Learning to enjoy the sun in complete safety
Rules
Under the age of one, children have a completely immature cutaneous defence system; they are extremely vulnerable to the sun because their skin does not allow them to defend themselves against the sun’s rays.
Under the age of 3 years, children should not be directly exposed to the sun.
However, if your travel arrangements lead you to take your baby to sunny locations, it is essential that you take a number of precautions.
By following a few simple rules, you will protect the future of their skin and their natural defence system from serious potential damage.
And because childhood is the best learning period, the gestures repeated together today will become your child’s reflexes of tomorrow.
1. Do not expose your child directly to the sun; sunburn is dangerous.
2. Avoid any exposure between noon and 4 pm.
3. Use sun protection tailored to your child’s skin.
• In the event of inevitable exposure, apply a sun protection product specifically for babies/children. Reapply frequently in an adequate amount and each time after going in the water.
• Choose a high factor (at least SPF 30 up to SPF 50+), depending on the sunshine intensity and their skin type, and protection against UVA and UVB rays.
• Give preference to hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, alcohol-free formulas that are free from artificial colourings and based on mineral and organo-mineral screens for optimal safety.
• Do not forget to protect sensitive and highly exposed areas (forehead, cheekbones, nose, lips).
4. Apply protection before exposure to the sun...
...before going to the beach, for skiing lessons or for a walk.
• Apply a thick layer of the product: a texture that is visible on application will help you to spread it better.
• Reapply an adequate amount at least every 2 hours during exposure and each time after going in the water.
• As soon as possible, teach your child to spread their cream themselves, over their arms to begin with, for example.
5. Protect your child even in the shade, under a parasol on in cloudy weather (more than 80% of UV rays pass through the clouds).
6. Choose suitable clothing.
• A wide-brimmed hat for the park and the beach alike!
• A simple T-shirt made of thick cotton to provide better protection against UV rays.
• Sunglasses: your child’s eyes are fragile and wearing unsuitable sunglasses may lead to irreversible lesions: look for the EC standard, choose category 3 or 4 and a style that provides good coverage. A mask is essential when skiing.
7. Avoid the traps
• Wind and water are refreshing...but beware: UV rays can still penetrate!
• Water, snow, tarmac, sand... and even grass reflect UV rays: protect your child under all circumstances.
8. Give them something to drink regularly.
• Your child must keep regularly hydrated. Give them something to drink, even if they do not feel thirsty; this is essential to prevent heat stroke... and it’s a good habit to adopt throughout your life!
9. Look after your sun care products
Close the tube or spray properly, do not leave them lying in direct sunlight and never reuse a product that has already been opened the following year.
For example
- For babies, use High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 50, regardless of the sunshine conditions.
- For children, choose instead Very High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 50+ in intense sunshine conditions or when first exposed to the sun’s rays. You can use High Protection Sun Spray SPF 40 in alternation or in moderate sunshine conditions.
- Don’t forget to protect highly exposed areas with Sun Cream for Sensitive Areas - SPF 50 protection.