Can Children Get a Healthy Tan?

As summer arrives, holidays by the sea or in the mountains become a highlight of the year for many families. Sunlight and fresh air can be beneficial for children’s well-being, but spending time outdoors also requires careful attention to sun safety. Tanning, choosing an appropriate sunscreen, and maintaining healthy skin in hot weather are all areas where parents need to take extra precautions.

According to Soso Kobakhidze, a dermatovenereologist and official expert of the Ministry of Health, protecting children’s skin during the summer calls for a thoughtful approach and an understanding of how young skin responds to ultraviolet exposure.

Is There Such a Thing as a Healthy Tan?

From a medical perspective, there is no such thing as a “healthy tan” - neither for children nor for adults. A tan is the skin’s natural defence mechanism in response to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

When UV rays reach the skin, the body increases melanin production in an attempt to shield deeper layers of tissue from further damage. A change in skin colour is therefore not simply a cosmetic effect; it indicates that the skin has already been exposed to UV radiation.

This is particularly relevant when it comes to children. Their skin surface area is proportionally greater in relation to body weight than that of adults. As a result, children may absorb topical substances and respond to environmental influences more rapidly, making appropriate skin protection especially important.

How Much Time Can Children Safely Spend in the Sun?

Children should be introduced to sun exposure gradually, with particular care:

• Babies under 6 months - should not be exposed to direct sunlight;
• 7 months to 1 year - initial sun exposure should be limited to approximately 10–15 minutes;
• Over 1 year - exposure can be extended gradually, beginning with around 15–20 minutes and increasing progressively over time.

How Does SPF Work and How Should Parents Choose a Sunscreen?

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, indicates the level of protection a sunscreen provides against UV radiation. For example, if unprotected skin would begin to react to sun exposure after five minutes, an SPF 50 product theoretically extends this time by a factor of 50, to approximately 250 minutes.

However, this does not mean a child can remain in the sun for hours without reapplying sunscreen. SPF should never be interpreted as a fixed amount of “safe time” in the sun.

Parents should follow several essential principles:

• Reapply every two hours - sunscreen should generally be reapplied at least every two hours, and more frequently when necessary;
• Do not rely solely on water-resistant claims - no sunscreen is completely waterproof. Reapplication is necessary after swimming, sweating, drying off, or towel-drying;
• Choose broad-spectrum protection - the sunscreen should provide protection against both UVA and UVB radiation;
• Apply a sufficient amount - sunscreen needs to be applied generously and evenly to all exposed areas of the skin.

Summer Hygiene: Common Myths About Bathing Children

Hot weather often brings with it a number of misconceptions about children’s bathing and skin hygiene.

• Children can be bathed whenever necessary = bathing does not cause skin diseases or, by itself, lead to the spread of infection. Children can and should be bathed as often as needed;
• Bathing during infections = avoiding baths or keeping a child away from water for several days because of chickenpox or another skin rash is unnecessary. Maintaining proper hygiene remains important;
• Bathing before a medical appointment = there is no medical reason to leave a child unwashed before visiting a paediatrician or dermatologist.

High temperatures and humidity can create favourable conditions for the development and spread of certain skin infections. Regular cleansing, lightweight and breathable clothing, and appropriate moisturisation are therefore essential components of summer skin care.

When Should a Child See a Dermatologist?

Prolonged or intense sun exposure can trigger a range of skin reactions. These may include increased visibility of pigmentation, redness, irritation, or other localised changes.

If a child develops persistent itching, a burning sensation, or any other unusual or uncomfortable symptoms that fail to resolve over time, medical evaluation by a specialist is recommended.

Parents should avoid self-medicating whenever possible, particularly by applying homemade creams, ointments, or other unverified remedies. Proper assessment of a skin condition and the selection of appropriate treatment should be carried out by a qualified medical professional.

If there is any uncertainty about a skin change, parents may also be able to send a photograph of the affected area to a specialist. In some cases, this can provide useful initial guidance and help determine whether an in-person consultation or further evaluation is necessary.