[Children's UV Protection] How to Choose Sunscreen, Easy UV Protection, and After-sun Care

Summer is fast approaching. With the recent heatwaves continuing, it's time to get serious about protecting your children from the sun.

However, many people have concerns about how to protect their children from sunburn.
"Which sunscreen is best?"
Should I use a parasol or hat?
"I thought I was taking proper precautions, but I still got sunburned..."
There are many things that you are concerned about.

This time, we will thoroughly explain how to choose and use sunscreen for children, as well as tips on how to make the most of items such as hats and parasols. We will also introduce tips on how to easily use a parasol even while holding a small child.

What's more, if you accidentally get sunburned, this article will teach you how to care for your skin!
Please use this as a reference for daily sun protection measures for parents and children.

At what age should I start using sun protection?

The skin of babies and children is thin and its barrier function is still immature. It is said that they are prone to sunburn and this can lead to future skin problems. That's why it's important to take measures early on.
Here are some general guidelines for sun protection:

・Baby under 3 months old

During this time of year, when your baby's skin is particularly sensitive, it's best to avoid direct sunlight and not use sunscreen. Avoid times when the sun is strongest, and protect your baby's skin with strollers, hats, and long sleeves.
However, recently, there are also hypoallergenic sunscreens available on the market that can be used from birth, so it is one option to incorporate them as needed. When using sunscreen, please be careful and observe the condition of your baby's skin, such as by conducting a patch test.

・Babies and children aged 3 months or older

Gradually, your baby will be able to use sunscreen for babies . If the patch test shows no skin problems, you can use the sunscreen effectively while also wearing a hat and clothing.

UV rays aren't just for summer!

Many people may think that they should only take measures to protect themselves from the sun during the summer, but UV rays reach our skin all year round. The amount is particularly high from spring to autumn, so it's important to be careful even on cloudy days.
It would be great if parents and children could enjoy spending time outside together while taking appropriate measures according to the weather and time.

What is the best sunscreen for babies and children? Tips for choosing

There are so many sunscreens in stores, and even if they say "for babies" or "for children," it can be hard to know which one to choose.
Here we will introduce the basics of sunscreen for children and how to choose it in an easy-to-understand manner.

"SPF" and "PA"

The "SPF/PA" label is often seen on sunscreen packaging. Many people know that the higher the number, the better the sun protection effect, but what exactly does each number mean?

SPF

This is an indication of the effectiveness of blocking ultraviolet B rays (UVB), which cause sunburn and reddening of the skin .
The higher the number, the more effective it is. For example, SPF 30 means that it will take about 30 times longer for you to get sunburned than if you don't wear any sunscreen.

PA

This is an indication of the effectiveness of blocking ultraviolet A rays (UVA), which penetrate deep into the skin and are said to cause blemishes and wrinkles .
The more "+" there are, the greater the effect, with "PA++++" being the current highest value.

It's easy to think of a sunscreen with a high number as the first step, but the higher the number, the more harsh it tends to be on your skin . It's best to choose sunscreens that are gentle on your skin and use them for different occasions.

• For everyday use such as walking or going to the park : SPF 15-30, PA++-+++ recommended
  
• For extended outdoor activities such as leisure activities , we recommend SPF 30-50 and PA+++-++++.
  

Sunscreen texture

Sunscreen comes in a variety of textures. Learn about the characteristics of each and choose the one that's easy to use for your needs.

• Lotion/Milk Type <br>These have a smooth, refreshing feel and are recommended for children who don't like sticky skin. While many are easy to remove, they often come off easily with water or sweat, so they need to be reapplied frequently.
  
  
• Cream type <br>Many of these have high moisturizing power and are recommended for children who are concerned about dryness. While they tend to stay on the skin well, they may not be well-received by children who don't like sticky skin.
  
  
• Gel type <br>It is transparent and does not leave a white cast, and is characterized by a refreshing feel when used. It may contain a lot of alcohol, so use with caution on children with sensitive skin.
  
  
• Spray type <br>It can be easily applied over a wide area, but it can be uneven and may be absorbed. It is more convenient for reapplication than for main use.
  
  
• Stick type <br>The retractable stick allows you to apply directly to the skin without getting your hands dirty. It's easy to apply to small areas such as the face, neck, and backs of the hands and feet with pinpoint accuracy.
  
  

Rather than using just one, we recommend using different types, for example, using the milk type before going out and reapplying the stick type when you're out.

If you are concerned about skin-friendliness, check the ingredients too.

Since it's for use on your child's skin, you want to choose a formula that's as gentle as possible. Take a moment to pay attention to the ingredients listed on the packaging.

Presence or absence of UV protection

UV absorber-free (non-chemical formula)

The packaging says "no UV absorbers" and "non-chemical."
It is relatively gentle on the skin and is recommended for small children and those with sensitive skin. Many products tend to leave a white cast, but recently there have been an increasing number of products that have improved this.

Uses UV absorbers

Many of these products are characterized by their ease of use and ease of spreading. However, many of them can be a bit harsh on the skin.

Other ingredients

Products that are labeled "fragrance-free," "colorant-free," "alcohol-free," "paraben-free," "allergy-tested," "patch-tested," and "stinging-tested" have been designed to reduce skin irritation. If you are concerned about the burden on your skin, it is recommended that you choose products with these labels.

Surprisingly important! Don't forget about "ease of removal"

Some sunscreens cannot be removed properly without using cleansing products. Be sure to choose products that say they can be removed with soap or warm water.

How to apply sunscreen correctly and avoid sunburn

Even if you choose the perfect sunscreen for your child, the way you apply it can make you think, "Hmm? I think I got sunburned..."
There are some little tricks to applying sunscreen to get the most out of it!

Timing, amount and application tips

First, the timing of application. We recommend applying it 15 to 30 minutes before leaving the house . This will allow it to fully absorb into your skin and make it easier for your tan to take effect.

The quickest way to avoid sunburn is to use more sunscreen than you think you should! If you use less, you won't be able to expect the benefits advertised on the sunscreen.

• Face : About the size of two pearls
• Arms and legs : Apply directly to the arms and legs in smooth lines, then gently spread evenly with the entire palm of your hand.

Check out the tips on how to apply it!
Pay close attention to areas that are surprisingly easy to forget, such as the ears, behind the neck, under the chin, the backs of the elbows and knees, and around the tops of the feet and ankles.
It is also effective to apply a second coat to areas prone to sunburn, such as the high points of the cheeks, the bridge of the nose, and shoulders.

Frequent repainting is important!

It's easy to feel reassured thinking, "I put it on in the morning, so it's fine," but sunscreen will come off if you sweat or wipe it off with a towel.
It's very important to reapply it frequently, aiming for every 2-3 hours!
For reapplication when you're out and about, the stick type, which can be applied quickly without getting your hands dirty, or the easy-to-use spray type, which can be used over a wide area, are convenient.

More than just sunscreen! Hats and parasols for UV protection

It is of course important to apply sunscreen thoroughly, but to protect your child's skin from UV rays more effectively, it is also very important to combine it with other products.

• Hats <br>To protect your face and neck, we recommend hats with wide brims or hats with a sunshade that covers the back of your neck.
  
  
• Clothing <br>Simply add a thin long-sleeved shirt or a UV-blocking jacket to easily reduce exposed skin. Dark-colored clothing is good at blocking UV rays, but it also absorbs heat easily, so choose breathable materials.
  
  
• Parasols <br>Not only do they provide shade, but they also help to keep you cool by lowering the perceived temperature. We recommend ones with high UV protection and shading properties.
  

With the "POMULU 2WAY Hip Seat," you can easily protect yourself from UV rays while holding your baby!

Parasols are very convenient, but using one while holding a child can be difficult as your hands are full...
The POMULU 2WAY Hip Seat is the perfect solution for such situations!

The POMULU 2WAY Hip Seat is a parenting item that combines a shoulder bag and a hip seat.
You can hold your child securely and stably, making it easy to go out with a parasol .

It's also very convenient as a shoulder bag, and can easily fit a folding parasol, sunscreen, and a hat. This bag is all you need for a quick outing. Another great feature is that it's easy to access your belongings even while holding a baby.

With the POMULU 2WAY Hip Seat, you can protect yourself from UV rays by using a parasol while holding your baby! Be sure to check it out.

Learn more about POMULU

After-care is important after sunburn

Sunburn can cause your child's skin to turn red. This is actually the same as a minor burn . The redness and stinging sensation will subside in a few days, but that's not the end of it.

When exposed to UV rays, skin begins to produce melanin pigment about 72 hours later to protect itself from damage, which can cause the skin to darken and turn sunburned.
If you take the redness caused by sunburn and the subsequent darkening of the skin lightly and neglect to take care of it, your skin's barrier function will weaken, causing it to become drier and increasing the risk of developing blemishes and skin problems in the future .

No matter how careful you are, you may still get sunburned. In such cases, it's important to start aftercare as soon as possible !

① First, gently cool

If your skin is hot and red, it is important to cool it down first to reduce inflammation.
Gently apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to soothe the heat.
When showering, rinse with lukewarm water to avoid any harshness. Avoid scrubbing.

② Next, moisturize thoroughly

Once the heat has subsided a bit, moisturize thoroughly to hydrate the skin that has been dried out by the sun.
Choose a gentle moisturizer designed for babies and children.
When applying, be careful not to rub your skin, but gently press it in with your palms to blend it in.

3. Don't forget to stay hydrated

Sunburn can also cause your body to lose fluids, so make sure to drink plenty of water and decaffeinated tea.

Even if you do get sunburned, early care can help reduce the burden on your skin. However, prevention is still the most important thing. Be sure to try out the sunburn prevention tips we've introduced so far!

Let's take proper and easy sun protection measures together as a family!

This time, we have introduced many tips on how to protect your children from UV rays, from how to choose sunscreen and how to apply it correctly, how to use items such as hats and parasols, and aftercare when they get sunburned.

If you keep in mind the important points to be careful about, it will be much easier and more effective for parents and children to take measures to protect themselves from the sun.
Please try and incorporate as much as you can into your daily life!