My Skin Centre

The Right Sun Protection for Little Ones

When it comes to young children their skin is extremely sensitive, and they are at an increased risk of sunburn and damage caused by UV radiation. Most child care centres and schools in Australia now have strict sun smart policies, as sun damage before the age of 15 can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer during adulthood.

Children under 1 year of age are particularly vulnerable, and The Cancer Council recommends direct sunlight is avoided for this age group when the UV levels are higher than level 3. While we can’t leave our children locked indoors, there are ways to protect them in the sun while still allowing for outdoor exploration and playtime in the park.

Cover Them Up

Any exposed skin is at risk of sunburn, and the right clothing can go a long way in protecting children’s skin from the sun. Look for loose fitting designs with tightly woven fabric and select bathing suits with maximum coverage.

Wrap around sunglasses which are specifically made for children are the best choice. This will help to protect their delicate eye area while being more comfortable for their tiny faces.

Use an Age Appropriate Sunscreen

For children under 6 months of age, sunscreen is not recommended. Instead, try to cover as much of their body with clothing as possible. For older children, use an SPF30+ or higher on any areas which are left exposed. If splashing in the water, a water resistant sunscreen is recommended.

Always do a spot test first to ensure there are no reactions, and choose a sensitive, child friendly brand. For preschool children, teach them the correct method of application so they will be able to successfully apply sunscreen themselves once they go to school.

Offer Shaded Areas

When taking your children for a walk in the pram, always ensure they have suitable shade over their face and body. There are a range of pram covers available and you may even find they sleep a little longer without any outside distractions. In the car, block out the glare with a sunshade on their window, as it is still possible to experience sun damage while driving 

Try to choose a shady spot and take a sun shelter for time spent at the beach. Even when in the shade, other sun protection measures should still be implemented.

Make a Habit of Wearing Hats

Children learn from example, and one of the best strategies is to make sun protection a habit which the whole family is involved in. Teach them from an early age to wear a hat for outdoor play, and ensure you do too.

Wide brim hats or legionnaire hats offer the most sun protection but be cautious of any long straps without safety toggles as these could pose as a choking hazard. Specialised hats may come with a safety rating, such as this Micro Fibre bucket hat with a UPF50+.

Choose the Right Time of Day

Try to limit sun exposure to the times of day when the UV rays are at their worst. This is generally before 10am and after 2pm but might vary slightly depending on daylight savings. Using a combination of sun protection measures will ensure your children can still get the Vitamin D they need, without risking long term damage to their skin.

At My Skin Centre we provide full skin and body checks throughout Perth, WA. If you are concerned about your or your child’s skin, please book an appointment today.