First (spring) sun: sunscreen for your child and tips

Temperatures can rise considerably in spring. The UV index (sun power) is already much higher and there are fewer clouds to filter the sunlight. However, the temperatures are still quite low and the wind can still feel quite fresh, so you do not really notice that your child is burning. After the winter, your child’s skin is extra sensitive, which means sunburn can happen very quickly. Your child’s skin needs extra protection during the first spring sun. Applying sunscreen to your child is essential for optimal protection. High factor sunscreen is the best choice. Sunburn can lead to adverse effects on your skin and even in severe cases increase the risk of melanoma or skin cancer. Be prepared and on your toes if you decide to spend a day in the sun with the kids. Some good tips can help protect against the sun and prevent sunburn.Playing outside is healthy, but protection from the sun is absolutely necessary. / Source: 91249144gary, Pixabay

Finally: spring and the sun are here

After a long winter season, everyone longs for the first rays of sunshine and the real spring feeling. The first spring sun is the ideal time for the children to play outside in the sun. However, the sun can be very treacherous in the early spring season. It often still feels a bit chilly, so you would definitely not think that your child could get sunburned. However, the opposite is true. Your child’s skin is extra sensitive because it has seen little sunlight for a whole winter period. The skin contains less pigment. People and therefore children also tend to only apply sunscreen when it is sunny and warm. However, it is recommended to apply the product at the first rays of sunlight. Naturally, your child’s sensitive skin deserves full attention from the start. Get out the sunscreen quickly and don’t be surprised.

The consequences of sunburn for your child

Preventing sunburn is better than cure. The consequences of sunburn can be very diverse, and can even be harmful to general health in the long term. An immediate consequence of sunburn is red, painful skin caused by peeling. In certain and more severe cases, blisters may also develop. In the longer term, sunburn can lead to an increased risk of melanoma, also known as skin cancer. This form of cancer can spread and in some cases even lead to death. Frequent sun exposure can lead to age-related skin cancer in older people. Two types are distinguished. The first type is a basocellular carcinoma , namely a non-metastatic skin tumor. The second type is a spinocellular carcinoma . This form is more aggressive and can therefore spread. It goes without saying that applying sunscreen to your child is very important to prevent these adverse effects. The skin barrier is also less developed in young children, allowing the sun’s rays to penetrate deeper into the skin. This means that the skin is damaged more quickly, with a greater risk of skin cancer later on.

Protection against the sun: apply sunscreen to your child(ren).

Children absolutely need extra skin protection during the first rays of sunlight. After all, the sun can already shine brightly. Due to the fact that the skin has not been exposed to much stress during the winter period, it is therefore extremely important to properly protect children’s skin. Some useful and useful tips can help to protect your child perfectly from the sun.

Children under the age of eighteen need a sunscreen with factor 50+. Sunburn at an age younger than eighteen doubles the risk of skin cancer when these children are adults. It is very important to apply enough sunscreen, even if you use a high sun factor.
Children who play in the swimming pool should be lubricated on a regular basis. Even after intensive play in the garden, the child deserves another lubrication. The water from the pool or body sweat washes away the sunscreen from the body.
Make sure that your child does not get too much sun during the hottest hours of the day. The risk of burning during these hottest hours is high, resulting in a higher risk of sunburn and heat stroke.

Applying sunscreen every two to three hours is not an unnecessary luxury. / Source: Dimitrisvetsikas1969, Pixabay

Difference between sunscreen for children and adults

There is a clear difference between a sunscreen for children and a cream for adults. The standard protection factor is very high for children (50+). The difference between the two sunscreens is in the composition. A cream for children contains more mineral sun filters (white film on skin) and less perfume. The white film on the skin is useful for parents to know where the product has already been applied. However, you can also use an adult sunscreen for children, without perfume. This way you don’t have to take two or three bottles with you to the beach. Sensitive skin in children can become red if conventional sunscreen is not tolerated. All sunscreens that come onto the market are extensively tested for their effectiveness. You can find cheap and more expensive sunscreens. However, the amount you apply is extremely important. In general, there is too little lubrication. Depending on the age of the child, you need to apply a certain amount. This is indicated per Finger Tip Unit (FTU). It is a good idea to apply the sunscreen to your child yourself. This way you can be absolutely certain that the lubrication has been carried out properly.

Zones to apply extra rub for children

Body parts that are often forgotten in children are the shoulders, nose, ears and lips. Don’t forget to rub the soles of your feet. In addition to massaging these forgotten body parts, it is very important to protect the scalp. A cap or sun hat are highly recommended. Good sunglasses are also very important. If the eyes are exposed for too long to sunlight that reflects on water or sand, inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva may occur. Sunglasses with full UV protection are therefore a good solution.

General tips for protection against the first (spring) sun

Even when the sun is not shining, it is important to apply sunscreen to your child. The UV radiation penetrates the clouds and extra sun protection is not an unnecessary luxury.
Apply a new layer of sunscreen every two to three hours, even if you use a sunscreen that can withstand water. The basic principle is that it is better to apply too much than too little.
Sunscreen only works effectively after thirty minutes. In strong sunshine, apply sunscreen to your children in advance before they go outside to play or swim.
A recent scar should be extra protected from the sun during the first few days. After all, irritated skin is much more sensitive to UV radiation than normal skin.
There is no need to buy a new bottle of sunscreen every year. The effect of the cream deteriorates somewhat, but not much. It is very important to store the cream correctly, namely not too warm and out of the sun. Many people forget this tip because the sunscreen is in the sun on the beach or at the pool.
Be aware that aftersun does not protect against sunburn. After sun prevents the stratum corneum from drying out.