Your baby's skin is so soft and smooth and just delightful to touch. However, this also means that the skin is very sensitive and prone to bouts of the occasional irritating skin problem and when baby is irritated, chances are, so are you. A baby's skin is very different from yours and needs to be treated in a different way; often doing less rather than more is the preferred option. We can help you along by identifying and offering treatments for specific skin conditions as well as general baby skin health care tips and advice.
Under The Sun
Under The Sun
It's amazing how soft and pure your baby's skin can be, so it's no wonder it needs gentle care. Their skin can easily be damaged by dryness and the harsh effects of the sun.Protecting your baby's delicate skin from the sun's harsh rays is the most important baby skincare step you can take. As babies and children have sensitive skin, they have a higher risk of sunburn and skin damage from the sun's UV radiation. Also, exposure to UV radiation during the first 15 years of life greatly increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
Taking them out of the hot midday sun and making sure they are well covered by protective clothing and a hat will go a long way to protecting their skin. In addition, building a baby skincare routine of both sunscreen and a gentle moisturiser into your day to keep your baby's skin well protected at all times. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen for parts of the body which cannot be covered up such as little hands and faces.
That said, the sun is the best source of vitamin D, which children need to develop and maintain strong and healthy bones. However, because of our high levels of UV radiation, most children receive enough vitamin D just by going about their daily activities outside of peak UV times (10am-2pm or 11-3pm daylight saving time). Thus, there's no need to deliberately expose your child to the sun to get vitamin D. Even when well protected with clothing, hats and sunscreen, most children and babies get enough sunlight for healthy growth.
However, some children may be at risk of low vitamin D levels, such as those whose mothers have low vitamin D, children with very dark skin, or those cover their faces for cultural or religious reasons. If you're worried about your child's vitamin D levels, see your GP.
Sun care Routine
Taking great care of your baby skin in the sun is one of the best ways to prevent skin cancer later in life and this can be easily done with a suncare routine built into their daily activities.
Baby sun care everyday
It's important to protect baby's skin everyday no matter what the season - even on cloudy days where sun damage can also occur. Nonetheless, it's as easy as 123 to be sun smart:
1. Start with protective clothing with long sleeves that cover up their skin.
2. Next add a hat with a wide brim that shades their face for maximum protection.
3. Finally, add some suncreen to any areas of exposed skin, such as their little hands and faces.
Addiionally, sunglasses on babies can be a cool look - and they also fortunately protect their eyes from sun damages and their harmful UV rays. With this easy routine built in before you step out of the house will go a long way into protecting your precious tots sensitive skin.
Sunscreen for babies
What's in sunscreen and how does sunscreen work?
Sunscreen contains chemicals that absorb/and or reflect UV radiation away from the skin. It also contains preservatives, moisturisers and fragrances.
There are usually two types of chemicals in sunscreen:
- Chemical filters: Works by absorbing UV radiation before it can damage the skin
- Physical filters: Works by sitting on the surface of the skin and contain microscopic particles that act as a physical barrier to the UV radiation.
However, don't rely on sunscreen as the first method of sun protection as no sunscreen provides 100% protection. Always use other sun protection strategies, such as avoiding outdoor play during peak UV times and wearing hats and protective clothing. A sunscreen must also be broad-spectrum and rated SPF30+ to give good protection.
What does 'broad spectrum' and the SPF number mean?
SPF stands for sun protection factor. The higher the SPF number, the more protection the sunscreen provides. The maximum SPF is usually 30+.
Sunscreen labelled as 'broad spectrum' filters out some UVA radiation as well as UVB radiation. (UVA and UVBboth contribute to sunburn, skin ageing, eye damage and skin cancer.)
Can I use sunscreen on my baby and is it harmful to my children's health?
There is no evidence that sunscreen harms babies, but it's best to protect your baby with hats and clothing and keep them in the shade. You can apply sunscreen to small exposed areas of the baby's skin that can't be covered with clothing.
If your baby reacts to sunscreen, try another product or talk to your doctor for recommendations.
How should I apply sunscreen?
Firstly, look at the label and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Most people apply too little sunscreen, which means they get a lot less protection than they think.
A rule of thumb is that children need about half a teaspoon for the face, neck and ears, and half a teaspoon for each arm and leg. The important thing is to ensure there is a film of sunscreen over exposed skin. Apply the sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside, to allow the sunscreen to bind to the skin, and reapply it every two hours.
Does sunscreen expire?
All sunscreen is labelled with an expiry date and storage instructions. Sunscreen won't work as well if it has passed its use-by date, or has been stored incorrectly, such as in the car, or left outside. It's best to store sunscreen out of the sun and at temperatures below 25°C.
Tips for outdoor activities
1. Avoid sun in the middle of the day
- Plan the day's activities to reduce your baby's exposure to the sun, especially between 11am and 3pm in daylight saving time.
2. Dress children in sun smart clothing and sunglasses
- Cover as much of your baby's skin with loose-fitting clothes made from closely-woven fabrics. Choose a hat that protects your baby's face, neck and ears.
3. Keep little ones in the shade
- Encourage children to play in shaded areas. If good natural shade is unavailable consider building a permanent or portable shade structure. The structure should be big enough so that children can play comfortably within the shadow. Provide shade for your baby's pram and stroller with material that casts a dark shadow.
4. Always use sunscreen
- SPF 30 should be applied prior to going outside. We have lots more information about sunscreen for babies and toddlers.
5. Keep babies out of the sun
- Aim to keep babies out of the sun as much as possible especially during the times of peak UVR.
6. Protect your baby from sunburn in the car
- Glass reduces the transmission of most UVR, but not all, therefore your baby will still need protection on long trips in the car. Window shades or tinting provide extra protection.
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