Sun Protection in Children and Adolescents

Children's skin is not adult skin

During childhood, the skin barrier is not fully mature; transepidermal water loss is higher, and protective capacity is lower. Therefore, children's skin is more sensitive to UV.

Research shows that approximately 23% of lifetime total UV exposure accumulates before the age of 18. Thus, safe habits are established in childhood; they are only maintained in adulthood.

Recommendations by age

For infants (0-6 months): Shade, protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and time management are recommended rather than sunscreen. At this age, pure mineral SPF can be applied to small areas when necessary.

For young children (6 months-6 years): Mineral-based, unscented, fragrance-free SPF 50+ is preferred. A skin test (monitoring a small area for 24 hours on first use) is recommended.

For adolescents: Associating SPF with acne is a common mistake; oil-free, non-comedogenic formulations are available.

• For infants, shade, hats, UPF clothing are priorities.
• For 0-6 months, sunscreen only on small areas when needed.
• After 6 months: mineral SPF 50+.
• Teaching children the habit of applying their own sunscreen every day.
• Choosing an acne-compatible fluid SPF for adolescents.

School, swimming, and activities

Recess times at school are usually when UV peaks. The child should have their own hat, water bottle, and mini SPF in their bag. For children with swimming lessons, SPF should be applied before school and reapplied before swimming.

In summer camps, outdoor activities, and sports activities, family and instructor cooperation is critical. A child's protective behavior is learned by observing the adults around them.

Acne and SPF in adolescents

During adolescence, both acne and UV protection are on the agenda. Most acne medications make the skin sensitive to the sun; isotretinoin, topical retinoids, and some antibiotics are in this group.

During this period, non-comedogenic, light SPF formulations suitable for oily skin should be preferred. The belief that "SPF triggers my acne" often stems from incorrect product selection; when the right formula is found, SPF is part of acne treatment.

Tanning beds and solariums in young people

It is known that the use of solariums at a young age significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. WHO has classified solariums as Group 1 carcinogens.

The tanning trend, pressure to "look good," and social media increase solarium use in some young people. Therefore, awareness is the shared responsibility of family and physician. If there are self-tanning cosmetics for safe tanning, we should primarily recommend coloring this way, not through solariums.