Protecting your children from the sun is non-negotiable, and we explain why

According to the National Cancer Institute (INCA), 80,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in France every year, and despite increasingly aggressive prevention campaigns, this number has been steadily increasing for 50 years. Although melanoma mainly affects adults, the period of childhood is decisive for the acquisition of good practices for the protection from the dangers of the sun, as well as for the safeguard of the “solar capital”. We take stock with Dr. Isabelle Gallay, dermatologist in Dijon and vice president of the National Union of Dermatologists Venereologists (SNDV).

What are the risks for children?

Every human being is born with what is called a ” capital of the sun Or “solar capital” which depends on its phototype and, important information, is not renewable. Dr. Gallay explains to Madmoizelle:

This capital corresponds to all the means of defense of the skin against the harmful effects of the sun. It is specific to each person and depends on the complexion: dark skin types are naturally more protected than fair skin and the latter will have to protect themselves for life to avoid damaging their solar capital.

The period of childhood is decisive for the conservation of the solar capital. In fact, small children have thin and fragile skin which allows solar radiation to pass more easily. ” When cells are damaged at a young age, the risk of developing skin cancer in adulthood increases »Warns the dermatologist. Hence the importance of not minimizing the need for sun protection from the cradle.

How to protect your children from the sun?

To protect children’s skin from the harmful effects of the sun, we must keep in mind some “good practices” which consist in implementing effective measures to combat sunburn and cell damage.

As a reminder, a child of less than a year should never be in the sunWhy ” in addition to sunburn, there is a risk of heatstroke which can lead to crying, fever and vomiting due to dehydration “Explains Isabelle Gallay.

Monitor children’s sun exposure

To limit the risks, it is advisable to avoid exposing children (but also adults) to the sun between 12:00 and 16:00, during which time the rays are the most aggressive. As a general rule, and whatever the time of day, shaded areas should be favored for outdoor activities.

The health insurance website also advises that you be wary of circumstances that involve additional risk or false security such as fresh wind, low cloud cover, reflective terrain (snow, sand, water, etc.), or altitude.

Clothing to protect children from the sun

Dry clothes, even light ones, filter UV rays and are a first defense against sunburn. For effective protection it is recommended to choose opaque models, in dark colors, and made with polyester fibers (natural materials such as cotton and silk would be less effective in blocking the rays).

For days at the beach or afternoons by the pool, there are UV protective clothing designed for going into the water. According to the dermatologist, these are interesting options for children: the clothes are light, comfortable and allow you to swim without risk to the skin because the very tight meshes prevent UV rays from penetrating. “.

And don’t forget the wide-brimmed hat to protect your neck and neck, as well as CE standard sunglasses (preferably CE3 or CE4) for real protection.

Sun creams to prevent sunburn

While there is nothing more annoying than chasing a child covered in sand and chocolate ice cream to cover him in sunscreen, this is not to be avoided, even if the child is already wearing a long-sleeved shirt and a hat.

The sunscreen product should be applied in a thick layer on areas of the skin not protected by clothing, and should be reapplied every two hours and after every bath or intense physical activity. ” For children I recommend opting for creams containing mineral sunscreens, which will reflect UV rays like a mirror and prevent them from penetrating the skin. Depending on the references they can be pasty and whitish, but they are very effective “, Concludes the vice president of the SNDV.

Shopping for kids with good UV protection

Title image photo credit: Julia Kuzenkov