
Snow school or winter sports holidays, your little one is overexcited at the idea of putting on his/her skis. Snow suit, gloves, helmet: the suitcase is ready. But have you thought about taking something to protect your child's soft skin in the mountains? Sun, cold, lack of hydration: here are some of the aggressions that cells suffer in the mountains, and here's how to counter them!
Between helmet, mask and scarf, only the nose remains exposed to the sun. To effectively protect these few square centimetres of face, a high protection factor sun cream is highly recommended. You will also need to think about the break time, when your child unlaces, takes off his ski goggle and helmet.
Choose your sun protection in a size that is simple to carry and easy for his little hands to use. Place it in an accessible place so your child doesn't forget to apply it regularly.
Finally, pay attention to the composition of some children's sun creams which contain harmful substances (endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, nanoparticles, molecules from petrochemicals...). An organic or eco-certified cream is recommended, although caution is still required. An organic product does not guarantee the absence of dangerous chemicals. Study the composition!
SUN PROTECTION FACTOR (SPF)
They measure the effectiveness of the product and in particular its anti-UVB faculties. The higher the index, the better the protection. Opt for a special "Mountain" cream.
While we all dream of a skiing holiday with big blue skies, the weather doesn't always play it's part. That's why it's essential to plan for bad weather days. If conditions are not safe for skiing, most schools will cancel their lessons and keep your children warm. On the other hand, in some cases, your child may end up skiing with snow falling off the sky. The combination of snow, cold and wind is particularly hard on the skin and exposes it to frostbite. In this case, it's hydration that will repair the damage.
So remember to pack a little jar of moisturiser cream or a bottle of vegetable oil to soothe and protect your child's skin after such an ordeal. This is a ritual you can adopt every day, even after a beautiful sunny day, to nourish the cells of the epidermis.
WHEN THE CAP TAKES BACK ITS PLACE
Beanies and helmets usually have the upper hand when it comes to skiing. To be well protected from the sun, think of the cap too, it's very useful on the restaurant terraces!
While it is important to protect your child's skin by moisturising it with soft oils or a specific cream, you should not forget that hydration comes first from within. It is true that in the mountains, the air is drier. As a result, we dehydrate more easily than down in the valley. Moreover, not all children have the reflex to grab a bottle of water when they are thirsty.
To compensate for water loss during exercise, equip your child with a water bottle. Some are worn as a belt, others will fit in a pocket or backpack. A drop of syrup or a tiny bit of fruit juice will help provide energy and encourage your toddler to finish their drink.
In the morning, double up on water at breakfast and offer water as soon as he gets home from the ski course. Vary the pleasures: water, juice, hot chocolate, syrup... Because staying well hydrated in the mountains is essential for health, to boost muscles after a day of sport while protecting your child's skin and to keep a healthy skin.
Sunburns are not the only ailments that threaten your child during their snow holiday. Wind, rain and cold are all identified enemies. To protect your child's skin in the mountains, equip yourself with a sun cream, a moisturiser and a well-filled water bottle.
THE THREE KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD'S SKIN IN THE MOUNTAINS: