SUN PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN

 CHILDREN'S SKIN: NEED PROTECTION FOR EXTREMELY SENSITIVE SKIN.

The skin of babies and toddlers requires maximum sun protection because it is much thinner and more sensitive than that of adults. During the first years of a baby's life, the mechanisms of protection of the skin from the sun are not sufficiently developed. Therefore, the skin does not produce calluses or pigments that protect against UV rays. In addition, the processes of skin regeneration are not yet mature during the first years of a baby. After three years, children should also be very protected from the sun because sunburns that occurred during childhood are one of the main causes of the appearance of skin cancers in adulthood.

THE BEST SUN PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN

Shade is the best protection against the sun's rays. That is why babies should never be exposed to the sun before the age of 12 months.

Dermatologists advise that babies' and toddlers' skin should never be exposed to direct sunlight. 

As it is not always possible to avoid exposure, babies and toddlers should be protected from UV radiation with appropriate clothing and a high factor sunscreen. Tightly woven fabrics offer the best protection and clothing with UV protection is extremely practical. Originating in New Zealand and Australia, UV protective clothing is now available everywhere in the form of wetsuits, T-shirts, trousers and even swimwear if you are swimming outdoors. They are extremely lightweight and quick-drying, making them ideal for Mediterranean holidays and all types of outdoor activities, especially for babies and toddlers.

However, it is recommended that you use suncare products with at least SPF 30, or ideally a 50+ cream for children. For the little ones, we prefer water-resistant formulas as they allow them to enjoy the water while protecting them from the sun, even when swimming or splashing. However, don't forget to reapply the sun protection cream as soon as they get out of the water, after wiping them off. In any case, sun protection should be reapplied every 2 hours. Also avoid prolonged exposure and the hottest time of the day between 12 and 16:00

 

THE IDEAL OUTFIT IN THE SUN

In summer, young children want to be free of clothing constraints and enjoy the beach and pool in Adam's clothes. Although it's tempting to let them do this, always make sure they wear appropriate clothing that protects them from the sun.

THE BASIC OUTFIT FOR SUNNY DAYS

What they should wear in the sun: 

• • A hat that protects the head? But also the neck, ears, and face. 
• • A loose, comfortable and light t-shirt and trousers. Choose anti-UV clothing, which protects against UV rays thanks to their impregnation with protective products and the quality of their weaving. The UV protection factor of these garments must be equal to or greater than 30. 
• • Anti-UV t-shirts are particularly suitable for the beach and pool as they protect the back, shoulders, and torso. 
• • Sandals that sufficiently cover the top of the foot and heel. The top of the foot is one of the parts of the body that requires the most protection. 
• • A pair of sunglasses with UV protection.

HOW TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM THE SUN?

SUN PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN

It is important to apply sufficient sun cream to all parts of the body that are not sufficiently protected by clothing. A child's skin can only protect itself from UV radiation for a few minutes. It is therefore imperative to always apply protection before any exposure, preferably with a sun protection factor of 50+. Use sunscreens specially formulated for children's sensitive skin that protect against UVA and UVB rays. When swimming and splashing, it is also important to protect them with a water-resistant cream and reapply after drying off.

SUFFICIENT SUN PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN

At the beach, it is not always easy to apply sun cream to children because they are always building sandcastles.

WHEN PROTECTION BECOMES A GAME

The more fun it is to apply sunscreen, the less stressful it is for children.