Sun rays are harmful: Children under 5 are at particular risk

It is necessary to be much more careful when protecting babies and young children under the age of 5 from the sun due to the delicate structure of their skin.

Pediatric Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Şebnem Ersoy points out that the most common sun-related problems in children are sunburns, heatstroke, skin spots, and an increase in freckles and moles, stating, "Skin burns caused by excessive sun exposure, especially during childhood, are a significant risk factor for skin cancer that may develop later in life.

Sun rays can cause DNA damage in skin cells, leading to the development of skin cancer. In fact, children who have had even one sunburn during childhood have a three times higher risk of developing skin cancer in later life. Therefore, protecting children from the sun is of great importance," she says.

The most important way to protect against the sun is to avoid it. Overcast or cloudy weather or shaded areas do not provide complete protection from the sun.

Therefore, it is very important to take care not to take your child out in the sun between 11:00 and 15:00, when the sun's rays hit the earth at the steepest angle.

The hat should have a wide brim

Use wide-brimmed hats to protect your child from the sun. Hats with wide visors supported by extra fabric at the back and front (fisherman, bucket, or lifeguard style) will be a good choice as they also protect the face and neck.

Sunglasses are very important

Ensure your child wears sunglasses to protect their eyes from harmful UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays. Having a CE or UV 400 certificate on sunglasses indicates that they provide good protection against UV rays.

Shoulders should not be left exposed

Pay attention to the fact that your child's clothing has a protective effect against sun rays during the summer months. If your child is going to stay outdoors for a long time, do not dress them in sleeveless clothes that leave their shoulders exposed. Loose-fitting, lightweight clothing will keep their body cool. Fabrics should not let sun rays through; they should be tightly woven and light-colored. Today, there are also special sun-protective, quick-drying clothes, and these can be preferred," she says.

Apply 30 minutes before going out in the sun

Another important point you should pay attention to when using sunscreen is to apply the product to the skin in a sufficient amount and thickness 30 minutes before going out in the sun. Sensitive areas such as the face, shoulders, nape, and neck should be constantly protected with a protective product. The product must be reapplied after coming out of the pool or sea, after sweating, and after drying off with a towel.

Pay attention to these features in sunscreen!

Using sunscreen is stated to be one of the safest ways to protect against the sun's harmful rays. Since babies' skin is very sensitive and they have not yet completed their development, the use of sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 6 months old. Therefore, they should be protected by avoiding direct contact with sun rays. It is pointed out that high-factor products should be used regardless of skin type from 6 months of age onwards.

Things to consider when buying sunscreen for children:

• It should be SPF 30 and above (50 SPF if possible)
• It should contain both UVA and UVB filters
• It should filter out a high amount of sun rays
• It should be adapted to baby and child skin and have passed dermatological tests
• It should not contain parabens and alcohol
• It should contain mineral or organomineral protectors
• It should not be affected by the skin's heat and pH
• It should be resistant to water, the sea, sweating, evaporation, and friction
• It should be odorless and fragrance-free