What is the difference between a sunscreen for children and a traditional 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 relatively fragile, thus limiting their barrier function. The low pigmentation also increases this sensitivity. Indeed, the melanin synthesis phenomenon 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.

Therefore, 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's common to see sun protection products labeled as "special child". However, sun creams for children provide no added value. There's 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 product composition 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 oxybenzone (INCI: Benzophenone-3), ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (INCI: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate) or octocrylene, are the most common causes of allergic reactions. Indeed, young children, particularly infants, can absorb a larger portion of topically applied substances than adults, and are not able to metabolize and effectively excrete absorbed substances. As a result, children are more exposed to allergy risks than adults. Additionally, also avoid sun products containing potentially irritating and allergenic ingredients such as fragrant molecules or essential oils.