Skincare is not an adult-only activity, and more and more kids are interested in skincare. It may be overwhelming and confusing for parents, especially with many brands markets skincare for kids. Do children need skincare? What is the best skincare routine for children?
Calypso Cavallo is here to help!
Skincare for kids?
When today’s parents were children themselves, the issue of skin care for children did not exist because no brands marketed skincare for kids. Their skincare routine was probably as simple as washing their face with plain water.
Nowadays, we have products for anything and everything. Brands have lines of skin care products marketed toward children, and parents are often clueless about the necessity and safety of such products.
First, the most important for parents is to remember their kids’ skin is sensitive. Until a child reaches puberty, there is no need to use skincare products for acne, as they will irritate the kid’s skin and make it dryer. A kid’s skincare routine must be simple and includes three parts:
- Wash
- Moisturize
- Protect from UV light
Once the kid’s face is clean, it is time to apply a moisturizer. Kids with sensitive skin may need to use a moisturizer containing ceramides.
The third step of skincare for kids is to apply sunscreen. UV light is the biggest threat to a kid’s skin. It is not just about sunburn. UV light on a child’s sensitive skin deeply damages it, increasing its risk of skin cancer later in life. Apply sunscreen several times a day when being outside is a must. Many children do not like to use sunscreen because it is sticky. Parents opt for spray sunscreen that is faster to apply and less sticky than regular ones.
Parents should double-check the ingredient list of their sunscreen because some contain toxic ingredients, such as the infamous avobenzone and benzophenone. Those two ingredients are banned in many places because they are harmful to sea life and are suspected of causing cancer. Homosalate, PABA, and methoxycinnamate are dangerous and should not be found in a kid’s sunscreen.
What to avoid in skincare for kids?
Many products are marketed for kids, and many parents are lost in the sea of options. Luckily, when it comes to skincare for kids, the simplest (often the cheapest) is the best.
However, harmful skincare ingredients should be avoided for kids and adults alike. We have an entire article about dangerous skincare ingredients. Other components may be fine for adults but may cause irritation or allergic reaction in children (and adults with sensitive and reactive skin), such as perfumes or dyes.
Finding the perfect product for a child can be challenging and overwhelming. Parents can monitor their child’s skin to see how they tolerate the products. If they have redness or irritation, it is better to look for cleaner products. If the kid does just fine with them, then no need to look further.
Moreover, as the children age, the products may become less adapted and even be harmful. It is crucial to keep an eye on the child’s skin and to adjust the routine. If your child is suffering from irritation or rash and switching products does not help, parents should consult a dermatologist, as it may be a skin condition.