Summer, sun,... sunburn? Of course, we and our children can do without that. As beautiful as summer is, the intense heat often raises a few questions: What is the right summer skin care for babies and children? How much sun can baby skin tolerate? Which sun protection is right for me and my child? The expert and editor of the BabyCare prevention program, Dr. Renate Kirschner, answered the most important questions about the right summer skin care for babies and children in an interview.
Contents :
1. How is baby skin different from adult skin and how do I protect it from too much sun?
2. Which sunscreen do you recommend for babies, pregnant women and breastfeeding women?
3. What can you do if there has been too much sun and the baby's skin is red?
4. Why do natural care products usually have a better care effect?
5. Does the skin suffer if it is often in the water? How can you care for it?
How is baby skin different from adult skin and how do I protect it from too much sun?
Dr. Kirschner: Baby skin has only a limited ability to produce sweat and is less sensitive to temperature. It also has no natural protection. This means that it cannot protect itself from excessive sun exposure by tanning like adults can. To avoid damage from UV radiation, you should Therefore, do not expose your baby to direct sunlight . Suitable protection can be provided by hats, sunglasses (with UV protection lenses) and clothing with UV protection. This also applies to shade: there is still 60% UV exposure there!
There are sunscreens with chemical and mineral filters: what is the difference and what do you recommend for babies, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers?
These two types of sunscreen differ considerably in their mode of action. Chemical filters penetrate the skin and mineral filters (eg zinc oxide) are applied to the skin. The latter block and reflect the sun's rays. This results in a completely Clear recommendation to use sunscreen with mineral UV filters for mother and child . In addition, some chemical filters trigger allergies and act in the body like hormones. Breastfeeding mothers should also avoid this risk and use natural cosmetics.
What can you do if there has been too much sun and the baby's skin is red?
Cooling is the best way to relieve pain and itching. Cold compresses, cooling gels suitable for children or, for example, Marigold ointment is recommended. natural après sun lotion can soothe the skin and moisturize it again. Especially if your child has sunburn, they should drink more and not expose them to the sun again straight away.
! Danger: If the sunburn is so severe that blisters form, never open them. This increases the risk of infection. If fever occurs, you should take your child to a doctor.
Why do natural care products usually have a better care effect?
If the combination of ingredients and application of the products is right, this naturally increases the care effect. Natural baby oils and Creams without chemical additives, preservatives and perfumes are better tolerated by sensitive baby skin and are therefore ideal for baby care. If these are used sparingly and appropriately on the right parts of the body, the baby is optimally protected from environmental influences that put strain on the skin, as well as from the warm temperatures in summer and the cool temperatures in winter.
Does your skin suffer if you spend a lot of time in water? How can you care for it?
Firstly, it depends on the type of water the skin comes into contact with. You should rinse off chlorinated water and salt water after bathing. Baby skin is thinner than that of an adult; water loss and environmental influences are therefore noticeable much more quickly. In principle, there is nothing wrong with regular baths (2-3 times a week) for babies; babies often relax and enjoy this ritual. You can usually do without bath additives. A bath time of 15 minutes is completely sufficient. After the bath, you should gently dab your baby dry and remember to dry all parts of the body, including skin folds. Lotions can then be applied. combined with Massages round off the feel-good experience.
Dr. Renate Kirschner is the editor of the BabyCare preventive care program, which has been providing expectant mothers with scientifically sound advice for almost 20 years. Together with gynecologists, midwives and pediatricians, she has compiled a comprehensive pregnancy handbook and the guidebook "999 answers to pregnancy, birth and baby's first year". Pregnant women can also find more tips and exciting articles in theBabyCare blog .
