Kids special: Dos and don’ts of your first skincare routine

As parents, we closely monitor our kids' nutrition, academic performance, and general well-being, yet skincare is sometimes disregarded until adolescence. However, it's crucial to start practicing healthy skincare routines at a young age, just like eating well.

Children's skin is more sensitive and delicate than that of adults, and they are continuously exposed to environmental aggressors, including sweat, pollution, grime, and sunlight. Taking minor precautions early on can protect their skin, avoid future problems, and help them feel confident in their developing years.

Below will discuss the importance of skincare for children, offer a basic three-step skincare routine, and outline the dos and don'ts that all parents should be aware of in order to help their children develop good skin habits.

Why skincare is important for kids:

Kids' skin is thinner than adults and more vulnerable to dryness, rashes, and irritation. Even little irritants can be uncomfortable if not handled properly. They commonly play outside, so dust and sweat can harm their skin, so a basic skincare routine can lower the chance of infection and keep skin clean and healthy. Sun exposure can also result in pigmentation and sunburns. By protecting the skin with sunscreen, you can avoid these damages.

Dos:Keep things simple. You only need to get them the essentials; you don't need multiple skincare products, just cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.UV rays can reach the skin even on cloudy days. A habit of applying sunscreen early on is one of the best gifts you can give your kids.Make your kids drink as much water as they can to keep their skin hydrated from the inside out. You can also mix it up with some fresh fruit juices, buttermilk, and coconut water.Dont’s:Don’t use adult skincare products on your kids. Keep in mind that your children may not benefit from the same face cleanser or body lotion that you do.

Avoid using too many products as this might cause redness and dryness.Encourage them to wash their face before bed, even if they're tired. Irritation and clogged pores can result from sleeping with perspiration and debris.

A simple 3-step skincare routine

When it comes to kids, less is more. They don’t need multiple products.

Their skin can be kept healthy with only a simple 3-step routine.Step 1: Cleanser: Make sure to use gentle and fragrance-free cleansers that are formulated for kids. Cleanse twice a day to get rid of sweat, grime, and extra oil without damaging the skin barrier.

Step 2: Moisturiser: A good moisturizer can keep your kids' skin supple and avoid dryness. Look for the ingredients such as shea butter, chamomile, and aloe vera. Step 3: Sunscreen: Even for kids, sunscreen is essential. Over time, UV radiation can destroy cells, cause tanning, and affect sensitive skin. Select a broad-spectrum, non-comedogenic, and kid-safe sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or greater and is ideally mineral-based.Inputs by Prasanna Vasanadu, Parent Educator and Founder of Tikitoro