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In these first days of July, sunbathing is imminent. A headache for parents, who must make sure they get the right sun protection for their children. Here are some questions to ask yourself beforehand to make sure you choose the right product.
The holidays are coming. Whether we’re heading for the sea or the mountains, or even both, swimwear, light outfits and other summer accessories will fill our suitcases. Without forgetting the whole parasol-hat-sunscreen range. How to make sure that you have chosen the right product for your child? An overview of the questions to ask yourself before rushing to the beach to treat yourself to a well-deserved sunbath with your little ones.
“Creams for children”: absolute criterion?
Whether in supermarkets or in pharmacies, creams sold especially for children occupy an important place on the shelves. However, only one criterion should take precedence over all the others: the protection index, calculated according to the time it takes to get a sunburn in the absence of product.
In 2017, a study carried out by the association 60 million consumers alerted parents to the marketing aspect of certain “children’s” creams. Their conclusions turn out to be very clear: “Children’s sunscreens are neither better nor worse than the others”. In addition, some so-called children’s creams are sold at higher prices.
Should we use the skin type to choose the protection index?
As dermatologist Pierre-André Bécherel explained to ETX Studio, “it is not because we get little or no sunburn that our skin is protected. The toxic effects of the sun are cumulative. In the long term, the risks of developing skin cancer are therefore the same, regardless of the skin type. To say that one is protected because one has a dull skin amounts to evoking a false security ”. Conclusion: always opt for a very high protection index (50 or more).
Can we trust organic creams?
Whether it is to limit the presence of chemicals potentially harmful to health and / or preserve the environment, some consumers prefer to opt for sunscreens with a biological composition. But what are they worth in terms of protection?
To answer this question, the association UFC Que Choisir has sifted through twenty organic and conventional creams sold in pharmacies or on the internet. In its report published in 2019, the association recalls that a truly effective cream must both provide protection against UVB rays (responsible for sunburn) and UVA rays (which attack the skin more deeply). However, according to the results of the survey, not all organic creams are created equal: several of them have in fact been deemed ineffective in protecting themselves from UVA rays.
To guarantee maximum protection for your child, it is best to limit their time of exposure to the sun and provide dry, UV-resistant or long clothing. Wearing a hat and glasses is also essential.
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