SUN SAFETY AND DYSPRAXIA: Making suncream easier to apply.

by Dyspraxia Magazine

Summer is a time to enjoy the sunshine, but for dyspraxic people, staying safe in the sun can come with its own set of unique challenges. Applying sun cream is an important part of protecting your skin, but when coordination and spatial awareness don’t come naturally, it can be tricky to know if you’ve covered every exposed area.

Dyspraxic man putting on sun cream

Image by Adeelch from Pixabay

 

Whether it’s hard to reach your back, apply an even layer, or remember where you’ve already put sunscreen, the risk of sunburn and overexposure can be higher for dyspraxic people. The good news is: there are products out there that can help.

Here are some dyspraxia-friendly sun safety tools to support independence and confidence this summer:

    1. Spray or Mist Suncream

    Best for: Quick, broad coverage with minimal effort.
    These are great for dyspraxic people who find squeezing and rubbing difficult. Some sprays can even be used upside-down, making it easier to reach awkward places like your back or the backs of your legs.

     Try:

    • Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist SPF 50 – Lightweight and dries fast.
    • Banana Boat UltraMist Sunscreen – Continuous spray that works from any angle.

    2. Roll-On or Stick Suncreams

    Best for: Controlled application, especially on the face, neck, and arms.
    These are easy to grip and can be used with one hand. Because they glide directly onto the skin, they help reduce mess and guesswork.

     Try:

    •  Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Roll-On – Hypoallergenic and reef-friendly.
    • La Roche-Posay Anthelios Stick SPF 50+  –  Great for sensitive skin and on-the-go touch-ups.

    3. Suncreams Applicator Tools

    Best for: Quick, broad coverage with minimal effort.
    These are great for dyspraxic people who find squeezing and rubbing difficult. Some sprays can even be used upside-down, making it easier to reach awkward places like your back or the backs of your legs.

     Try:

    • Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist SPF 50 – Lightweight and dries fast.
    • Banana Boat UltraMist Sunscreen – Continuous spray that works from any angle.

    4. Tinted Suncreams

     Best for: Visibility! Helps ensure no spot gets missed.
     Tinted formulas can be especially helpful for dyspraxic people who struggle with visual-spatial processing. The tint fades as you rub it in, but allows you to see what’s already covered.

     Try:

    • Australian Gold Botanical Tinted SPF 50 – Non-greasy, mineral-based protection.
    • Thinkbaby Tinted Sunscreen  – Safe for sensitive skin and little ones too.

    5. Tinted Suncreams

    Best for: Visibility! Helps ensure no spot gets missed.
    Tinted formulas can be especially helpful for dyspraxic people who struggle with visual-spatial processing. The tint fades as you rub it in, but allows you to see what’s already covered.

     Try:

    • Australian Gold Botanical Tinted SPF 50 – Non-greasy, mineral-based protection.
    • Thinkbaby Tinted Sunscreen  – Safe for sensitive skin and little ones too.

    6. Sun-Protective Clothing (UPF Rated)

     Best for: Reducing the number of areas that need sunscreen.
     Sometimes, covering up is the easiest way to stay safe. UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing is specially designed to block UV rays and is available in breathable, lightweight styles.

     Try:

    • Coolibar – Stylish options for adults and children.
    • Solbari – Offers hoodies, wraps, and swimwear with maximum UV protection.
    Beach with white sand and blue sea

    Image by Walkerssk from Pixabay

    Applying sun cream is one of the most important steps in protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV exposure can cause sunburn, premature ageing, and significantly increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. It’s recommended to apply suncream at least 15 to 30 minutes before going outside, and to reapply it every two hours, more often if you're swimming or sweating.

    Even on cloudy days or when sitting in the shade, UV rays can still reach and damage your skin. For dyspraxic people, who may already find outdoor activities more physically or mentally taxing, avoiding sunburn isn’t just about comfort; it’s about staying well and reducing long-term health risks. That’s why finding practical, manageable ways to apply sunscreen consistently is so important.

    Finding a solution that works for you is about more than just staying safe in the sun. It’s also about building confidence and independence. There may be times when no one is
     around to help, or when you don’t feel comfortable asking someone to assist you. Being able to apply sunscreen on your own can be a small but powerful way to look after yourself. It’s important to be patient, too. Just like learning any new skill, especially with dyspraxia, it might take time and practice, and there will likely be a few mistakes along the way. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying. Not every product or method will work for everyone, but you won’t know what helps until you give it a go. What matters most is finding what makes you feel capable and confident in managing your own needs.

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