SCIENCE & SUN CHILDREN

May 31, 2024

Sun Protection for Children: Realities and Challenges

At Pioupiou Cosmetics, we are committed to providing reliable and accessible information on children's skin care. Our experts read and simplify numerous scientific publications to help you understand the dermatological needs of young people. As debates about sunscreens and their use for children intensify, we want to share key points from an article by Y. Gilaberte and JM Carrascosa on the realities and challenges of sun protection in children.

Why Do Children Need Special Sun Protection?

Exposure Habits

Children spend more time in the sun than adults. A study reveals that schoolchildren spend an average of 2.3 hours a day in the sun, mainly during school days. A large part of lifetime sun exposure therefore occurs during childhood, with 25% to 50% of sunburns before the age of 60 occurring during this period.

Skin Differences

Children's skin is thinner and less pigmented than adults', making it more susceptible to sun damage. Children under the age of two are particularly vulnerable.

Sun Protection Strategies for Children

Protecting children from the sun is essential to preventing skin cancer. Here are some recommendations:

Recommended Sun Creams

Use mineral, non-chemical (organic) sunscreens to limit potentially harmful chemical ingredients.
Avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octocrylene.

Other Protective Measures

Avoid sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day (10 a.m.-4 p.m.).
Dress children in protective clothing, goggles and hats.

The key points of scientific publications

Children receive much of their sun exposure before the age of 18.
Their skin is more susceptible to sun damage.
Use sunscreens suitable for children and avoid those with potentially harmful components.
Combine sunscreen with protective clothing and avoid the midday sun.
Use vitamin D supplements (in the recommended doses), but never expose a child to direct sunlight without protection.

Children need specific sun protection measures due to their sensitive skin and outdoor play habits. Further prevention campaigns and research are needed to better understand and address the specific sun protection needs of children.

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