Sun Protection
for Children
Reliable protection
and care
Children’s skin needs a high level of protection from the sun, as it is thinner than adult skin and its protective barrier is still developing. This can make children’s skin particularly sensitive to irritants and more prone to moisture loss. In the first few years of life, children's natural protective mechanisms against UV radiation are still developing. Their skin has lower levels of melanin and is less able to protect itself from UV exposure than adult skin. Children's skin is therefore more vulnerable to sunburn and UV-related skin damage. Sunburn during childhood is a significant risk factor for the development of skin cancer later in life, which is why appropriate sun protection is especially important from an early age.
The best protection from sunlight can be found in the shade.
As that is not always possible, they need to be protected from UV radiation with suitable clothing and a high level of sun protection. Thickly woven fabrics offer the best protection, and special pieces of clothing with UV protection are extremely practical. These come in the form of shirts, trousers and T-shirts, as well as swimsuits for when you're swimming outdoors. They are extremely light and dry out quickly – and therefore the ideal outfit all outdoor activities and especially for babies and toddlers.
You should use 50+ or higher on children, such as Kid's Ultra Protect & Play Trigger Spray from NIVEA with SPF 50+. It’s a broad spectrum sunscreen that has been specially formatted to protect children’s young and delicate skin.
In summer, little children just want to tear off all their clothes and run around naked – especially on the beach or in the pool. No matter how great the temptation to turn a blind eye, you should always make sure your children are wearing appropriate clothing in the sun.
Essential Children's Clothing
for sunny days
What they'll need to wear in the sun:
- A broad-brimmed hat
Choose a hat that helps protect the face, ears and neck from the sun.
- Protective, lightweight clothing
Loose-fitting shirts and trousers made from tightly woven fabrics can help protect the skin from UV radiation. Clothing specifically designed for sun protection is rated using the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) system, which measures how effectively a fabric blocks UV rays. Look for clothing with an UPF 50 or 50+ rating, which provides excellent protection by blocking at least 98% of UV radiation.
- UPF-rated swimwear and rash vests
UPF-rated swimwear and rash vests are especially useful for time spent in and around water, helping to protect the shoulders, back and chest during outdoor activities.
- Protective footwear
Sandals which sufficiently cover the tops of your feet and the heels. The top of the foot is one of the body parts that need the most protection.
- Sunglasses
Choose a pair of sunglasses with UV protection to help protect children's eyes from UV exposure.
Which sun protection
is right for children?
It's important to apply a suitable sun protection product to body parts that cannot be sufficiently protected by clothing. Always apply sun protection at least 20 minutes before they spend time in the sun, preferably with sun protection factor 50+ or higher. Use sun creams that protect against UVA and UVB radiation and have been developed especially for children's sensitive skin. When splashing about and swimming, your children should always be protected with water resistant sunscreen; make sure you reapply this after drying them off. Reapply frequently; every 2 hours or more frequently after sweating, swimming or towelling. Wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.
On the beach, it's difficult to apply your children's sun cream, as they're so excited about building sandcastles. For impatient children, it's therefore recommended to apply the sun protection at home and to use a spray. This absorbs into the skin quickly and is very easy to apply.
You should seek shade and minimise exposure during peak UV periods. Parasols or awnings create suitably shady spaces in the garden, where children can also play during the hottest time of the day. But children need the right clothing and sun protection in the shade, as well.