Sun Protection

Which sunscreen to use, how to apply it, and other recommendations

“Skin redness, sunburns, and allergic reactions are the most common incidents treated in pediatric consultations due to sun exposure. To prevent these skin injuries, as well as problems in adulthood, pediatricians emphasize the importance of children and young people adopting appropriate sun protection measures when engaging in outdoor activities, even on cloudy days,” states the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP).

The importance of sun protection is not only limited to the summer season but applies throughout the year. It is particularly crucial for babies and children to apply sunscreen consistently to establish a routine. This is the key to real prevention and ensuring these habits persist into adulthood. “Sunscreen prevents burns and sun damage in children. It is important for them to get accustomed to using it daily, even in winter,” recommends Dr. Francisco Recio, a pediatrician from our team.

When should sunscreen be applied to children?

With newborn babies or infants, many questions arise regarding this topic due to the hypersensitivity of their skin. As a general rule, children under 3 years of age should not be exposed to direct sunlight without proper protection from appropriate clothing and high sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreen (recommended only for children over 6 months). However, Dr. Recio provides further details and clarification: “As a general rule, it is advised not to apply sunscreen to children under 4-6 months old due to the risk of damaging their immature and sensitive skin. However, in summer, considering the risk of burns in newborns, a small amount of sunscreen could be applied to more exposed areas such as the arms and legs before going outside.”

What sunscreen is best for my child?

Dr. Recio explains the types of sunscreens available in the market. “Sunscreen can have different types of sun protection filters”:

• Mineral or physical filters: These reflect sunlight, do not cause irritation, and have a lower risk of contact allergies. They are recommended for children between 6 months and 3 years old, children with atopic skin or contact dermatitis.
• Chemical or organic filters: These absorb radiation and convert it into harmless thermal energy. They can cause more skin irritations and are not recommended for children under 3 years old.

What should a sunscreen for children have?

When choosing a sunscreen, certain essential requirements should be considered. The doctor shares the following insights:

• Creams are better than sprays: “If you have a spray, apply it to your hand first and then spread it on the child’s skin,” advises Dr. Recio.
• Use an SPF greater than 50+.
• Always look for UVA+UVB protection.
• “Waterproof” is better than “Water-resistant”: 80 minutes of water protection versus 40 minutes.

Additionally, when applying sunscreen, it is important to consider the following recommendations: “It is crucial to reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours, especially after swimming, to compensate for the potential loss of the protective layer. It should be applied all over the body, including areas covered by clothing,” advises the doctor. In addition to these tips, the following guidelines recommended by the AEP should also be followed:

• Avoid sun exposure during the peak hours of the day, between 12 PM and 4 PM.
• Protect them with sunglasses and hats or caps.
• If using a sunscreen with chemical or organic filters, apply it at least 15-30 minutes before sun exposure.
• Take extra precautions for sensitive areas of the body, such as the face, head, shoulders, décolletage, ears, hands, and feet.

Lastly, it is important to instill good sun protection habits in children from an early age. As the AEP emphasizes, “Pediatricians warn against abandoning healthy sun protection practices during adolescence and remind us that intense sun exposure during the first two decades of life is particularly associated with premature skin aging and the development of skin cancer.”