Mom & Baby

4 min read

Photoimmunoprotection for Babies and Children

04 May 2023




When a baby is born, their skin is still immature, thinner than that of an adult and reacts with greater sensitivity to external factors such as sun exposure, requiring greater care and protection.

 

When choosing a sunscreen for babies and children, this fragility of their skin must be considered.

In addition to immaturity, some babies and children have very dry skin, with peeling and an inherited tendency to atopic eczema. In these cases, it is very important to adopt specific care against irritation, itching and dehydration to strengthen the skin barrier against external aggressions.

 

How to protect the skin of the youngest during the summer?

A trip to the beach or the pool, a walk in the park, and playing in the garden are practically mandatory activities on sunny days and children's favorites. Since a quarter of lifetime sun exposure occurs during childhood and adolescence, the following recommendations should be followed so that everyone can have fun outdoors safely:

  • Avoid exposure to direct sunlight for babies up to 6 months of age, opting for the shade of an umbrella or tree;
  • Favor cool, comfortable clothing that covers as much of the body surface area as possible, giving preference to tightly knit fabrics that minimize the passage of radiation;
  • Wear a wide hat to protect face and the back of head;
  • Avoid sun exposure between 11am and 5 pm;
  • Use sunglasses with UV radiation protection;
  • Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen daily, with high SPF, in a generous amount that covers the entire exposed body surface, paying special attention to the ears and lips. Sunscreen should be applied 15 to 30 minutes before leaving the house, and reapplied every two hours and after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.

Up to 80% of UV rays pass through clouds, and this radiation reflects on water, snow, and soil, so it is essential to maintain these habits even on cloudy days.

 

Which sunscreen to choose?

The correct application of sunscreen prevents sunburn and prevents the appearance of skin cancer. When choosing a sunscreen for children, it should be take into account the protection factor (high), the protection spectrum (protection from all types of radiation - UVB, UVA, VISIBLE AND IR-A) and the types of filters:

  • Mineral Filters - Also called physical filters because they create a physical barrier on the surface of the skin, which allows the skin to be protected from radiation by reflecting the sun's rays without absorbing them. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the two most common examples. Up to 2 years of age they are the safest and most indicated option.
  • Chemical Filters - Unlike the previous ones, these filters protect the skin by absorbing the sun's rays. From 2 years of age, they can already be used.

It is also common to have hybrid sunscreens, combining mineral filters and chemical filters.

 

HELIOCARE 360° PEDIATRICS MINERAL SPF 50+

Until the age of two, current guidelines recommend the application of a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher, ideally with mineral filters, to reduce the possibility of sensitization. Heliocare 360° Mineral Pediatrics SPF50+ is a photoimmunoprotector that encompasses all these features and has been tested on babies from 3 months onwards, including in cases of atopic skin. Even so, international guidelines recommend avoiding exposure to solar radiation before the age of 6 months.

In addition to very high and broad-spectrum photoprotection, Heliocare 360° Mineral Pediatrics SPF50+ contains Fernblock®+ which exerts an antioxidant action, boosts skin immunoprotection and promotes DNA protection/repair. Given the immaturity of baby's skin, this sunscreen reinforces the skin barrier while maintaining hydration. Its ultra-fluid, easy-to-spread texture gives the skin a silky, velvety touch with no whitening effect.

 


HELIOCARE 360° PEDIATRICS ATOPIC SPRAY SPF 50

Atopic skin is characterized by a loss of barrier function, which requires specific care. Therefore, Heliocare 360° Pediatrics Atopic Lotion SPF50 is recommended for the sensitive and atopic skin of children after the age of two, since it contains chemical filters, duly tested in cases of atopy. Like the entire Heliocare 360° range, this product has thebroadest coverage against UVB, UVA, Visible Light and IV-A radiations, and contains Fernblock®+, for an intense antioxidant activity. Arginine and Glycerin optimize skin hydration and strengthen the skin barrier, compromised by pathology. This care is dermatologically and pediatric tested on the sensitive and atopic skin of children. The spray-gun format and its ultra-fluid texture allow for proper dosage and facilitate its application/absorption.

 

 
HELIOCARE 360° PEDIATRICS LOTION SPF 50

High photoimmunoprotection in a format that allows proper dosage and facilitates its application and can be applied in any position. Especially recommended for the sensitive facial and body skin of children (from 2 years old).

Provides the broadest coverage against UVB, UVA, Visible and IR-A radiations thanks to its advanced combination of broad-spectrum filters. Contains Fernblock®+, for an intense antioxidant activity and sun damage repairing actives (glycosylase).

Includes specific actives - Arginine and Glycerin - which moisturize and reinforce the skin barrier of the little ones. Heliocare 360° Pediatrics Lotion SPF50 is tested under dermatological and pediatric control on the sensitive skin of children.

 


HELIOCARE 360° PEDIATRICS ATOPIC SPRAY SPF 50

Heliocare presents its latest innovation in the pediatric segment: Heliocare 360° Pediatrics Stick SPF50+, a photoimmunoprotective stick, recommended for the sensitive and atopic skin of children from 2 years of age. It meets the highest requirements in terms of photoprotection: it is formulated with an advanced combination of filters that protect against the 4 radiations (UVB, UVA, Visible Light and IR-A) and specific active ingredients, such as Fernblock® + and Astaxanthin, for an intense antioxidant and sun damage repairing activity. This sunscreen has a high skin tolerance and is dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested. It is water and sweat resistant, with an invisible finish. Thanks to its format, it is easy to carry and apply whenever needed, without using the hands.




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