What are the best sunscreens for children? Reasons to protect your skin well

Although the calendar tells us that there are still a few days left until summer arrives, it seems that the thermometer has already made it clear that the heat is here to stay. And this means that efforts must be redoubled, even more than during the rest of the year, to protect the skin of the Sun King, especially when it comes to the little ones in the house, as their skin is more delicate and sensitive to sunburn.

Children's skin is more sensitive than adult skin.So you need to be extra careful. Therefore, it is very important that products suitable for your skin type are used and with the arrival of high temperatures and outdoor activities, parents should take special care and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun without adequate sun protection”, alert. Reme Navarro, pharmacist, nutritionist and director of Business Strategy at Atida | Mipharma.

The gesture of applying sunscreen daily to the little ones in the house is not a trivial matter, as it is a way of safeguard your skin's health in the medium and long term. «We understand that in a family, due to lack of habit, the application of sunscreen for children can be forgotten, as it is associated with a beach product, but the truth is that should be an ally in all outdoor activities for countless reasons», guarantees Navarro.

These reasons are many and very convincing. The first is that “There are differences in the development of both the epidermis and the dermis, as it is not complete at birth. It can be said that the skin begins a process of postnatal maturation and adaptation and, gradually, becomes more and more similar to adult skin”, explains the pharmacist.

Excessive exposure to the sun is a great danger to the health of people and especially children, as they are even more vulnerable, therefore Sunscreens are essential to protect children's skin. Therefore, experts recommend the use of sunscreens with a high protection factor specifically for children and resistant to water, as this will reduce the chances of suffering burns and other skin injuries, although it is important to highlight that there is no product that completely protects against sunscreen. Sun rays. However, it is also advisable that children under three years of age are not exposed to direct sunlight and, in addition to sunscreen, they also cover themselves with clothes, hats and even sunglasses to avoid direct sunlight in their eyes, in addition to drinking plenty of water to combat the heat typical of this time of year.

dangerous consequences

When children's skin is not adequately protected, spending the afternoon at the park with friends, having a family picnic or taking a midday walk can become a risky activity, as any of these options can cause sunburn on areas exposed to the sun, such as the neck, arms or legs.

the irritant BurnsAs harmless as they may seem at first glance, they can be very dangerous in the long run. These injuries are characterized by redness of the dermis, pain and itching in the affected area and even blisters whose damage can be mitigated with moisturizing lotions or cold damp cloths. Furthermore, in the most serious cases, excessive exposure to the sun can also cause fever, severe headache, heatstroke and even chills.

In the medium and long term, excessive sun exposure to the skin causes premature aging and, especially in the case of burns caused in childhood and adolescence, an increased risk of cancer (malignant melanoma) in later years.

specific to them

Although they may appear similar a priori, the sun protection creams specially designed for children They are not the same as adults. In fact, there are several specificities that make them unique: «On the one hand, sunscreens for children They are made without alcohol. On the other hand, they have a higher percentage of physical filters. Furthermore, they develop No preservatives, no perfumes. They also tend be more oilywhich facilitates its distribution”, argues Navarro.

Furthermore, there are also other possible characteristics that make them unique. For example, “during adolescence, many children will need sebum regulators, so it is advisable to use non-comedogenic sun creams to avoid clogging of skin pores”, recommends the pharmacist.

Sometimes finding the ideal sunscreen for children is a complex task. Several factors to take into account usually weigh in on this decision: “On the one hand, it should be pleasant for them and adequately protect their skin”, advises Navarro, who is committed to Always purchase these products under pharmaceutical recommendations.

How to apply the cream to little ones

►Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before exposing yourself to the sun and liberally with a high sun protection factor on all parts of the body, from the trunk to the head and extremities, including hands and feet.

►Reuse sunscreen after every shower lasting more than 20 minutes, even if the products used are water resistant.

►Reapply sunscreen every two hours.

►Use child-specific and water-resistant products as much as possible.

►Renew your sunscreens every year, as products stored from previous summers can deteriorate and lose their protective capacity.

►Even if the day is cloudy, you should use sunscreen, as radiation affects it through clouds.

The Mifarma by Atida showcase

►La Roche Posay Anthelios Dermo Pediatrics with SPF50+ is especially suitable for delicate or atopic-prone skin in babies from six months onwards. Perfect for the face and the rest of the body. Your new formula is enriched with shea butter of natural origin to hydrate, soothe and strengthen the skin barrier. Its texture is velvety, soft and comfortable and is hypoallergenic.

►Avène children's sun milk is waterproof and was specially created for sensitive skin. It has a fluid, invisible and non-greasy texture that allows for easy application and leaves no traces. It is highly effective against solar radiation (long and short UVB-UVA) and is suitable for the face and body. Soothes the skin thanks to its formulation with Avene thermal water.

►Isdin Pediatrics Sunscreen Gel Cream SPF50+ is ideal for children and babies from six months old thanks to a pleasant gel-cream texture, which provides the freshness of a gel and the hydration of a cream. It is easy to apply and absorb. It is made with biological filters, such as vitamin E and dexpanthenol, which help to strengthen the skin's defenses. Its biodegradable formula is highly resistant to water and friction.

►This pediatric sunscreen from the Tropicania brand is designed to be used by the whole family, but is especially effective on the skin of little ones. It has a high sun protection factor, SPF50+ and its formula helps protect against free radicals, providing great hydration. Its application is very easy and water resistant, with a light and quickly absorbed texture.