Dr. Casals, a specialist in children’s dermatology, explains in the following article what risks excessive exposure to the sun can entail for children’s skin and why it is important to protect them in these days of intense heat.
Why protect yourself from the sun?
In the past, sun exposure was considered a healthy benefit of outdoor activity. However, studies have shown the many harmful effects of sun exposure, such as skin aging and skin cancer.
What kind of damage does sun exposure cause?
The sun’s energy reaches the earth in the form of radiation, some of it as invisible ultraviolet light rays. When these rays penetrate the skin (UVA and UVB) they damage skin cells, causing visible and invisible damage that manifests itself in an increase in the number of moles, freckles, wrinkles and skin cancer.
Sunburn is a type of visible damage that appears a few hours after exposure to the sun. In many people this type of damage also causes increased tanning or pigmentation of the skin, which becomes apparent a few days after sun exposure. Freckles, which appear in people with fair skin, are usually due to sun exposure. They are almost always a sign of sun damage and are unmistakable evidence of the need for sun protection.
Ultraviolet light rays also cause invisible damage to skin cells. Some of the cell damage is repaired but the rest adds up over the years. After 20 to 30 years or more, the accumulated damage manifests itself as wrinkles, age spots or even skin cancer.
Should we be concerned about sun protection for children on cloudy days?
Clouds block a good deal of type B ultraviolet radiation (those responsible for sunburn) but do not block type A ultraviolet radiation (those responsible for tanning). Consequently, the risk of sunburn is lower, but the skin is nevertheless exposed to the penetrating power of UVA rays that cause tanning and wrinkles. It is therefore important to stay protected from the sun even on cloudy days.
How to choose the best sunscreen for a child?
Direct sun exposure should be avoided for babies under six months of age. From six months to two years of age, the use of physical sunscreens is recommended, since they do not cause allergies and are very well tolerated. The disadvantage is the glare they cause because they repel light.
If sun exposure is unavoidable, the sunscreen should be applied to all exposed areas (e.g. face and hands). We should choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 50. The protection capacity of a sunscreen is measured by its SPF. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection capacity, although the relationship is not linear. This means that a 100 SPF is not exactly twice as powerful as a 50 SPF, although it does have a higher protection power. Sunscreens labeled as “broad spectrum” indicate that they have passed UVA protection tests. The sunscreen should be applied generously to all exposed areas, including the ears and lips, but avoiding the eyelids. New forms of sunscreens appear every year and the choice of a particular brand or type depends on individual tastes.
Are spray sunscreens safe and effective for children?
Spray sunscreens should be applied carefully to the skin so as not to leave areas without product. It is best to pour the product onto the palm of the hand and then apply it to the skin of the body.
What about vitamin D?
Vitamin D is essential for many processes in the body. Several studies have shown that regular use of sunscreen does not affect vitamin D levels. In people who practice rigorous sun protection, the recommendation of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) is that vitamin D can be adequately obtained through a normal diet.
How to treat a sunburn in children?
- A cool shower or bath will help reduce the heat of the skin.
- Immediate application of moisturizing lotions can reduce the dryness associated with the burn.
- A topical corticosteroid cream may reduce inflammation.
- Oral ibuprofen can soothe inflammatory discomfort (pain, burning, redness).
- In case of blistering, evaluation by a dermatologist is preferable.
How to protect children’s skin from the sun
- Avoid sun exposure at certain hours. Between 10 am and 2 pm, it is preferable for children to do indoor activities or to seek the protective shade of trees, umbrellas or awnings. If the shadow is shorter than the child’s height, it means that the sun is right above us and we should cover ourselves. Sun exposure is more intense near the equator, high in the mountains and during the summer. It is also worth knowing that the reflection of the sun’s rays on water, white sand and snow increases their ability to penetrate and, therefore, to cause greater damage.
- Wear protective clothing. In outdoor activities, children should wear sun-protective clothing, including large hats, caps or pieces of clothing made of sun-protective materials. Sunglasses are very important and necessary, but remember that not all sunglasses have protection against ultraviolet rays, so check the product label.
- Use of sunscreens. We can avoid sun damage by using a broad spectrum UVA and UVB sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 50, applied 20-30 minutes before going outdoors and reapplying at least every 2 hours, even on cloudy days. In case of swimming or sweating, sunscreens should be applied more frequently.