Peru is one of the countries with the highest rates of UV radiation worldwide. According to Senamhi, departments such as Cusco, Puno, Junin, Lima, and Huancavelica have extremely high levels of impact. Consequently, during the summer season, it is recommended to increment skincare and avoid exposure to the sun in heat peaks: 9 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 4 p.m.

Attention should be even greater for babies and children. “In general, child skin is more delicate than adult skin, because it has a higher risk of harmful radiation impact. If we compare in groups, babies younger than 6 months are more likely to have injuries and radiation burns, because their skin is thinner and does not repel UV rays”, says Christian Loayza, Oncologist & Surgeon of the League Against Cancer

For them (babies under 6 months) it is recommended to avoid exposure to the sun and the use of sunblock at all because the skin absorbs this product very quickly and can cause malfunction of the organs and intoxication. In the case of 1-year-old children and over, you can start applying a pediatric sunblock every two hours in areas that are exposed to the sun

“The use of glasses to adequately protect children’s eye as well as hats with visors, and remaining in the shade when the sun burns more, also helps,” adds Dr. Sandro Tucto, Dermatologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma

Key diet

A balanced diet will have a favorable impact on the body’s care when exposed to UV radiation. First, you should not neglect the consumption of vitamin A, which is found in foods such as carrots, green leafy vegetables, and fruits such as melon and mango. Likewise, vitamins C and E are also important because they act as antioxidants protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals, present in air pollution and ultraviolet radiation
“In summer, the skin experiences excessive sweating due to high temperatures that, together with the reduction of water intake, could lead to exhaustion and fainting in children and babies.Therefore, timely oral hydration is essential, from a liter and a half (up to 10 years old) to two liters (from 11 to 18 years old) according to age”, says Dr. Sandro Tucto

Dr. Sandro Tucto
Dermatologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma