Young children are very sensitive to sunburn, which is why it’s important to use sun hats and apply sunscreen. Make sure that you put sunscreen and instructions for its use in your child’s bag for day-care, school or crèche, in addition to talking about it with the teacher.
What is the difference between sunscreen and sunblock?
Sunblock is made of organic ingredients that actually block, reflect, and scatter the sun’s rays, while sunscreens are chemicals that are meant to protect skin by absorbing and/or reflecting UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are less irritating to the skin and don’t get absorbed. With young children, it’s important to do a ‘patch test’ to check for any allergic reactions.
How to apply sunscreen
Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before children go outside in the sun. Apply a generous layer to all parts of the body that will be exposed – remember BEENS – Back of knees, Ears, Eye area, Neck and Scalp, in addition to hands, feet, and shoulders. Don’t forget to put some under swimsuit straps. Be careful not to get any sunscreen in the child’s nose, eyes or mouth.
Re-applying is the rule
- Sunscreen protection only lasts for approximately two hours in the sun, and even less if children are playing in water or swimming – so put on another layer after two hours.
- Re-applying sunscreen is essential for proper protection. Re-apply sunscreen every 2 hours while children are in the sun, and more frequently if they are swimming or playing in water.
- Remember that winter UV exposure can also be dangerous in summer-rainfall areas like Gauteng.
- Remember, UVA and UVB rays are harmful year-round, so use sunscreen every day, even if the sun isn’t shining.