Is there anything as simple or pleasurable as spending time in the sun? Whether it is spring, summer, autumn or winter, we all need time in the sun so that our bodies can receive a healthy dose of mood-boosting and bone-strengthening vitamin D.
There are other benefits too – for example, time in the sun can help us to sleep properly, particularly if the exposure happens in the mornings.
However, too much exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun can be harmful and may result in sunburn, long-term skin damage, eye damage, skin cancer and suppression of the immune system. In the article below, we take a look at how you can get the balance right and keep your child safe from the sun.
Sunburn is caused by the sun’s three different types of radiation: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC causes relatively little damage as most is absorbed by the earth’s atmosphere. However, both UVA and UVB survive the atmosphere, with UVB penetrating the top layers of the skin and UVA penetrating even deeper. Once UVB and UVA hit the skin, they disrupt and damage its membranes, proteins and DNA.
Over the 48 hours following excessive sun exposure, cells called keratinocytes which exist at the top layer of skin, respond to the damage by attempting to activate immune cells. This causes fluid from blood cells to leak out and, in turn, causes swelling, reddening, itching and blistering of the skin. The result of all this, of course, is sunburn.
Although people with darker skin have more melanin and therefore more inbuilt sun protection, it is essential that both darker-skinned and lighter-skinned children are protected from UV rays as all young skin is susceptible, while, some studies have shown that in certain places dark-skinned people may actually be more likely to develop skin cancer(1).
Studies have shown that the first 18 years of life are the most critical for preventing cancer-causing sun damage(2).
The skin of babies and children is much more sensitive than that of adults. It is critically important that you limit your child’s sun exposure, as excessive exposure can significantly increase their risk of skin cancer, which may develop as early as when they are in their twenties. So, you should:
If you are taking your child out into strong sun you should ensure they are wearing suitable clothing. For example:
Most child-friendly sun creams tend to be SPF 50 and fragrance free – this is to provide the stronger level of sun protection needed as well as being free of the kinds of allergens that might irritate sensitive skin.
Ideally, you should not have to use sun cream on your baby as it is unwise to expose a new baby to any amount of sun. However, if exposure to direct sunlight is unavoidable, you should check that the sun cream you have is safe to use. You can test whether the sun cream is safe for your child’s skin by first applying a small amount to a limited area of skin and checking to make sure there is no adverse reaction – preferably, this test should be carried out 24 hours prior to sun exposure.
When applying sun cream to your child you should ensure that you use enough – unfortunately, most people don’t apply a sufficient amount. This fact means that they could be leaving their children at risk of painful and potentially irreversible skin damage(3).
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that adults apply 35ml of sun cream (seven teaspoons) to their bodies, with children you should apply around 10 to 17.5ml (up to 3.5 teaspoons), depending on the size of your child(4).
Generally speaking, you should use at least SPF 30 sun cream for your child and should ensure that it has broad spectrum (UVA) protection. However, given that most parents use insufficient sun cream, it is best to use a 50 factor product where possible.
Furthermore, you will need to decide between a spray or a lotion. It is important to note that although a spray might seem easier to apply, it is harder to ensure sufficient thickness of coverage. When you use a lotion you can measure it out in your hands, so you see the quantity which has been applied
According to the NHS, you should take extra precautions with your child if they meet any of the following criteria:
If you are aware that your child has suffered sunburn, you should take her out of the sun immediately and do the following:
However, you should avoid doing any of the following:
You should seek medical help if:
Almost all humans can benefit from some exposure to the sun. However, it is essential that you keep your newborn out of direct sunlight and that you regulate your growing child’s sun exposure, especially avoiding hours of strong sunlight. Sun protection is essential as your child spends more times outdoors and this should be achieved through a combination of UV-protecting clothing, sunscreen products, and spending time in the shade.
1. https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article
2. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510100521.htm
3. https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/sunscreen-users-receive-less-than-half-the-sun-protection-they-think
4. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sunburn/
5. https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/sun-protection