Common mistakes in children's sun protection (and how to avoid them)

When the weather gets warm, families spend more time outdoors: beach, pool, park, camps, or excursions. And although there is increasing awareness about the importance of sunscreen, some mistakes that can compromise children's skin health are still very common.

Children's skin is more sensitive and vulnerable to solar radiation, so good sun protection from childhood is essential to prevent burns, skin damage, and future problems.

Below, we review the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Applying sunscreen only once a day

Even if the product says "water resistant", sweat, swimming, sand, or towel drying cause the protection to decrease over time.

Recommendation

  • Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure
  • Reapply every 2 hours
  • Always reapply after swimming

2. Using too little product

Applying less than the necessary amount significantly reduces the real protection.

Don't forget to protect:

  • Ears
  • Insteps
  • Neck
  • Nose
  • Shoulders
  • Back of the legs

3. Thinking "if it's cloudy, protection isn't needed"

Clouds do not completely block UV radiation. In fact, a large part of UV rays pass through clouds and continue to affect the skin.

That's why children also need sun protection on cloudy days, during walks or playing outdoors even if it's not very hot.

4. Choosing an inappropriate sunscreen

Not all sunscreens are suitable for children's skin.

For children, it's best to choose products:

  • specifically for pediatrics with high protection (SPF 50+)
  • water resistant and suitable for sensitive skin.

For babies under 6 months, the main recommendation is to avoid direct sun exposure.

5. Relying only on sunscreen

Sunscreen is important, but it's not enough on its own.

The best protection combines:

  • cap or hat
  • approved sunglasses
  • clothing

Avoid exposure during peak hours, the highest risk time

Between 12:00 and 16:00.

6. Not reapplying after swimming

Even if the product says "water resistant", no sunscreen remains intact after long periods in the water.

After swimming, sweating heavily, or drying with a towel, it's important to reapply the product.

7. Keeping sunscreen from one summer to the next

Sunscreens also have an expiration date.

Heat, sun exposure, or being open for months can alter their effectiveness.

Before reusing a sunscreen:

  • check the PAO symbol (period after opening)
  • check texture and smell

8. Forgetting sun protection in daily activities

Many childhood burns occur outside the beach or pool.

For example:

  • playing in the park
  • playing sports
  • walking
  • during school trips

Sun protection should be part of the daily routine all year round, especially during months of higher radiation.

How to properly protect children's skin

Basic recommendations

  • SPF 50+
  • Apply half an hour before
  • Reapply every 2 hours
  • Avoid peak hours
  • Use a hat and t-shirt
  • Maintain good hydration

The importance of building habits from an early age

Childhood is a key stage for teaching healthy sun protection habits.

Repeated sunburns during the early years of life increase the risk of long-term skin damage, so prevention is essential.

Do you have questions about which children's sunscreen to choose?

Our pharmaceutical team can help you find the most suitable product for the whole family and answer any questions about children's sun protection.

Children's sun protection