Summer is in full swing and children are already enjoying the sea and beach games. Find useful tips and advice for the ultimate protection of infants and children from the harmful rays of the sun and enjoy carefree moments!

Why is sunscreen necessary?

Most of us associate the use of sunscreen with the summer months, but the truth is that nowadays, it is necessary all year round. Especially infants and children need to be fully protected from the sun because they have particularly sensitive skin, which makes them vulnerable to sunburns and future skin conditions. Don't forget, sun exposure is cumulative!

What are UVA, UVB & SPF?

There are 2 different types of solar radiation. UVA radiation is more related to premature skin aging, while UVB is associated with skin burns. Children's sunscreens protect against both of these types of solar radiation.

The sun protection factor (SPF) is a measure of the degree of protection that each product offers against ultraviolet UVB rays.

A simple example to understand how much a sunscreen protects is as follows: if the skin begins to redden after 20 minutes of sun exposure, then using a sunscreen with a protection factor of 30 will prevent reddening 30 times more compared to the skin's natural defense, provided, of course, that it is reapplied frequently, especially if the child dives into the sea or the pool.

How to Choose Children's Sunscreen?

For the correct selection of sunscreen for babies over 6 months and children:

• Prefer broad-spectrum sunscreen with physical filters. It protects against UVA and UVB radiation and the physical filters are less irritating to baby skin.
• Choose waterproof sunscreen with the water-resistant indication which protects more effectively, the skin of children who often dive into the water.
• Select lotion or cream form. According to dermatologists and the Hellenic Pediatric Society, it is safer compared to spray, which is more practical in terms of application, but the child may inhale it. If you prefer the spray, spray the product on your hands and not directly on the child.

SOS tips for effective protection

• Infants under 6 months should not be exposed to the sun for their safety
• Avoid prolonged exposure of the child to the sun between 10:00-16:00
• Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure
• Apply to the whole body and face (don't forget the ears and areas you think are not exposed to the sun)
• Reapply sunscreen frequently (about every 2 hours), especially if the child is playing in the water
• Cover your baby's or child's body with a long-sleeved shirt and UV-protective swimwear
• Don't forget the hat and a quality pair of sunglasses for eye protection
• Make sure they stay hydrated with water and juices and do not stay under the sun without protection
• Do not use sunscreen that you opened last year, as all cosmetic products have an expiration date (for sunscreens it is usually 12 months after opening the package)

Are there special sunscreens?

In the market, apart from the classic children's sunscreens, there are also products that meet different needs of baby and children's skin:

1. Specially designed for atopic dermatitis

Dermatologists recommend sunscreens with natural filters, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which sit on the surface of the skin, reflect UV radiation, and are not absorbed into it. However, even chemical filters are equally effective, as long as there is no allergy to any of the ingredients.

2. For sensitive skin

A children's sunscreen lotion with a hypoallergenic formula, fragrance-free, without parabens, alcohol, or colorants will provide the right protection from the sun as well as from unwanted side effects.

3. Protection from insects or jellyfish

It combines high protection from solar radiation, while at the same time protecting against insects, such as mosquitoes, gnats, bees, wasps, etc. Similarly, you will find sunscreen that protects against jellyfish stings, with natural ingredients that prevent the stimulation of jellyfish tentacles after contact with human skin.