Why is sun exposure dangerous for a baby’s sensitive skin?
Dr. Valleteau de Moulliac,
Pediatric consultant for Laboratoires Sarbec
The sun is sometimes a dangerous friend, especially for babies whose skin is very fragile, thin, and cannot yet produce enough melanin (produced by melanocytes located in the superficial layer of the skin), a pigment that varies depending on skin type and whose function is to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun (UVA and UVB rays).
From birth, each individual has a “sun capital”: this is the maximum lifetime sun exposure they are allowed. Depending on skin type (phototype), the risks of burns (sunburn), as well as premature skin aging and cancer (carcinoma and melanoma), vary greatly. Therefore, you should avoid exposing your baby to the sun for more than 5 minutes a day, and be mindful of reflected sunlight. Even though it’s true that just 5 minutes of exposure to the hands, feet, and face is enough to store the necessary vitamin D, remember that you also give your baby vitamin D orally every day. Rule to follow: no direct sun exposure for babies under 1 year old.
You should also follow sun exposure guidelines according to age and protect your baby’s skin with appropriate clothing and sunscreen.
Be careful, your baby’s skin doesn’t like the sun!
