Sun protection for children

The skin of infants and young children is more sensitive to a much greater than that of adults. But with just a few precautions can children enjoy beautiful sunny weather to the fullest.

Children's skin is very sensitive

The skin of infants and young children is particularly sensitive - even and especially when it comes to UV radiation. Because it is still very thin and the UV-protective properties needed in the first years of life yet to develop. Same time, children also need as much opportunity to move outside and let off steam. So they are naturally UV radiation particularly vulnerable.

But if you have some "rules of behavior" and observe your child - by your example - with important protection that is trusted, you can prevent the harmful effects of the sun and thus long-term sun damage effectively.

In the first year of life is shade announced

In the first twelve months of life as possible even if a child be exposed to direct sunlight. Nevertheless, your baby will not give up the healing powers of the sun. So rich, for example, completely out of the body's production of vitamin D in our latitude, ten to 15 minutes indirect sunlight.

·         Make sure that your baby always has a place in the shade.

·         Also avoid using sun protection, such as umbrella or canopy, the blazing sun, so your child does not overheat.

·         Sunscreens should be used in the first year of life not possible as they subject the sensitive baby skin unnecessarily.

·         Baby oil is not a sunscreen, but still promotes the sensitivity of the skin.

Even down to the preschool age is: Avoid direct sunlight as possible

For children it is important and healthy, get plenty of exercise outdoors and can play outside. And that can and should too. However, it should here be exposed after the first year of life as little direct sunlight. Children's skin is not yet fast enough and produce pigments that are considered natural self-protection, and UV damage can also inadequate "repair". Because of this body's protection against sun rays developed only in the course of years.

The simplest and most effective solar control therefore offer shady areas and sun clothing, and more specifically during the midday sun should be a better break to the courts.

Even with an overcast sky is still fashionable caution, because up to 80% of UV rays penetrate even more up through the skin.

Sun friendly clothing

Offers the most effective protection - in addition to shade - just a sun dress "from head to toe":

·         The head, especially the face, neck and ears are very sensitive. Therefore, make sure that your child wears a hat in the sun always, a cap or a scarf with peak and neck guard.

·         Clothing should be light and not too tight and cover as much of the body. Long-sleeved shirts or T-shirts and loose-fitting, as long pants are ideal.

·         Not all products are sun proof. Meanwhile, there are T-shirts, shirts and pants, their agents, by special weaving techniques or impregnations offer a special UV protection. This so-called UV-protection factor (EIA) should be less than 30.

·         Splashing or swimming should shoulder and back are best protected by a t-shirt. However, offering laid non-woven cotton T-shirts and can not provide adequate protection, especially in the wet state by UV radiation. The fabric should be either very tightly woven or best equipped with a UV protection factor.

·         Shoes should the foot - even the heel and instep - cover a large extent.

 

Use sunscreen correctly

In addition to the textile sun protection, all unprotected body parts like hands, face, back of the feet are protected by sunscreen. However, it must frequent skin cream and a high sun protection factor is not tempted to let children play safely in the blazing sun or longer in the sun.

·         Use only specially suitable for children sunscreen. Creams and lotions to children's skin dry out less than, for example gels.

·         The Sun's center was UV-A and UV-B rays block with a sun protection factor of at least 15, better still, 20th

·         Reapply the exposed parts of the body before going out - at best about half an hour earlier - Carefully.

·         Make sure that sufficient sunscreen is applied, otherwise the sun protection factor is not effective.

·         Creams to the skin for longer stays in the open air repeatedly. As the sun protection products through sweating and abrasion is removed, this renewed application is necessary to maintain protection, thus is not extended, however, indicated by the sun protection factor of protection of sunscreen.

When swimming, paddling or playing on the water, the risk of sunburn is high. This is true even when the skin's own UV-filters have been developed. Certain substances in this natural protective shield are namely water soluble and wash off during bathing within a short time.

·         Use for stays in and around water especially water-resistant sunscreen.

·         Renew after each bath sun protection.

 

 

The eyes also need protection

Not only the skin needs special protection, the eyes are especially sensitive to sunlight and UV rays. An extreme UV-B exposure, for example, with longer stays in the mountains - especially in the snow - can lead to painful inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva. Therefore, make sure that the eyes of your child especially in the mountains or the sea by a corresponding hat with umbrella or sunglasses with UV filters are protected.