Did you know? The skin is our largest organ! It serves as a protective barrier, shielding all our internal organs, muscles, and bones from environmental irritants, germs, and much more. This, consequently, also puts the skin under so much pressure and stress. It’s constantly defending against irritants, thus resulting in poor skin health without necessary care...

Skin care, especially skincare for kids, is a must at this tender age. With urban centres leading to more pollutants and irritants harming the skin, it’s important to take the right healthy steps as early as possible. Read on for a deep dive into the world of kids skin care regimes and what you can do as a parent to help your child.

Why Is Skin Care Important for Kids?

As we mature, we naturally find ourselves picking those health activities that jive with us the most. For example, many prefer to get their daily calorie burn by cycling, while others prefer hitting the gym. However, the foundational health behaviours remain the same since childhood - clean clothes, daily baths, and brushing twice. In a similar vein, skincare for kids brings emphasis to a foundational health behaviour, one that can set the stage for a healthy lifestyle going forward. Here’s why skin care is important for kids...

1. Skin Sensitivity: The skin has naturally evolved to defend against environmental irritants to an extent that it is not always having an adverse reaction. However, this natural defence strengthens only after teenage. This is exactly why most children find their skin prone to dryness and rashes. 
2. Common Skin Issues: Skin sensitivity directly links to the problems of an undefended skin. Redness and rashes are common and may themselves be slightly painful. Environmental irritants seep in deeper, also contributing to this problem. A classic concern is acne, bringing with it clogged pores and painful pimples!
3. Habit Formation: If skin care is to be effective, it must be a consistent habit. Research suggests that some of the most resilient habits are formed at a ripe young age! Thus, introducing skin care at this age ensures the habit is followed well into adulthood. 

List of Necessary Skincare Products for Kids

Now that you know how your child can benefit from skin care, it’s time to understand what it should include. A good chunk of skin care is formulated for and focused on adults. This leads to focusing on ingredients like parabens, mineral oil, and formaldehyde. To put it simply, these are extremely harmful chemicals for your kids’ sensitive skin. The best kids’ skincare products are those that feature fully safe and natural active ingredients. Once you check for the right ingredients, ensure that your child is equipped with the following products:

1. Cleanser to help clear any irritants from the skin.
2. A moisturiser to nourish and hydrate.
3. Sunscreen as a defence against harmful UV rays. 

Building an Effective Skincare Routine for Kids

A lot of focus is required on skincare for kids if you want to build an effective routine for them. While this is true, many parents mistake routine to indicate complexity. In reality, the best skin care routines for kids are as simple as possible. After all, the focus is consistency over a lifetime! Here are some simple routine habits to encourage in your kids:

• Use a cleanser twice a day, especially after sweaty athletic activities, to cleanse pores.
• Follow up every bath with a moisturiser to lock in moisture.
• Sunscreen is a non-negotiable must before heading out of the house!

Final Thoughts

The world of skincare for kids might seem daunting for a responsible parent. All you need to do is focus on simplicity and introduce your child to skin care in a healthy manner. Forcing this interest upon them will not work. Instead, encourage them to copy you as you follow a similar skin care routine! This way, you’re making skin seem like an enjoyable adult activity while also bonding with your child. 

Once a skin care habit is developed, you can rest easy! After all, you’ve fostered an interest that will help protect and enrich your kid’s health for years to come.

FAQs

It’s best to begin a simple skin care routine around age 12 when hormonal changes begin showing their impact.

2. Is It Necessary for Kids to Use a Moisturiser?

Absolutely! Dry skin is a particular concern at this age. Using a moisturiser helps protect against it. 

3. What Type of Cleanser Is Best for Kids?

All you need is a gentle cleanser, preferably one that is enriched with the goodness of natural ingredients. 

4. Can Kids Use Adult Skin Care Products?

Many adult skin care products contain highly aggressive natural ingredients. These tend to do more harm than good to a child’s sensitive skin.

5. How Can I Make Skin Care Routines Fun for My Child?

Kids love to model their parents! Have fun in your routine and encourage your child to join in.

6. What Should I Look for in Sunscreen for Kids?

The ideal sunscreen is broad-spectrum, water-resistant, and has an SPF of at least 30. Anything more or less, especially in terms of chemicals, should be avoided!