Every sunny day is considered an excellent opportunity to play and dive, but we should not neglect the safety of children.
Let us mention the basic rules for protecting children from the sun.
Children should not rely only on the use of sunscreen to protect against harmful UV radiation. The American Paediatric Society suggests:
- Seek shade for times when the UV index is lowest, which typically is prior to 10 a.m. and after 2 p.m
- Wear long-sleeved protective clothing or swimwear made with material that protects against UV radiation
- Wear sunglasses and hats
The use of sunscreen is recommended after six months of life, until then the direct and prolonged contact of the infant with the sun should be avoided.
Apply sunscreen to the surfaces of the skin exposed to the sun. We prefer to use sunscreens with wide-spectrum protection (against UVA and UVB radiation) and protection index (SPF) above 30.
Apply sunscreen before children are exposed to the sun and repeat every two hours or after swimming, wiping with a towel or intense sweating.
The amount of sunscreen we use is about one ounce (as much as a shot glass) on the surface of the face and body, while young children may need a smaller amount.
If we use sunscreen spray we prefer to repeat four times its application on each body surface and then apply evenly by hand.
The FDA (Food and Drug Association) has accepted some of the ingredients of sunscreens, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as safe, suballergens and effective. While we await the final evaluation of the remaining ingredients, people with sensitive skin should prefer sunscreen with the above ingredients, although they are more difficult to apply and leave a thin white coating.
Keep calm and enjoy the sun
Recent Comments