With the arrival of summer, we spend many more hours outdoors and exposed to solar radiation. Sunbathing is very pleasant and even beneficial when done with caution. Sunlight is an important source of vitamin D, essential for proper bone development. In addition, it helps improve mood and energy.
However, solar radiation can also carry risks if proper precautions are not taken. Sunbathing excessively can cause burns and skin reactions, heat stroke, cataracts and pterygiums, spots and premature aging. The sun is also the main cause of skin cancer, the incidence of which has increased in recent years due to the decrease in the ozone layer.
What should you know when exposing your children to the sun?
- The skin has memoryIn other words, the damage caused by inadequate exposure and burns is cumulative and irreversible. Its consequences can appear after several years.
- Each person has a "solar capital." This is a maximum of solar radiation that our skin admits throughout life. When this capital is depleted, cells no longer have the ability to recover from the damage caused by the sun. It is estimated that the majority of the population has exhausted it before reaching the age of 21.
- Children's skin is much more sensitive and its ability to produce melanin is less than that of adults. In addition, they spend many more hours in the sun since in summer they play more outdoors.
- You should never expose a child under one year of age directly to the sun.
- Avoid the middle hours of the day, when the radiation is more intense. Try to keep your children in the shade between 11 in the morning and 5 in the afternoon.
- Do not forget that in cloudy days solar radiation also passes.
- Take precautions even if you are in the shade. Some surfaces like water or sand reflect the sun.
- Remember protect your children always, not only when going to the beach or the mountains.
- uses a suitable sunscreen, along with other protective measures such as hats, sunglasses and sun protection shirts.
How to use the sunscreen in an optimal way?
When choosing a sunscreen, it is important to take into account the age and the phototype to which the skin corresponds.
- En phototypes I and II, very light skin, red or blonde hair and light eyes, you should choose high factors (50+).
- For phototype III, light skin, brown or dark blonde hair and brown or gray eyes, it is necessary to use factors between 30 and 50.
- En phototype IV, dark skin and hair, you can choose factors between 15 and 30.
- For children under 3 years old, the factor should never be less than 30.
- Babies should never be exposed directly to the sun, but if you cannot avoid it, always use 50 protection creams and with physical filters.
- Always use pediatric sunscreen. They are more resistant to water and rubbing. they also comply with all the requirements and regulations to protect the delicate skin of children.
- Always search water resistant and protective creams both UVB and UVA radiation.
- If your child has atopic dermatitis, reactive skin, fresh scars, or other skin lesions, use physical filters.
- Apply the cream 30 minutes before sun exposure and renew the application every 2 hours or after each bath.
- Be generous with the cream. Apply a generous layer and spread it well over all areas of the body.
- Remember that sunscreens serve to protect the skin, but they are not an excuse to spend more time in the sun.
Don't forget to take precautions to take care of your skin too. We are the role model for our children, therefore, If you want them to acquire good solar habits from childhood, you must lead by example.