Children’s sun cream

Fortunately, now few people doubt that the skin of children needs reliable protection from ultraviolet radiation. But there is a problem: among the variety of products on the market, it is difficult to choose what is right for your baby. Let’s help you decide.

Children’s sunscreen: why you need it

Children’s skin is delicate, vulnerable and, to a certain extent, defenseless. This is especially true for infants and toddlers under 3 years of age. During this period, the skin only begins to learn how to respond correctly to any external influence, the process of forming its immunity starts, which usually ends by the age of 12.

The skin of babies does not have the specific protection that adults have. That is why it is so important to protect their skin from UV exposure.

The sun can be both an enemy and a friend to us. Here are examples of it positive influence.

  • Thanks to the sun’s rays, vitamin D is synthesized, which has a good effect on the development of the skeletal system.

  • The sun promotes the production of endorphins – hormones of joy.

  • Ultraviolet rays help in the treatment of depression.

But the sun also has a negative side, which makes itself felt after a long stay under open rays without protection. It’s about tanning.

For infants and toddlers under 3 years of age, exposure to the open sun is contraindicated even in the presence of a protective cream

“Sunburn is a protective reaction of the body to the effects of ultraviolet radiation,” explains Alexander Prokofiev, dermatovenereologist, medical expert of the La Roche-Posay brand. The longer you are in the sun, the darker your skin becomes. And if you don’t take precautions in time, it’s easy to get burned.”

For a baby’s delicate skin, a burn is a serious test, so protecting it from excessive exposure to UV radiation is a must. Children under 3 years of age are not recommended to be in direct sunlight.

It is known that burns suffered in childhood provoke oncological diseases at an older age, which is associated with the death of immune Langerhans cells under the influence of aggressive UV rays.

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sunscreen properties

When going on vacation to the seaside, and indeed during the summer season, it is important to remember:

  • being under open sunlight without reliable protection is not recommended for either adults or children;

  • at noon it is better to hide indoors;

  • in the daytime, be sure to go out into the air in a headdress and light-colored clothing that covers the body as much as possible;

  • SPF should be used regularly.

The use of sunscreen for children is mandatory and non-negotiable. Children’s products have a gentle formula, and the mineral and chemical filters included in their composition protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays, preventing burns and photodermatitis.

The formulas for children’s products often include thermal water, vitamin E, natural absorbents.

Many baby sun creams are resistant to water and sand.

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Selection rules

Perhaps the most difficult question that parents decide when buying cosmetics with SPF for a child: how to choose the right cream? What parameters you should pay attention to, Alexander Prokofiev suggests.

Marking

And now be careful, this is very important information: sunscreen must be for children. The fact is that formulas for babies are subject to very strict requirements.

Such cosmetics should not irritate the skin and contain components that provoke allergic reactions. We are talking about parabens, perfume fragrances, dyes.

Age

Look for a note on the packaging for which age the product is intended for. Sunscreens for children under 3 years old are also suitable for one-year-old babies, and in the La Roche-Posay line of children’s products there is milk that can be used from 6 months.

Testing of products for the smallest takes place under the strictest control of pediatricians and dermatologists, which means that the product will definitely not harm children’s skin and provide it with the most reliable protection.

Degree of UV protection and filters

It is necessary that the filters that make up the cream protect against ultraviolet A and B spectrum (UVA, UVB), and the degree of filtration is 50 or 50+, because delicate children’s skin can burn in just five minutes.

Form of issue

Among the funds with SPF for children, there are:

  • cream: excellent protection from the sun, suitable for application even on wet skin (for example, after swimming in the sea);

  • spray: it is convenient to apply, it does not leave a film feeling, sand does not stick to the skin treated with a spray;

  • milk: easy to apply, has a high degree of protection, prevents burns;

  • mousse: suitable for babies with very sensitive skin.

Baby sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 2 hours

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Features of sunscreen depending on age

Children under 1 year old

“Up to 6 months, the open sun is contraindicated for babies,” warns Alexander Prokofiev. “Their skin contains very little melanin, so cosmetics should have the maximum protection factor. The most convenient formats are cream, stick, lotion, it is easier to control the uniform application.

It contains only safe filters (physical is preferable) that protect against UVA and UVB radiation. Before use, check if the child is allergic to the composition: a day before going out in the sun, apply a little product on the wrist or elbow.

Apply the cream 15-20 minutes before going outside, reapply after each bath, and be sure to rinse off when you return home.

From 1 to 3 years

In babies at this age, skin structures are still being formed, so the skin is very sensitive. Sunscreens can contain both physical and chemical filters. Avoid ingredients that are dangerous for the child (preservatives, flavors, alcohol, fragrances).

The cream must be applied before sun exposure, reapplied every 2 hours, and after exposure to water.

After 3 years

The skin of children after three years continues to be tender and sensitive. Of course, her immune functions are much higher than those of babies, but still unreliable. Therefore, the recommendations are the same – sun protection is required.

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Application rules

Any sunscreen should be applied to the skin 20-30 minutes before leaving the house.

  • Apply the cream to all exposed areas of the body, paying special attention to the ears, nose, shoulders, knees – they are usually the first to take on the aggressive effects of ultraviolet radiation and burn.

  • The volume of the product applied to the body is approximately equal to the volume that the child’s palm can hold. Don’t save.

  • Try to distract the child so that he does not touch the skin with his hands and does not break the protection.

  • The photostability of filters decreases over time, and water washes them off the skin – so reapplication is necessary. You can buy a product marked “waterproof” – it is resistant to water for 40-80 minutes.

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Review of children’s sunscreens

Sunscreen for children from 6 months Ambre Solaire “Expert protection. Kid in the shade, SPF 50, Garnier

The very young should be kept away from direct sunlight, but even in the shade, the baby needs protection, which will be provided by a gentle cream formulated specifically for children’s skin.

Children’s sun protection dry spray Ambre Solaire “Expert Protection Kids”, SPF 50, Garnier

Contains physical filters, no dyes or fragrances. Easy to apply. Resistant to water and sand. Suitable for babies up to 3 years old.

Milk Anthelios Dermo-pediatrics for children from 6 months, SPF 50/PPD 39, La Roche-Posay

Contains Mexoplex filter system and senna alata extract. No parabens. Photostable, non-comedogenic.

Anthelios Dermo-pediatrics children’s invisible spray for face and body, SPF 50+/PPD 36, La Roche Posay

Imperceptible on the skin, provides reliable protection for children from three years. The spray is convenient to treat both the body and the face.

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