The joy of summer brings longer days and plenty of sunshine – a delightful time for kids to play outside! But all that glorious sun comes with a responsibility. Dr. Kemi Fabusiwa shares her top tips to stay safe in the sun.
Children's skin is particularly delicate and needs extra care. As a skincare expert, I want to share practical tips for protecting your little ones from the sun's rays, whether they're enjoying a staycation in Ireland or an exciting trip abroad.
Understand the Risk: It's important to remember that sun damage builds up over time. Even a single severe sunburn, especially in childhood, can significantly increase the risk of melanoma (a serious form of skin cancer) later in life.
Sun Safety Essentials:
Sunscreen: Your First Defence: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for children over 6 months old. Broad-spectrum formulas protect against both UVA rays (which contribute to ageing and wrinkles) and UVB rays (the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer). For babies under 6 months, reach for sunscreens labelled "fragrance-free" and "hypoallergenic." Always reapply generously every two hours, especially after being in the water or sweating. A great option is NIVEA SUN Kids Protect & Care Lotion SPF 50+ for its water resistance and gentle formula.
Cover Up with Protective Clothing: While sunscreen is vital, clothing provides the first line of defence. Loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and trousers made from tightly woven fabrics offer great protection, allowing air to circulate while blocking harmful rays. For the best coverage, look for clothes with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 50+, indicating they block 98% of UV rays. Sun-protective swimwear is another smart choice – these specially designed swimsuits and rash guards provide extra coverage while your child enjoys the water.
Hats and Sunglasses: Shade and Style: A wide-brimmed hat is essential for sun protection, shielding your child's face, ears, and the often overlooked back of the neck. Don't forget sunglasses! Opt for styles that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection for your child's eyes. Fun colours and designs can make wearing sunglasses an exciting part of your child's sun safety routine.
Sun Safety for Different Age Groups:
Babies under 6 months:
Their skin is incredibly delicate. The best protection is to keep them out of direct sunlight as much as possible, especially during peak hours (11 am – 3 pm). Prioritise shade from umbrellas and strollers with canopies, and always dress them in protective clothing like lightweight long sleeves, trousers, and wide-brimmed hats. If small areas of skin need sunscreen, stick to fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formulas specifically designed for babies.
Toddlers and Older Children:
In addition to sunscreen, clothing, and hats, start teaching them about seeking shade as a natural part of play.
Encourage them to take breaks under trees or shade structures. The NIVEA SUN Kids Roll On SPF50+ is a great choice for this age group – the roll-on format is easy to apply independently and makes reapplication less of a hassle, even for active kids.
Irish Sun Safety Specifics:
Don't Let Clouds Deceive You: Even on those classic Irish days with overcast skies, up to 80% of the sun's harmful UV rays can still reach your skin. Make sun protection a daily habit, regardless of whether you see blue skies or not.
Know Your UV Index: Checking the daily UV index is a smart way to gauge the sun's intensity. You can find it in weather forecasts websites. Remember, if the index is above 3, sun protection is essential.
Stronger Sun Than You Think: Early summer in Ireland can be tricky. Even if the temperature feels cool, the sun's rays can still be surprisingly strong. Don't be caught off guard – be prepared with sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing even on seemingly mild days.
Changeable Weather: Ireland's weather can shift quickly. Pack a small tube of sunscreen and a hat in your bag for unexpected sunny spells when out and about.
Hydration is Key: Encourage kids to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is not only good for general health but also helps keep skin healthy and less prone to burning.
Bonus: Make it a Habit: Sun safety should be a regular part of your routine, just like brushing teeth. Help kids learn to apply sunscreen and seek shade as a natural part of outdoor play.
A Note on Timing: It's also good to remind parents that the sun's rays are strongest between 11 am– 3 pm. Try to plan outdoor activities outside of these peak hours whenever possible. If you must be outside during this time, double your efforts with shade, protective clothing, and sunscreen.
NIVEA Sun:
Let NIVEA SUN, Ireland’s No.1 sun care brand*, look after you and your family with top products for essential sun protection. These products include:
- NIVEA SUN Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF 30 / SPF 50+, 200ml, RRP €13.00
- NIVEA SUN Protect & Care Kids Trigger Spray SPF 50+ 270ml, RRP: €15.50
- NIVEA Kids Protect & Care Roll-on 50ML, RRP: €11.00
- NIVEA SUN Protect Caring Lip Balm SPF 30, RRP: €5.99
- NIVEA SUN Protect & Moisture To Go Sun Lotion SPF 30 50ml, RRP: €7.00.
NIVEA SUN products are available in pharmacies and grocery stores nationwide. For more information, please visit www.nivea.ie.