Summer is coming and sunscreen questions have increased again. Let’s talk about sun protection today.
Why is it so important to protect from the sun’s rays?
- The most important cause of skin cancer is sunburns in infancy-childhood. If a child has a 2nd degree sunburn even once, the risk of getting skin cancer in the future is 2 times higher!!! And this risk multiplies with each burn!!!
- Under 6 months we do not recommend sunscreen for our babies. They should be protected from the sun as much as possible and should not go out in the sun between 11:00-15:00. It is recommended to use sun protective hats, clothes, umbrellas and hats.
- For children over 6 months: We can use sunscreen, but this should not mean that they can stay in the sun for a long time. Again, you should not go out between the specified hours. After applying sunscreen, it should be renewed every 2 hours out of the water, and if you go in and out of the pool and sea, it should be renewed as soon as you leave. (Waterproof products may be a little longer)
The sunscreens we will use should be mineral filtered, I do not recommend chemical filtered sunscreen under 2 years of age.
So what is a mineral filter?
- It is specified as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in the content section. These are the most reliable mineral filters (care should be taken not to be nano, if it is nano, it will definitely be written). They are reliable because they are not absorbed through the skin and form a physical barrier on the skin. That’s why it stays white.
There are many sunscreens that contain only mineral filters.
For over 2 years old: Sunscreens with chemical and physical and mixed filters can be used.