Abstract: Infants older than 6 months need to use special sunscreens regularly. When choosing sunscreen products, in addition to paying attention to the sun protection factor, you should also pay attention to the indicator of UVA protection - PA.
In the hot summer, sun protection is a topic that many people are very concerned about. Many parents have many doubts about children's sun protection, does my baby need sun protection? What should I use to protect myself from the sun? Does my baby need to remove makeup after using sunscreen?
Why children should also protect themselves from the sun
The skin barrier function of children, especially infants and young children, is weaker and less mature than that of adults, and the ability to resist ultraviolet rays is weaker.
Due to their natural activity and long outdoor activities, children often receive several times more ultraviolet radiation than adults, and ultraviolet damage to the skin is cumulative. Therefore, children's sun protection is indispensable!
How old does your baby need to start sun protection and how it should be protected
Referring to the recommendations of professional societies at home and abroad, you can pay attention to the following points:
For infants and young children (January ~ 36 months): Since 10:00 am to 2:00 pm is the time of day when the UV intensity is strongest, you should try to avoid going out during this time. In summer, the time to go out can be appropriately delayed. When going out, you should wear a hat and umbrella for physical cover to avoid direct exposure to sunlight. After 6 months, sunscreens designed for infants and young children can be used regularly.
Skin care routines in childhood (3~12 years old) are similar to those in early childhood; Adolescents (12~18 years old) are prone to acne, folliculitis and other problems, and this stage needs to further strengthen sun protection, detergent oil control and moisturizing.
SPF sun protection factor I understand, what is the PA value
First of all, you need to know about UV: the ultraviolet rays that are most harmful to the human body are mainly UVA and UVB. UVA has strong penetrating power, can penetrate deep into the dermis layer, stimulate the increase of melanin, lead to skin tanning, pigmentation, wrinkles. High UVB energy will make the skin red, sunburned, erythema, blisters, pain, etc. in a short period of time.
Review SPF: Sun Protection Factor (SPF), which is an index of sunscreen's ability to defend against UVB. The higher the index, the longer the protection time.
Learn new knowledge PA: PA (Protection UVA) is an indicator of defense UVA, which is divided into three levels, namely PA+, PA++, PA+++, which means effective, quite effective, and very effective.
So: you can choose the right sunscreen according to the time of outdoor activity and the intensity of ultraviolet rays. In general, children's sunscreens with SPF greater than 30 and PA greater than ++ are recommended.
Sunscreen/lotion/spray/stick, there is no irritation
Common types of sunscreen include lotions, creams, sprays and sunscreen sticks, etc., you can choose a sunscreen with a lotion texture in summer, the moist texture is easy to push on, and the acceptance is higher.
Choose a sunscreen that does not contain antiseptic or allergenic ingredients such as alcohol, fragrances, synthetic colors, benzophenone, etc., and perform an allergy test behind the ear before use.
How your baby uses sunscreen
Skin that cannot be covered by clothing should be coated with sunscreen, especially ears, neck, nose, etc.
Usually the baby's face is used in half to one coin-sized amount, and apply 15 minutes before going out, and need to be repeated after 2 hours ~ 3 hours of outdoor activities.
Even on cloudy days, you can get sunburned, because up to 80% of the sun's ultraviolet rays can penetrate clouds.
Do children need to remove makeup with sunscreen?
Usually children's sunscreen can be washed off with water.
If you're concerned about cleansing, or if you're using a waterproof sunscreen, you can use a children's facial cleanser or shower gel to help with cleansing.
There is generally no need to use "makeup remover" products.
Summer sun protection is important for everyone. Get moving!