Balancing the risks and benefits of sun exposure for infants: Skin protection and vitamin D uptake

What is it about?

Besides supporting the existence of life on the planet, the sun is also fundamental in synthesising Vitamin D in humans. However the sun is also responsible for short and long term health effects on the population. Babies and young children are at an increased risk of skin cancer if subjected to unprotected sun exposure and therefore they should be considered as a particular target population. Prevention is an important aspect of parental education in the protection of babies’ and children’s skin, in order to avoid and reduce the consequences of exposure to the sun. Increased awareness of skin cancer has led to individuals using chemical protection and physical barriers to protect their skin from the harmful rays of the sun. However this protection can lead to a reduced level of absorption and uptake by the body to the natural Vitamin D.

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