Do you have kids in your home? If so, I believe skincare for kids is something you are concerned about. Do you know how good it feels to stretch their silky-smooth cheeks? (Not a good practice, though). But it’s not enough to just play with their softy-silky skin, it requires care too.
I have got a little one running around the house. In this article, I will share how we pamper her skin and discuss how you can whip up a simple skincare routine for your own tiny tot! So stick around and happy reading.
Is Skincare for Kids Necessary?
Honestly, kids naturally have soft, supple skin. So when it comes to skincare for kids, there’s no hard and fast rule or any complex routine to follow. You can just use a gentle moisturizer if they don’t experience any other skin issues like rash, eczema, psoriasis etc.
But there’s a “but”. Kids have healthy yet the most delicate skin. They are more susceptible to dryness, irritation and sunburn. And I believe prevention is always a better way to handle any unwanted skin problem. So, there’s no harm in building a skincare routine for your little one. It’s not about only maintaining their skin health but also instilling good hygiene habits early on.
How to Choose The Right Product
Whatever brand you choose, it’s always about ingredients. I always check the product labels to ensure what ingredients I am applying to our little kid’s skin. After all, kids have the most sensitive skin, and we can’t take the risk of putting anything regardless of its effect on their skin.
Beneficial Ingredients to Include
Look for ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, almond oil, coconut oil, aloe vera, chamomile, calendula, kaolin clay, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and glycerine in your kid’s skin care products.
Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare For Kids
When it’s about skincare for kids, I prefer to avoid ingredients like parabens, sulphates (SLS and SLES), phthalates, artificial fragrances, mineral oil, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, triclosan, talc, PEG compounds and retinoids.
Building A Skincare Routine For Kids
When it comes to kids, simple is better. And when I say simple, I am not just talking about simple products, I am keeping the routine simple. I only use one kind of cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
Cleansing
Harsh soaps can strip off the natural oil of their skin and leave it dry. So the first step is to choose a gentle cleanser. I don’t feel like they need too much cleansing. I think, washing their face and bathing once daily is enough. If your kid is exposed to sweat or dirt during play, cleansing twice a day is okay.
When I am cleansing her skin and her hair, what I use is a really soft cleansing cloth. It’s just like a little square something you would maybe use on your face if you’re cleansing. I just like that! It’s really really soft. Take a small amount of cleanser in the cloth and then clean gently their face and body. Use lukewarm water to rinse instead of cold water and pat dry with a soft microfiber towel.
Moisturizing
This is important. As their skin is more susceptible to drying out, you can’t skip moisturizing anyway. Apply moisturizer after bathing or cleansing to lock in the moisture and keep their skin hydrated.
Choose hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic moisturizers that are free from dyes and artificial fragrances. Cream and lotions with ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid are good for maintaining hydration and protecting the skin barrier.
Sun Protection
Do kids need to use sunscreen? Yes, absolutely! UVA and UVB rays are just as harmful to kids as they are to adults. Use a broad spectrum, SPF 30+ sunscreen before going to sun exposure. Apply sunscreen to their face, ears and any exposed areas. If your kid is under six months, skip this step.
Sun protection is vital to prevent skin issues like hyperpigmentation, sunburn or skin cancer. Teach your kids the importance of sunscreen from an early age. If you want to know more about sunscreen, click here.
Wrapping Up
Usually, basic skincare for kids doesn’t need complicated steps. If they hit puberty and their hormones are raging, that’s when you should be concerned about a more elaborate skincare routine. So till then, you can follow these three easy steps and take good care of your little sweetheart’s skin.
