Playing in the sun while exploring nature is good for children’s growth and development. But apart from being beneficial, sunlight can also be harmful to children, especially your little one’s skin. This is the reason why every parent must know the importance of sunscreen for children, especially to protect their skin from the sun’s rays.
Check out the full explanation about sunscreen, the dangers of UV rays, to the following tips for choosing children’s sunscreen.
What are Sunscreens?
According to the National Cancer Institute from the United States, sunscreen is a substance that helps protect the skin from harmful sun radiation and prevents sunburn, aging, and the risk of developing skin cancer. Some of the commonly used types of sunscreen are lotions, creams, or gels.
Sunscreen works by reflecting sunlight, so it does not penetrate into the skin, so it is effective in preventing further harm. Mommy certainly doesn’t want to see a cute little one but her skin is burning, right? What’s more, sunlight can even cause black spots on a child’s skin.
Getting to Know UV Rays and Their Bad Effects
There are three types of sun radiation that are harmful to the skin, UVA, UVB and UVC. The three are distinguished by their wavelength.
The shortest wavelength of light is UVC, with a length of about 100 to 280 nanometers. While UVB has a wavelength of around 280 to 315 nanometers. And the longest is the UVA wave, between 315 to 400 nanometers.
1. UVA
UVA rays have the longest radiation waves. This is why, 95% of this radiation can reach the earth’s surface. UVA can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, so when the skin is exposed to UVA, it will burn instantly.
In addition, UVA can also cause wrinkles and skin aging. Recent studies even prove that UVA can also cause skin cancer.
2. UVB
Although most of the UVB is filtered out by the atmosphere, it is very biologically active. For short-term effects, UVB can cause the skin to burn and burn after exposure for a while.
On long-term effects, UVB can cause skin aging and increase the chances of developing skin cancer.
3. UVC
Although the shortest, UVC is the most damaging type of radiation. But fortunately these rays are completely filtered by the atmosphere and do not reach the earth’s surface.
How to choose the right sunscreen for children?
If you ask whether sunscreen is safe for children? The answer is yes. Children can even use sunscreen from the age of 6 months. However, of course not just any sunscreen can be applied to children’s skin.
For more details, here are various tips on choosing sunscreen for children:
1. Protects Skin from All Types of Sun Radiation
It is very important for you to make sure that the sunscreen you use has active ingredients that can protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. To be sure, you can check the content of SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and PA (protection guide of UVA) on the label.
2. Has a Sufficient SPF Value
According to the recommendations from the American Academy of Dermatology, all children should use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. This is so that the sunscreen protection against the skin is maximized.
When a child leaves the house without sunscreen, it will allow 100 photons of radiation to penetrate the skin. Meanwhile, when using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30, it is possible that the skin will be protected from radiation by up to 97%.
3. Free from Harmful Content
Especially for the content of PABA (Para Aminobenzoic Acid), because it can cause skin allergies. Also Oxybenzone which can trigger skin breakouts. If your child’s skin is sensitive, you should choose a sunscreen with natural and organic ingredients.
4. Protects Longer
Especially when children are playing on the beach or swimming pool, make sure the sunscreen can protect children for 40 to 80 minutes and don’t forget to choose products with a waterproof label.
For Moms who are looking for a sunscreen that effectively protects the skin and is safe for your little one to use. Mommy doesn’t need to be confused, Moms can use Solar Care Lotion from Buds Organics.
This sunscreen is known to be able to protect your little one’s skin from sun radiation while nourishing and moisturizing your little one’s skin. Made from Ecocert-certified organic ingredients and free of artificial fragrances and harmful chemicals, this sunscreen is safe to use on children’s skin. Don’t worry, this sunscreen is water resistant, so it doesn’t easily disappear from your little one’s skin.
Now Moms already know the importance of sunscreen for children. From now on, don’t forget to always put sunscreen on your children when your little one is playing outside the house. Mommy can choose organic sunscreen and avoid using adult sunscreen on children, because adult sunscreen content may not be safe for your little one’s skin.