Skin Care for Baby

Protect your baby’s delicate skin from the harmful effects of the sun

Did you know that doctors believe there is an association between the amount of sunburn episodes in childhood and adult skin cancer, especially melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer?

A Word on Skin Cancer

Before we take a closer look into why you should protect your baby’s delicate skin, let’s learn more about skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells. The skin comprises of three main layers – the epidermis or top covering, the dermis or second layer, and lastly, the subcutaneous fat layer. Skin cancer starts in the epidermis. There are three types of cells within the epidermis that can be affected – basal cells, squamous cells and melanocytes, which are cells that produce melanin. Melanin is the pigment that darkens the skin to produce a tan, the body’s natural way of protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

Melanin and Your Baby’s Skin

A newborn baby has very delicate skin that is still developing. Babies and toddlers of all races need skin protection, even though incidences of skin cancer are less common in people of colour. Babies naturally produce less melanin, making them more susceptible to a serious sunburn in just a short time, even on cloudy days. If a baby does burn, it will be as painful as a scalding with boiling water.

Protect Your Baby’s Skin

• Babies under six months should be kept out of the sun
• Paediatricians advise parents not to use sunscreen products on babies under six months of age
• If you do need to be outdoors with a very young baby, shield your baby from the sun in other ways. Choose a shady area. Dress your baby in clothing made of light fabric and ensure that his or her arms and legs are covered. Add a wide-brimmed hat to protect your baby’s face and neck. Never use a sunscreen product on a baby under six months without first consulting a professional such as a paediatric dermatologist or your pharmacist
• After six months, you can introduce sunscreen formulated for babies, with a high SPF. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) refers to the length of time the product will protect the skin. For example, a product of SPF 30 will protect the skin for 30 times longer than it usually takes to start burning. Remember to reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming
• Avoid exposure to the sun in the heat of the day, between 10am and 3pm
• Remember to give your baby plenty of fluids when you’re outdoors. If baby becomes fussy or his or her skin begins to look red, get out of the sun immediately
• From six months, you can introduce your baby to sunglasses for added eye protection
• Consider sun protection in the car. UVA rays can penetrate glass. Purchase a shield and use it on the window closest to your baby’s car seat.

Babies do need vitamin D, a vitamin that is synthesised from sunlight, to absorb calcium and phosphorus and build strong and healthy bones. Keeping baby out of the sun means that he or she may not get adequate amounts of vitamin D. Breastmilk, although best for baby, doesn’t provide enough vitamin D, even if the nursing mom takes a supplement. Even formula-fed babies may require vitamin D supplementation. Speak to your doctor or dietician about your baby’s vitamin D intake and possible liquid vitamin D supplementation.

Resources: https://www.whattoexpect.com/; https://www.mayoclinic.org/; https://www.fda.gov/; https://skincancer.net; https://kidshealth.org/; https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/