Skin damage is cumulative. Small amounts of exposure will combine to harm the skin. You don't need to be sun burnt to have skin damage from the sun. The damage done to the skin from even one episode of overexposure to the sun can never be repaired. That is why it is so important to make sun protection a routine part of life from childhood.
Baby and toddler skin is more vulnerable to injury caused by the sun than adult skin.
The first principle for protecting a young child's skin from the sun is to never deliberately expose them to the direct sunlight. Always try to keep babies and children in the shade and dress them appropriately, but remember the sun's rays can penetrate cloud cover and cause damage.
However the Australian outdoors lifestyle can still be enjoyed providing sensible pre cautions are taken:
- Ensure children wear a wide brimmed or legionnaire style hat and a shirt with a collar and sleeves
- Use a 30+ broad spectrum water resistant sunscreen on all exposed areas of skin
- Re-apply sunscreen at least every two hours.
The Sun and your family
The best way to teach toddlers and children good lifelong habits is to provide a good example for them the follow.
Avoid the sun between 10 and 2 (or 11 and 3 in daylight saving time). Wear a protective hat and shirt with a collar and sleeves. Wear clothing, hat and sunscreen even in the shade as the sun's rays can penetrate cloud cover. Keep baby out of the sun at all times. If this is not possible, drape a shade cloth over baby's pram, stroller or play area.
Even the most carefully formulated sunscreen may irritate certain individuals with very sensitive skin. If a child reacts to one sunscreen, try another. There are even some sunscreens specifically formulated for children and toddlers. If there are still problems, seek medical advice.
Some sunscreen additives absorb the ultraviolet radiation to prevent it from getting into the skin. Sunscreens with Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide work largely by reflecting the ultraviolet light away, and are less likely to cause problems with sensitive skin.
Babies and Sunscreens
Earlier reports that babies should not use sunscreen have been discredited. Sunscreens are safe to use on babies. The Australasian College of Dermatologists recommend the use of a sunscreen at any age when there is exposure to the sun. Shade, clothing and broad rimmed hats are the best sun protection measures for babies. Sunscreens should be applied to areas of the skin not protected by clothing.
Selecting a family Sunscreen
Choose a 30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen.
Choose a sunscreen that offers at least two hours of water resistant protection if children are swimming or perspiring heavily. Re-apply at least every two hours.
For babies and children with sensitive skin, Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide based sunscreens are less likely to cause skin irritation. If there are still problems, seek medical advice.
Acknowledgement
This information is based on a publication of the Australasian College of Dermatologists.
It was last modified in 2001 by:
Dr John R Sullivan
MB BS, FACD, M.Sc (Pharmacology, Drug Safety, University of Toronto)
Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists
Skin and Cancer Foundation, Sydney, Australia
Westmead Hospital,
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
