Why protect baby from the sun, even in winter?

Between hats, snowsuits, and mittens, one might think that winter protects babies from UV rays. It's cold, the sun is low, and yet, its dangers can still be present. In the mountains, under a white sky or on gray days, the still-developing skin of toddlers and their very sensitive eyes are almost as exposed as in summer. According to the World Health Organization, sun protection is recommended for suns with a UV index of 3 or higher. This threshold is often reached, even in winter, especially at high altitudes or on clear days.

SUMMARY

• Understanding babies' delicate skin and eyes
• The invisible dangers of solar radiation in winter
• 5 good habits to protect baby from the sun in winter
• Why this protection fits into Élhée's sensory & caring approach
• 5 practical tips to protect your baby's skin and eyes all year round

Understanding babies' delicate skin and eyes

Every year, Sun Protection Week returns, and for good reason: the dangers of the sun are very real : sunstroke, irritation, allergies, sunburn, premature skin aging, cancers… That is why your baby’s skin, even more fragile than yours, requires reinforced protection all year round .

Skin that is more fragile because it is immature

A baby's skin is about 30% thinner than an adult's. It therefore allows more substances to penetrate its surface and is less resistant to external aggressors. Under these conditions, even brief exposure or exposure to low-intensity sunlight can trigger localized redness.

☀️ In this regard, doctors recommend avoiding any exposure before the age of one year, and throughout life, between 11am and 4pm.

Furthermore, melanin production is not yet fully operational. Melanocytes, the cells that pigment the skin and protect it from UV rays, are still few in number and relatively inactive.

As a result, the skin struggles to defend itself and retains a memory of each exposure . This is a cumulative effect: each exposure, even slight, adds to previous ones and increases future sensitivity. Babies with atopic or very dry skin are even more susceptible, especially in winter.

Small eyes that are very sensitive to UV

Similarly, in babies and children up to the age of 12, the crystalline lens, the eye's natural lens , is still very transparent and allows up to 75% of UV rays to pass through . Therefore, young children's eyes absorb more radiation, even when the light seems dim. This increases the risk of retinal damage.

Moreover, when light reflects off water, sand, or snow, exposure increases significantly. These surfaces reflect a large portion of UV rays, which explains why we tan more easily in the high mountains during winter or at the seaside. Snow, for example, reflects up to 85% of UV rays . This intensity can cause, particularly in young children but not only them, inflammation of the cornea called photokeratitis—like a “sunburn of the eye.”

The invisible dangers of solar radiation in winter

The cold season therefore throws off our perceptions somewhat. However, low temperatures do not block UV rays . The intensity of the sun's rays depends primarily on:

• At altitude, for every 1000 meters you receive 10% more UV rays.
• Due to latitude, in tropical regions such as the Caribbean, Central Africa, or Southeast Asia, the UV index is particularly high year-round.
• and reflection on surfaces. In the mountains, in the city or on the edge of a frozen lake, a baby's skin and eyes are almost always exposed.

Ultraviolet rays also penetrate clouds : up to 90% of them reach the Earth's surface, even on overcast days. A winter walk or a break on a terrace can therefore expose you and your baby, even if the sun's rays are less intense than in summer. Even if you don't feel it.

It's this discrepancy between what you see—a white, cold, uninviting sky—and what your skin receives that explains winter sunburn. In this regard, a survey conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology reveals that nearly one in five adults is unaware that it's possible to get sunburned in winter.

5 good habits to protect baby from the winter sun

• Promote shade and natural shelters . A fully extended stroller canopy, a car sunshade, or tree branches are all effective refuges to filter some of the sun's rays.

• Invest in the right clothing . Textiles remain the best protection against the sun. Organic cotton, lightweight wool, or breathable fleece—when out for a walk in winter, cover your baby's head and hands in addition to the rest of their body. For the youngest babies or in very cold weather, a footmuff or blanket adds extra warmth and protection.

• Use a very high protection sunscreen , dermatologically tested and suitable for the child's age. Élhée SPF 50+ Sunscreen has been specifically formulated for babies : fragrance-free, alcohol-free, free of chemical filters, and with non-nano mineral filters that remain on the skin's surface. It protects infants from birth and pregnant women throughout their pregnancy, even on sensitive skin.

• Protect your baby's eyes with sunglasses . Opt for CE UV400 certified models with shatterproof polarized lenses, a flexible frame, and straight temples. For children under 3, Elhée sunglasses also feature a silicone cord to keep them securely in place. This offers a double advantage: you can use them in summer and even on cloudy days.

• And after going outside? The cold and wind dehydrate the skin. Take advantage of this time to moisturize your baby's face using a skin-friendly product like Élhée Moisturizing Lotion with sweet almond and organic olive oil . And if your baby's eyes are irritated, put a few drops of saline solution in the corner of each eye to soothe them.

A protection system that is part of Élhée's sensory and caring approach.

At Élhée, caring for babies is the core of our mission . That's why our vision of care goes beyond the action itself : it is based on the consistency, gentleness, and continuity of our products.

Protecting your child's skin and eyes, even in winter, is naturally part of this philosophy. It helps prolong sensory comfort, with every gesture softening the experience and preserving serenity.

Every little bit of care given to the baby, from choosing their bottle to selecting sunscreen or their skincare routine, helps build a stable, reassuring, and healthy environment. Protecting their skin from the sun extends that circle of trust with a reliable, consistent, and caring point of reference in a changing world.

5 practical tips to protect your baby's skin and eyes all year round

• Trust the light , not the temperature: if it's bright, protect yourself.
• Keep a mini sun kit always ready ( sunglasses, cream, hat, stroller cover).
• Apply sunscreen before dressing baby , in a thin layer on exposed areas.
• Protect her eyes as much as her skin : UV rays also penetrate the grey of the sky.
• When you get home, moisturize her skin and soothe her eyes if needed.

A few simple steps to establish a routine and care for your child's skin, summer and winter. A few well-chosen habits, consistently repeated, and you'll be offering your baby gentle and consistent sun protection. Exactly the spirit of skincare according to Élhée.

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