How to prevent the harmful effects of the sun on the little ones

The sun is a source of energy and provides vitamin D to those who are exposed to it. However, there are harmful effects of the sun that mainly affect the youngest members of the household. The important thing is to know how to prevent them.

Keeping children away from the sun can be a very difficult task, considering the amount of time children spend outdoors. It is important to know how to protect them properly.

Tanning is our body's ability to produce melanin, which is the substance our skin activates to protect itself from the sun. Studies indicate that 80% of sun damage occurs before the age of 18. The skin has memory and remembers every burn it receives, increasing the chances of developing skin cancer in adulthood. Preventing sun damage in childhood will be essential.

Tips for sun exposure in babies and children

It is not advisable to expose children under six months to the sun. Their skin is very sensitive because they have not yet developed the ability to produce melanin. They burn and dehydrate very easily.

Use a high protection factor sunscreen. There are different formats available (spray, cream, lotion...). Children between 6 months and three years old should use a factor +50, and from three years old, they should use children's sunscreen preferably water-resistant.

Apply sunscreen at least half an hour before sun exposure. And reapply every two hours or more frequently depending on the skin's sensitivity to the sun.

Apply sunscreen evenly. Sunscreen won't be effective if applied incorrectly. Don't forget areas like the tops of the feet, the back of the neck, or the ears.

Do not use last summer's sunscreen that may have been stored. Sunscreens and other sun products are cosmetics with a limited shelf life.

Avoid sun exposure during the midday hours between 12 PM and 4 PM. Also, don't rely on a cloudy day. Clouds reduce UV radiation, but diffuse radiation can still be intense and cause burns.

Do not rely solely on sunscreen. It is advisable to use additional methods to prevent burns, such as hats, shirts, and shade. These items block up to 97% of the UVB rays received by the child.

Remember that today's solar radiation is more aggressive than in the past due to the hole in the ozone layer, so it is important to take all possible precautions.