What are the most important factors to protect the skin?

Many families will finally begin to enjoy the first rays of sunshine, which also means taking a series of precautions to take care of our health.

Children’s skin has certain characteristics that differentiate it from the skin of adults. Although it is softer, it actually has a thinner outer protective layer (stratum corneum), which means that the chance of erosion, infection or sunburn is considerably higher than in adults. Lack of hair also contributes to the fragility of children’s skin. Adults have a greater amount of sebum in the skin and specific antibodies in their skin that protect them against any external aggression, while children’s skin is much more exposed due to these deficiencies.

1. Learn basic skin care for children.
   The first and most important thing is skin hygiene. Taking into account that children’s skin has fewer natural defenses against infections, we should not neglect daily bathing. It is recommended that the bath be short, with warm water and “soapless” soaps or “sindets” (without detergents). In this way, while we cleanse the skin, we hydrate it.
   
   

   Immediately after bathing and while the skin is still damp, apply a moisturizing substance in any texture: oil, lotion, milk or unscented cream.

   
   

2. Avoid sun exposure.
   This is essential because in childhood we receive 50-80% of a lifetime’s sun exposure. Children’s skin is more susceptible to sunburn, and childhood sunburn doubles the risk of melanoma. Healthy sun exposure habits up to age 18 significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer.
   
3. Choosing the right sunscreens
   The ideal sunscreens for children are physical ones, since chemical sunscreens present greater risks of irritation and allergies. Newborns and children under one year old should not be exposed to direct sun if the ultraviolet index is greater than 5.
   
   

   The first rays of the sun of the season are the most dangerous for two reasons: because they catch us off guard, without a filter, without a hat, etc., and because the skin has not yet synthesized the melanin that will protect it during the rest of the summer.

   
   

4. How to choose the right chemical sunscreen and apply it correctly
   There are 2 types of sunscreens, physical filters and chemical filters. Physical filters have a screen effect that reflects solar radiation so that it does not reach the skin. They act as a portable shade. Chemical filters absorb solar radiation and transform it into radiation that is harmless to the skin. Most sunscreens combine both types of filters for greater protection.
   
   

   Physical or mineral filters are the safest because they are not absorbed, but they are also the worst aesthetically because they do not penetrate the skin and leave a very obvious whitish layer.

But to avoid this effect, many manufacturers have begun to use nanoparticle mineral filters. Nanoparticles are structures so small that these filters are no longer visible.

The cream should always be reapplied after 2 hours. Because? Because SPF measures protection against UVB rays, and protection against UVA rays is variable and cannot be measured. If the cream ensures protection of at least 1/3 of the protection it offers for UVB rays, the word UVA must be circled, indicating that the protection is also high for this type of radiation.

The amount of sunscreen is also very important. Most people do not apply enough sunscreen. You should calculate 1 or 2 teaspoons for each area of ​​the body: 1 for face and neck, 2 for chest and abdomen, 2 for back and 1 for each arm and leg.

It is also important not to forget particularly delicate areas such as the lips, ears or the back of the feet. Apply the sunscreen to dry skin approximately 30 minutes before sun exposure.

Water-resistant sunscreens can withstand up to 40 minutes of immersion, and waterproof sunscreens up to 80 minutes, but should still be reapplied after swimming.

The activity of sunscreens is altered by heat, so it is important to leave the cream in the shade. Of course, it should not be used if it has expired, nor if the shelf life period has been exceeded once the container has been opened: this information can be found on a symbol in the form of an open bottle that indicates the number of months that the cream maintains its activity once it has been opened.

The best care is to avoid sun exposure in the middle of the day and especially in the summer months. Wearing a hat, sunglasses, and clothing with sunscreen are habits that will help us keep the sun away from our skin.