My mum keeps asking me how she can get rid of her age and sun spots and I keep telling her that it doesn’t matter what she does, if she doesn’t apply sunscreen every day it will get worse or come back after treatment! She’s now been applying SPF50 every day since summer 2020.

Kershia: I find my children don’t mind using suncream if they can get involved in applying it. We all apply it for each other.

Emma: I work in histology for the NHS and see skin cancers that have been removed. Because of this, I’m quick to point out potential precancerous skin lesions to my family and friends. So far my boyfriend has had five actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions) removed from his scalp since I met him due to years of working outside and now covers himself in SPF 50+ religiously. He even reminds me!

Ania: I tell my little ones that they might burn like a sausage without sunscreen. Then we sing ‘five little sausages’ while I’m applying it.

Leanne: I show everyone the famous picture of the lorry driver, the right side of his face has sun damage from the sun shining through the window! SPF is the best prevention for wrinkles! It’s never too late to start. I wear mine every day rain or shine, even if I’m working from home!

Alex: I like to show anyone who I’m trying to encourage to wear sunscreen every day, the infamous picture of the truck driver! Always seems to strike a chord. For my partner, I like to give him facials which really relaxes him and also encourages him to take more care of his skin!

N.B Some quotes have been edited lightly for length and clarity. Thanks for all your contributions.