Health. “Protection is all year round”: Children remain poorly protected from the sun

Avoiding sun exposure for babies, wearing a hat for your child even if it's overcast... These recommendations are essential for reducing the risk of cancer in adulthood. But doctors regret that they remain under-implemented. "We don't protect children well enough from the sun," summarizes Sophie Mallet, a member of the French Society of Dermatology (SFD), which has just issued a warning to this effect. The organization usually issues warnings every summer about the need for proper sun protection. But this is the first time that French dermatologists have focused on the situation of children.

A public health issue

This is a "public health issue," the SFD emphasized in a press release published Wednesday. It points out that children's skin is more fragile and cites studies showing that sunburn before the age of 15 doubles the risk of one day developing melanoma, the most deadly skin cancer.

A child should be exposed to the sun as little as possible until the age of three, dermatologists emphasize. Even older, it is necessary to avoid exposure between noon and 4 p.m. And favor covering clothing, especially a wide-brimmed hat, even if the weather is overcast, because clouds let through the majority of ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, a glance at public spaces allows us to realize that children and babies often remain poorly protected , compared to these recommendations. Certainly, "there is an improvement: we see a few more protected children at the beach, we did not see it yet a few years ago, admits Sophie Mallet. But protection is all year round and every day," she warns.

On a daily basis, providing good information to parents is therefore essential. But the message must also be conveyed to schools and establishments, such as daycare centers, which care for babies, who are the most vulnerable to the sun. "We receive directives every year regarding heat: circulars "be careful in extreme heat," "make children drink plenty of water"... But it's true that there aren't any regarding the sun," acknowledges Véronique Escames, a childcare assistant and general secretary of the National Union of Early Childhood Professionals (SNPPE). However, she believes that professionals, often with paramedical training, are aware of the issue, even if she admits that it is more difficult to get the prevention message across "when the weather is overcast."

Beware of solar product marketing

Another factor contributing to poor child protection, according to doctors, is the belief that sunscreen can do everything . Dermatologists recommend regularly applying sunscreen to children when exposed to the sun. But they warn that this measure should be considered a supplement and does not fully eliminate the risks when exposing young children. However, some sunscreen manufacturers promote products specifically designed for children or babies. This poses a risk, according to some observers, of confusing parents.

"Sunscreen products display "from the maternity ward" or "from zero months": it's completely absurd," complains Céline Couteau, a doctor of pharmacy and cosmetology specialist who regularly conducts sunscreen analyses. "They say not to expose children, but they're going to sell a product to expose them," she insists, also reporting that her tests regularly reveal that creams are less effective than the promised level.

The French food safety agency, ANSES, also called for a ban on any labeling targeting "children" on sunscreen products by the end of 2024. This suggestion was part of the ongoing review of a European recommendation. The Federation of Beauty Companies (Febea), which includes sunscreen manufacturers, has stated that it also recommends keeping babies and young children away from the sun. However, "in cases of unavoidable exposure, sunscreen is essential to protect exposed parts of the body," it insists.