The label "children" is increasingly visible on sun protection products, indicating that they are intended for a specific category of individuals. However, is there a difference between these sun products with specific labeling for children compared to general sun protection products?
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What is the difference between a sunscreen for children and a traditional one?
Summary
- The specificities of a child's skin
- Are there differences between a sunscreen for children and a sunscreen for adults?
- What are the measures to be taken to protect the young skin of children from the sun?
- Sources
Published April 24, 2023,
updated on February 14, 2025,
by
Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
6 min read
The specificities of a child's skin.
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 its 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.
Sensitive and fragile, this is how a child's skin is described in comparison to 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 , which is 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.
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Are there differences between a sunscreen for children and a sunscreen for adults?
On the market, it is common to spot sun care products labeled "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 "all public" version. Sun protection products specifically intended for children have the same sun filters as those for adults. Minute differences in the composition of the products may exist, excluding UV filters.
Which sunscreen product should be chosen to protect children's skin from the sun?
It is recommended to choose sunscreens that contain the least amount of allergenic UV filters. Indeed, certain sunscreens, such as oxybenzone (INCI: Benzophenone-3), ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (INCI: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate) or octocrylene, are the most common causes of allergic reactions. Additionally, also avoid sun products that contain potentially irritating and allergenic ingredients such as fragrance molecules or essential oils.
Note : Young children, especially infants, can absorb a larger portion of substances applied topically than adults, and are not able to metabolize and effectively excrete the absorbed substances. As a result, children are therefore more exposed to the risks of allergies than adults. This is why it is recommended to avoid chemical filters and only use mineral filters on the delicate skin of young children under 2 years old.
What are the measures to be taken to protect the young skin of children from the sun?
Studies indicate that sunburns and UV damage incurred during childhood nearly double the risk of developing skin melanoma in adulthood. As a result, measures are necessary to limit the impact of solar UV rays and properly protect children's skin.
Avoid exposing infants under 6 months of age to direct sunlight;
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 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.;
Cover the child's exposed body areas with light, tightly woven protective clothing, especially under 3 years of age;
Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade the face and neck;
Equip the child with a pair of sunglasses that have lenses capable of absorbing UV rays;
Avoid applying sunscreen on infants under 6 months of age;
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher, to areas of the skin not covered by protective clothing;
For children under 2 years old, choose a sunscreen that contains only mineral filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), which are less irritating to the sensitive skin of babies.
Sources
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).
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