Dermatologists often say before a person reaches the age of majority, you will have reached almost half of the ultraviolet radiation that you will receive throughout your lifeWe also know that the skin has memory and can react years after being injured with sunburn. In this post we will explain how to protect your daughters and sons from the sun's ultra violet radiation, with special emphasis on sunscreen creams, without neglecting other measures to adopt.
In fact, the way we apply the sunscreen, and the frequency with which we use it, is more important than the protection factor. And this becomes relevant in summer, since the good weather takes us out to the streets, and logically the exposure to the sun's rays is greater. One of the central tasks of mothers and fathers at this time, is to take maximum care of the children's skin, because although sunlight is the main source of vitamin D available to us, we cannot underestimate the risk of skin cancers.
The skin of babies and children and the need for protection.
Your children's skin has a very thin outer layer (compared to yours), and that's one of the reasons why you should choose a specific cream for children, which will have fewer perfumes and more physical filters (for example titanium oxide). Children's creams are also thick, and are prepared to resist water. Another differentiating characteristic of skins in the first years of life is that they produce less melanin, so exposure to the sun's rays is greater, and consequently, require a high to very high protection filter.
One thing to keep in mind is that It is advisable to choose a high spectrum photo-protective cream, which means that it will act against UVA and UVB rays: this must be clearly indicated on the packaging. On the other hand, surely you have read about biological filters (compared to chemical filters, which are the most common, although they incorporate some physical ingredients), well, they are still little known, but there are already specialists ensuring their generalization in the future. far away. The advantage of these creams is twofold: avoiding chemical components and the ability to repair the skin's DNA.
Babies should not be in direct sunlight.
Note that their skin is very immature and has no ability to defend itselfIn addition, sun creams, still safe, could irritate them. This recommendation is always given to families with babies under 6 months.Although they should not be in the sun, they can enjoy the outdoors with walks. And in no case, babies and children They should go outside (with exposure to the sun) in the central hours of the day (approximately 10 am to 17 pm). Not even to go for a walk: one thing is for you to take them to a morning movie session, to a workshop, to the shopping center, to eat at a restaurant, and another is for you to walk with them in the sun, for no reason. that justifies it.
10 basic tips to protect children from the sun's rays.
- It is better that the exposure is gradual: which means that the first days in the apartment on the beach, you should not overdo it.
- Avoidance of the central hours of the day.
- Wear a hat with a visor (there are some with neck protectors that go very well for young children), clothing with sunscreen, and approved sunglasses.
- Photo-protective cream is essential: generally factor 50 (very high), and at least factor 30; cream that is specially formulated for children.
- Going out without a cologne, because sometimes it reacts to the sun.
- There are photosensitive medications that should be known, and if your child takes any medicine, consult the Pediatrician for more information about it; advice includes ointments.
- Keep the kids suitably hydrated: water and fresh fruit.
- The walks always very early in the morning, or already in the afternoon, from 6. Look for covered or wooded areas for outdoor games.
- Always take one or two umbrellas to the beach, and if they have sunscreen, the better.
- In the pool, stand under awnings or trees that provide shade.
How do you apply the sunscreen?
Ideally, it should be applied about 30 minutes before going out in the sun, that is, at least before leaving the house.; do not forget that even if your child has brown skin there is a risk of sunburn. The product will cover the entire surface of the skin (including ears, face, neck, feet, hands, shoulders) and will be greasy (remember that those that incorporate physical filters usually have this characteristic). The application of the cream is renewed every 2 hours, and make sure it is waterproof, because otherwise it would be applied every time they go out to bathe.
On cloudy days we will also use the cream, because the clouds do not impede the passage of UV rays.
We hope these tips are helpful to you. Take care of your children, take care of their skin.