Children's Skin Vulnerable To UV Light, Here's How To Choose Wise Sunscreen

Sunscreen illustration for children. (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Children's skin is thinner than adult skin, so the protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays is not perfect.

This condition makes them more vulnerable to damage due to sun exposure. If not anticipated from an early age, repeated exposure can have long-term impacts, ranging from premature aging, changes in pigmentation, to the risk of skin cancer in the future.

A study in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology said, UV exposure was excessive from a young age, correlated with the increasing potential for skin cancer.

In fact, UV light damage is cumulative, every exposure that occurs will accumulate from time to time. Therefore, the use of sunscreen should not be considered just a trend, but a basic need to protect the child's skin from an early age.

Therefore, parents are advised to choose a special sunscreen for children with a SPF of at least 30, labeled broad spectrum to protect against UVA and UVB, as well as use mineral ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide which is safer for sensitive skin.

Light and comfortable textures will make it easier for children to wear them, while use must be repeated every two hours, especially when you sweat a lot or play water. Don't forget, areas such as ears, neck, hands, and feet also need protection to keep your little one's skin healthy.

Seeing these challenges, a number of manufacturers present innovations for light and comfortable formulas for children. One of them is a sunscreen product with a calming gel texture combined with a high SPF physical sunscreen.

The presence of this concept is intended so that children are protected and at the same time feel comfortable when doing activities outside the room.

"Sunscreens with content such as Centella Asiatica or Chamomile can help calm the skin. Especially equipped with UVA and UVB protections with SPF 50 and PA++++. The formula also tends not to stick, absorb quickly, and does not leave a white layer on the skin," said Stella Octaviani, Brand Manager of PT Gloria Origita Cosmetics in a Amara press statement.

As part of educational efforts regarding the importance of child skin protection, the local brand will hold the Amara Kids Fun Run 2025 activity on October 25, 2025 at Avenue Paramount, Gading Serpong.

This event is packaged not as a competition, but as a leisurely running activity to strengthen family ties. Every child who participates will get an participation medal, and can enjoy various entertainments such as magic, face paining, animal education, and balloon games.

"We invite parents, the parenting community, and all those who care about the health of the child's skin to attend and celebrate this launch with us, while doing fun bonding activities," Stella said.