Protecting babies and children from the dangers of the sun: what you need to know

The sun is vital to our health, and its rays play a key role, particularly in the synthesis of vitamin D. However, overexposure can be dangerous, especially for babies and children whose skin is more fragile. Find out how to better understand the dangers of the sun and effectively protect your child.

Why is the sun both beneficial and dangerous?

Sunlight, essential for mood and health, can quickly become harmful when misused. While a few minutes of daily exposure are enough to reap its benefits, overexposure can lead to:

• Painful sunburn.

• Premature aging of the skin.

• Increase in the number of moles.

• Long-term skin cancers.

Babies and children are particularly vulnerable due to their immature skin. Learn how to identify risks to better protect them.

UV rays: invisible dangers

The sun emits several types of radiation:

• UVA rays : responsible for rapid tanning, but also for wrinkles and skin aging.

• UVB : causes sunburn, accelerates skin aging and increases the risk of cancer.

• UVC : very harmful, but fortunately filtered by the Earth's atmosphere.

These invisible but powerful rays affect the delicate skin of babies and children even more intensely.

Why is babies' skin so vulnerable?

The skin of babies and young children does not yet have mature defense mechanisms:

• Thinner and more sensitive : it is penetrated more easily by UV rays.

• Immature immune system : provides poor protection against solar attacks.

• Insufficient pigmentation : cannot provide effective photoprotection.

• Fragile cellular potential : essential to preserve for their future health.

• Reduced sweating : limits their ability to regulate temperature, increasing the risk of heat stroke and dehydration.

The short and long-term consequences of overexposure

Sunburn, although immediate, is only the visible part of the harmful effects:

• Accelerated aging of the skin.

• Weakened immune defenses.

• Accumulation of irreversible cellular damage.

• Increased risk of skin cancer in adulthood.

Sunburn before the age of 10 permanently weakens the skin, making it more vulnerable throughout life.

How to protect your baby or child from the sun?

To avoid these dangers, it is essential to limit exposure and adopt the right reflexes:

1. Use a suitable sunscreen : with SPF 50+ specially designed for babies and children.

2. Dress your child : in light but covering clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and certified sunglasses.

3. Avoid hours of intense exposure : between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., prefer shade.

4. Hydrate your baby regularly : to prevent dehydration.

By protecting your child today, you are helping to preserve their skin and significantly reduce the risk of serious illnesses in adulthood.

The sun is a valuable source of benefits, but its rays can be dangerous for babies and young children. Take care of their fragile skin by adopting simple habits and using appropriate protective products.