Sun protection for children: how to care for children's skin in summer

During the summer, children spend many more hours outdoors: at the beach, the pool, parks, camps, or playing sports. Although sunlight is important for the body and promotes vitamin D synthesis, excessive sun exposure during childhood can cause significant skin damage, both immediate and long-term.

Children's skin is much more sensitive than adults' and needs specific protection. A sunburn in childhood is not something to take lightly: sun damage accumulates over the years and increases the risk of premature aging and skin problems in adulthood.

Therefore, teaching correct sun protection habits from a young age is one of the best ways to take care of their future health.

Why children's skin is more vulnerable to the sun

Children's skin has different characteristics than that of an adult:

• It is finer and more delicate

• It produces less melanin, the pigment that protects against UV radiation.

• Its skin barrier is still developing

• It has a lower capacity to defend itself against sun damage.

This causes burns to appear more quickly and the skin to lose water more easily.

In addition, young children often spend a lot of time playing outdoors without being aware of the heat or prolonged exposure to the sun.

The risks of excessive sun exposure

Inadequate sun exposure can cause:

Sunburns

They are the most immediate and frequent damage. The skin reddens, hurts, and may even form blisters.

Dehydration and heat stroke

Children are less efficient at regulating their body temperature and lose fluids more quickly.

Cumulative skin damage

Ultraviolet radiation causes cellular alterations that accumulate over the years.

Skin sensitivity and irritation

Especially in children with atopic or sensitive skin.

How to properly protect children's skin

1. Avoid the sun during the middle of the day

Between 12:00 and 17:00, solar radiation is much more intense. During these hours, the following is recommended:

• Look for shade

• Avoid prolonged activities in the sun

• Prioritize cool and ventilated spaces

2. Choose a suitable sunscreen

Not all sunscreens are the same. For children, it is recommended to use:

• SPF 50+

• Broad spectrum protection (UVA and UVB)

• Pediatric formulas

• Water-resistant products

It is also important that they are suitable for sensitive skin and easy to apply.

3. Apply sunscreen correctly

One of the most frequent mistakes is applying too little.

The sunscreen should be applied:

• 20 or 30 minutes before exposure

• In sufficient quantity

• Reapplying it every 2 hours

• Always after bathing or heavy sweating

Areas such as the following should not be forgotten:

• Ears

• Insteps

• Neck

• Lips

• Scalp in children with little hair

4. Clothing also protects

Photoprotection does not depend solely on creams.

It is recommended:

• Wear light t-shirts

• Caps or hats

• Certified sunglasses with UV filter

Currently, there are even garments with specific sun protection.

5. Stay well hydrated

Children dehydrate more quickly in summer. That's why it's important to offer them water frequently, even if they don't feel thirsty.

Fruits rich in water such as watermelon, melon or orange also help to maintain good hydration.

What to do if a sunburn appears

If the child's skin becomes red or shows signs of burning:

• Remove it from the sun immediately.

• Apply soothing and refreshing products

• Maintain good hydration

• Avoid further exposure until the skin recovers

In cases of blisters, fever, or significant discomfort, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Thinking that on cloudy days you don't need protection

• Apply sunscreen only once a day

• Use sunscreens from the previous year that have been opened for a long time.

• Trusting only in the shadow

Sun protection for children is an investment in their future health. Adopting good habits from a young age helps prevent sunburn and cumulative skin damage.

The combination of sunscreen, appropriate clothing, hydration, and avoiding peak radiation hours is the best strategy to enjoy summer safely.

If you need help choosing the most suitable sunscreen for children or have any questions about sun protection, you can ask us at the pharmacy.