However, excessive sun exposure is unnecessary—just a few minutes each day is enough to reap the benefits of sunlight. Excessive sun exposure can cause rapid, serious, and long-term damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays: sunburn, increased moles, skin aging, skin cancer, and more. Children are particularly sensitive to UV risks because their skin is not yet fully developed. Learning to recognize the dangers of sunlight is crucial for providing your baby with proper protection!

Ultraviolet rays (UV RAYS)

The sun emits various types of light that reach Earth: ultraviolet (UV), visible light, and infrared radiation. UV radiation accounts for only a small fraction of the solar energy we receive, but it has a significant impact on our skin. UV radiation can be categorized by wavelength:

• UVA : With the longest wavelength, it causes rapid tanning, but also leads to skin aging and wrinkles because it can penetrate deep into skin tissue and cause damage.
• UVB : Medium wavelength, causing slow tanning, sunburn, skin aging, and even skin cancer, posing a significant health hazard.
• UVC : The shortest wavelength and the most harmful, but fortunately, this type of ray is absorbed by the atmosphere and cannot reach the Earth's surface.

When a baby's skin is exposed to sunlight

Adult skin can provide self-protection in a short time , with the epidermis, melanin, and cell repair mechanisms offering natural sun protection. However, infants' and young children's protective mechanisms are not yet mature , making them particularly vulnerable to sun damage.

• A baby's skin is thinner and more sensitive .
• The skin barrier function is limited , making it easier for ultraviolet rays to penetrate.
• The immune system is not yet mature and cannot effectively resist ultraviolet rays.
• The pigment system is not fully developed and cannot adequately protect the skin.
• Infant skin is rich in unique but delicate cellular potential and needs protection to ensure long-term health.
• In addition, babies who haven't sweated a lot are more susceptible to temperature changes, sunburn, and dehydration.

Harmful effects of sunlight

While sunburn is immediate and painful, it's not the only consequence of excessive sun exposure. Years of repeated sun exposure and sunburn can lead to accelerated skin aging , a weakened immune system , and even skin cancer and cataracts , potentially causing blindness.

Furthermore, excessive sun exposure during childhood can cause irreversible damage to the skin's defense system : harmful free radicals accumulate in the skin, reducing its repair capabilities and causing permanent damage to skin cells . Therefore, skin sunburned before the age of 10 will remain vulnerable forever.

Therefore, it is essential to minimize your baby's sun exposure and provide the best protection by using sunscreens with a high SPF (50 or higher) that are specifically designed for children and suitable for baby's skin. Protecting children from sun damage can significantly reduce their risk of developing skin cancer in adulthood .

To learn more about the correct steps to protect your child from sun damage, please see our sun protection guide.