In this article, we share some recommendations on sun protection for children, including which sunscreen to choose, the use of different types of UV filters and age-specific advice.
Public awareness campaigns have helped increase understanding of the importance of appropriate protection against solar radiation, as well as the need to have pigmentation changes, moles and other skin abnormalities assessed by a dermatologist so that any suspicious changes or potentially malignant lesions can be detected as early as possible.
These campaigns have also highlighted the cumulative nature of sun damage and the fact that the consequences of excessive ultraviolet exposure, including skin cancer, may appear many years or even decades later. There is also an established association between sunburn during childhood and adolescence and the subsequent risk of skin cancer in adulthood. A significant proportion of lifetime ultraviolet exposure is accumulated during the early years of life.
This underlines the importance of protecting children from excessive sun exposure and teaching them appropriate photoprotection habits from an early age. These habits are particularly important as children grow older, since adolescents and young adults may be less consistent with sun protection and may adopt behaviours aimed at tanning that increase ultraviolet exposure. For this reason, evidence-based recommendations on sun protection in children can be useful for parents and carers.
Sun protection advice for children
During consultations at our Paediatric Dermatology Unit and in information sessions with patients, questions frequently arise about the most appropriate way to protect children from the sun. The recommendations vary according to the child’s age.
Dermatologists agree that babies under six months of age should not be directly exposed to the sun. Between six months and one year of age, any sun exposure should be limited, with children protected by measures such as hats, clothing and, where tolerated, sunglasses when spending time at the beach or swimming pool.
Children should also avoid direct sun exposure during the middle of the day, particularly between approximately 12 noon and 4 pm, and should remain in the shade as much as possible in these environments.
Which sunscreen should children use?
Many parents looking for advice on sun protection want to know which type of sunscreen they should use on their child.
From around 12 months of age, the article recommends introducing topical sunscreen, preferably choosing products formulated with mineral or physical UV filters. These commonly contain ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They remain predominantly on the skin surface and provide ultraviolet protection with a low risk of irritation, which can make them particularly suitable for young children and sensitive skin.
For paediatric patients, the article recommends using sunscreen with a sun protection factor of SPF 50+, irrespective of skin phototype. Using a lower SPF because a child has a darker phototype or has already developed a tan is not advisable. Ultraviolet radiation can cause cellular and DNA damage in all skin types, and sunburn during childhood is particularly relevant to the risk of skin cancer and melanoma later in life.
Care should also be taken when applying sunscreen around the eyes. Lotion or cream formulations may be preferable to sprays because they allow more controlled application. Sunscreen should be reapplied approximately every 90 minutes to two hours, and sooner after heavy sweating, friction from clothing or swimming. Reapplication remains necessary even when a product is labelled water-resistant.
Mineral filters: a preferred option for younger children
As mentioned above, for children between approximately six months and three years of age, the article recommends topical sunscreens formulated with mineral filters. These filters contain mineral particles such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and provide protection against ultraviolet radiation while remaining largely on the skin surface. This can make them a useful option for young children and for patients with sensitive skin.
Although specific formulations are available for children with atopic dermatitis, mineral sunscreens may also be an appropriate alternative when a product specifically intended for atopic skin is not available.
Some mineral formulations can be relatively thick and may feel drying on very reactive skin. In these cases, the article recommends applying an emollient cream around 30 minutes before the sunscreen to help maintain skin hydration without interfering with application of the photoprotective product.
A growing number of mineral sunscreens are now available in lighter, more cosmetically acceptable formulations.
Sun protection from the age of three
From around the age of three, children can begin to use sunscreens containing organic or chemical UV filters. In simplified terms, mineral filters remain predominantly on the skin surface, whereas organic filters absorb ultraviolet radiation and convert it into other forms of energy. Broad-spectrum sunscreens may contain organic filters such as avobenzone, sometimes in combination with mineral filters.
These compounds absorb ultraviolet radiation through their molecular structure and their protective capacity can diminish over time and with exposure, which is one of the reasons regular reapplication is important.
The article makes an exception for children with atopic dermatitis. Atopic skin may be more reactive to some formulations containing organic UV filters. For this reason, mineral sunscreens may be preferable in these patients regardless of age, particularly when the skin is sensitive or prone to irritation.
We invite you to share this article on sun protection for children with family and friends who may find it useful.
