Healthy Skincare Habits for Kids
We instinctively teach our children good habits like healthy eating and the importance of exercise. More often, however, we forget to instill in them the importance of adopting a healthy skincare routine.
But is it really necessary? And does a child’s skincare routine need to be any different than an adult’s routine?
According to the dermatologists behind the ThinkSkin website, a child’s skin is different from adults. It is thinner, more sensitive, and also has a higher water content. For these reasons, a child’s skin is more prone to irritation, cuts, bruises, and is more easily damaged by sun exposure.
Here are a few general guidelines to help teach your kids about skincare (and a few reminders for us moms as well)
Have your fun in the sun, but do it in moderation and with sunscreen.
The sun is a great source of vitamin D, but as with anything, too much of it can be harmful. Remind your children to spend no more than ten to 15 minutes under the morning sun every day, to avoid it when its rays are the harshest, and to put some sunscreen on before going out.
A clean body starts with clean hands.
Proper handwashing gets rid of dirt and bacteria that can otherwise travel to more vulnerable parts of the body like our eyes and mouth. Make it more fun by having them soap their hands for about 30 seconds as they sing “Happy Birthday To You.” Don’t forget to clean under the fingernails as well.
Remind kids to wash their hands at key moments as well such as before and after eating, after using the bathroom, and upon entering the house after playing outside.
Remember to let the skin breathe.
Our skin possesses the wonderful ability to protect us from our external environment, but we also need to give it some breathing room. For babies, this could mean changing wet diapers as soon as possible. For older children, this means changing adhesive bandages or dressings daily. As soon as a scab forms, let skin do its thing and throw away the bandage. Keeping it uncovered at this point speeds up the healing process.
Consider keeping some aloe vera around.
Because a child’s skin is more sensitive and vulnerable to external factors, it’s important to have child-friendly skincare products that are useful in a variety of situations. Since Roman times, this plant and the gel derived from its leaves have been recognized for its soothing properties. Aloe vera is natural, has a multitude of benefits, and is rich in vitamin E.
Composed of 96 percent water, aloe vera soothes and moisturizes skin while providing it with enough breathing room to heal. It can be used as a first aid for a variety of skin concerns like eczema, diaper rash, sunburn, and can be applied to soothe cuts and bruises.
If you are in the market for an aloe vera product that is ideal for you and your child, consider La Neur’s Aloe Vera Gel. It is natural, vegan, cruelty-free, and has a child-friendly formulation.
Whether for yourself or for your child, it’s never too early or too late to adopt healthy skincare practices. Just be consistent in taking care of your skin and in reminding your children to do the same.