CHILDREN’S SKIN – EXTRA SENSITIVE AND IN NEED OF PROTECTION
Children need extra protection from the sun because their skin is especially sensitive. Younger kids such as babies and toddlers need extra protective children’s sunscreen as their skin is much thinner and more sensitive than adults. In their formative years, children’s skin hasn’t fully developed its own protective mechanisms against UV radiation. Protective light callosity or pigments against radiation aren’t formed in children and the skin regeneration process doesn’t function properly in their first few years of life. As a result sunscreen, sun cream and sun lotions for kids is an even more important consideration.
Sunburn during childhood is a leading cause of skin cancer in adulthood. Therefore, it is essential that children of three and over wear sun protection. Children younger than three should be kept out of the sun as much as possible.
THE BEST SUN PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN
The best protection from sunlight is in the shade whether you’re a child or an adult. Babies should never spend time in the blazing sun during their first 12 months. Dermatologists recommend that babies and toddlers up to three years old avoid direct sunlight.
However, keeping kids out of the sun isn’t always possible, so protecting them from harmful UV radiation with suitable clothing and a high SPF sun lotion or sunscreen for kids is your next best choice. Thickly woven fabrics are the best for protecting your child’s skin, special pieces of clothing such as shorts, trousers, t-shirts and swimwear designed with UV protection in mind are also available. Light and easily dried they’re perfect for holidays, outdoor activities and provide great sun protection for kids, even toddlers and babies.
When it comes to children’s sunscreen, you should use at least SPF 30 sun lotion - or better yet 50+. It’s also recommended that sun lotion for the little kids be waterproof, so they can still splash about in the sea or pool and be adequately protected from the UV rays. NIVEA Sun Kids Moisturising Kids Trigger Spray SPF50+ is the perfect waterproof sun protection for your child.
DRESSING YOUR CHILD FOR THE SUN
In summer, little children don’t want to wear long sleeves and trousers. They’re happy to tear off all their clothes and run naked to the beach or pool. It may be tempting to turn a blind eye you should always ensure your kids are protected from the sun by wearing appropriate clothing.
ESSENTIAL CHILDREN’S CLOTHING FOR SUNNY DAYS
What children should wear in the sun:
• A head covering which provides sun protection for your child’s head and also their neck, ears and face.
• Comfy and airy baggy shirts and trousers are good for the hot weather. UV clothing, which offers special protection from UV radiation due to its impregnation and special weaving technique is recommended. The UV protection factor of this clothing should be at least 30 to protect your little one’s skin.
• UV shirts are also great for days spent near water, protecting your back, shoulders and chest the way children’s sun spray would.
• Sandals that cover the tops of your baby, toddler or child’s feet and heels is important too. The top of the foot is exposed to lots of sunlight and is one of the body parts that need the most protection.
• A pair of sunglasses with UV protection.
WHICH SUNSCREEN, LOTION OR SPRAY IS RIGHT FOR KIDS?
Applying a suitable sunscreen is important to protect skin that can’t be covered sufficiently by clothing.
Children’s skin can only protect itself for a few minutes so applying sunscreen for kids (preferably SPF 50+) before they venture out into the summer weather is crucial. Use sun cream designed for children’s sensitive skin and defend against UVA and UVB radiation. Waterproof sunscreen for kids should be applied if they’re going swimming and don’t forget to reapply once they’ve dried off! Every Nivea Sun Kids product does all this.
SUFFICIENT SUN PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN
Applying your children’s sun cream or sun spray can be difficult on a beach day because they’re so excited to run off and build sandcastles. For ease you can apply the sun protection to your kids at home and use a spray (so even when they wriggle around you can protect them from the hot weather). This absorbs in your skin quickly and it’s super easy to apply.
MIDDAY - SIESTAS OR SHADE
Between 11 am and 3 pm when the sun’s UV rays are at their strongest both kids and adults should avoid the sun completely. Find a shaded area or stay indoors if you can, parasols and awnings create shaded spaces in your garden where children can also play during the hottest time of day.
Children also need the right clothing and kids sunscreen in the shade too. During a beach holiday, take advantage of the early morning and late afternoon for splashing, swimming and digging - it’s better for your health and nicer!
FUN IN THE SUN
The more fun it is to apply a product, the more the child will love putting it on. For example, roll-on products are available to offer a playful aspect. Kids will love the novelty of the unique roll-on format, which makes application fun and easy.
