What is the difference between a sunscreen for children and a standard one?

Skin structures continue to evolve even after birth. During the first year of life, it has been demonstrated that an infant's skin is in a state of active development. It is only from the age of 6 that a child's skin reaches full maturity and becomes similar to that of an adult. Differences in the skin physiology of infants and young children and that of adults then persist.

Described as sensitive and delicate, a child's skin differs from an adult's. Although it has the same number of layers, the stratum corneum, the top layer of the epidermis that actively protects us from environmental influences and retains moisture, is 30% thinner than that of an adult, and the epidermis is 20% thinner. Similarly, the corneocytes of infants are 20% smaller than those of adults, indicating a faster cellular renewal in babies.

Furthermore, the sebaceous and sweat glands are less active. The hydrolipidic film and the acid mantle are therefore relatively fragile, thus limiting their barrier function. The low pigmentation also increases this sensitivity. Indeed, the phenomenon of melanin synthesis responsible for skin pigmentation is not fully developed in children. Up to the age of 3, children's skin has a lower concentration of melanin.

Consequently, the skin of infants and young children is particularly sensitive to ultraviolet rays, and the protective barrier remains immature. This allows UV rays to penetrate more deeply and easily reach the dermal papillae and dermal capillaries, resulting in photodamage.

On the market, it is common to spot sun protection products labelled as "special child". However, sun creams for children provide no added value. There is nothing that differentiates sun creams stamped "children" from "non-children". The sun protection provided is almost identical between the "child" version and the "general public" version. Sun protection products specifically intended for children have the same sun filters as those for adults. Minimal differences in the composition of the products may exist, excluding UV filters.

Which sun protection product should be chosen to shield children's skin from the sun?

It is advisable to choose sunscreens that contain the fewest allergenic UV filters. Indeed, certain sunscreens, such as theoxybenzone (INCI: Benzophenone-3), the ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (INCI: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate) or theoctocrylene, are most frequently the cause of allergic reactions. Indeed, young children, particularly infants, can absorb a larger portion of topically applied substances than adults, and are not able to metabolise and effectively excrete absorbed substances. As a result, children are more exposed to allergy risks than adults. Moreover, also avoid sun products containing potentially irritating and allergenic ingredients such as fragrant molecules or essential oils.

Studies suggest that sunburn and UV damage experienced during childhood nearly double the risk of developing skin melanoma in adulthood. Therefore, measures are necessary to limit the impact of solar UV rays and properly protect children's skin.

1. Avoid exposing children and infants under 6 months to direct sunlight;

2. Keep children in the shade as much as possible and protected from the sun during the hours when UV rays are most intense, which is between 11am and 3pm;

3. Cover the child's exposed body areas with light, tightly woven protective clothing, especially under the age of 3 years;

4. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade the face and neck;

5. Equip the child with a pair of sunglasses that have lenses capable of absorbing UV rays;

6. Avoid applying sunscreen on infants under 6 months of age;

7. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher, to the areas of skin not covered by protective clothing;

8. Select a sunscreen for children under 2 years old that contains only mineral filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), which are less irritating to the sensitive skin of babies.

• WIEGAND B. C. & al. Infant skin microstructure assessed in vivo differs from adult skin in organization and at the cellular level. Pediatric Dermatology (2010).

• BALK S. J. Technical report - Ultraviolet radiation: a hazard to children and adolescents. American Academy of Pediatrics (2011).

• STAMATAS G. N. & al. New insights about infant and toddler skin: implications for sun protection. Pediatrics (2015).

• BUSTER K. & al. Photoprotection in specific populations: Children and people of color. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2016).

• RIGEL D. S. & al. Patient knowledge of FDA-mandated sunscreen labeling terminology: a cross-sectional survey. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine (2018).

• SIRITHANABADEEKUL P. & al. Ultraviolet filters in sunscreen products labeled for use in children and for sensitive skin. Pediatric Dermatology (2020).