Best Tips for Kids Skincare
1. Introduction
For any parent, seeing a child with skin problems can be horrifying. Aside from the natural effect it may have on them emotionally, understanding the causes and treatment can be daunting 1.
Still, special diets, probiotics, and herbal remedies can help alleviate children’s skincare concerns. Often, skin conditions can be inherited, and it is common for both parents and children to experience them.
At around two years of age, the skin’s barrier begins to develop, and by six years, it closely resembles that of an adult. This makes it significantly thinner and more sensitive to irritants than adult skin. Baby skincare products are formulated without added alkaline substances, dyes, alcohol, or fragrances to minimize irritation.
Common skin issues include dryness, dermatitis or eczema, rashes of various origins, and seborrheic dermatitis. Dryness can occur in various body areas, and if left untreated, it can lead to dermatitis, so regular moisturizing is essential.
2. Understanding Kids’ Skin
Kids’ skin is not the same as grown-ups’ skin, and because of this, extra-special care is needed. The skin of a kid is ten times thinner than that of an adult. In fact, newborns and infants have the thinnest skin, so baby products should be specially formulated 1.
This extra-special skin, however, is more sensitive to UV radiation damage, more prone to illnesses, and less able to defend itself against the environment; however, it has an great ability to hold moisture, so products that dry out the skin work poorly 2. Kids’ products should be hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and free from irritants, including surfactants, alcohol, and solvents.
3. Key Components of Kids’ Skincare
Gentle Cleansing Gentle cleansing is an essential component of kids’ skincare. The skin is a natural barrier that protects the body from the environment, but this barrier can become compromised by the overuse of harsh soaps and hot water. When selecting a soap or cleanser, opt for those without alcohol, fragrance, or dye, as these ingredients can exacerbate skin irritation.
When washing hands, using lukewarm water and soap is ideal. For infants, a soft washcloth or sponge can be used to cleanse the eyes, while during baths, one wet cloth with mild soap can be used on the head and face, and another to clean the body. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.
Moisturizing Moisturising is important for all children. Emollients (products that restore moisture and soften the skin) are ideal for moisturising. They come in a variety of forms, including ointments, oils, creams, or lotions.
Ointments and oils are thicker and best for very dry skin, while lotions are thinner and often best for warm humid weather. Emollients are best applied immediately after a bath on damp skin so they can be absorbed more effectively.
On the face, it is best to use a cream or lotion rather than an ointment. In the winter, it is a good idea for kids to wear gloves, or mittens, as the skin on the hands is thinner and can dry out easily. A good tip is to apply moisturizer before bedtime to have the best chance of it working overnight.
Sun Protection Sun protection is essential to the health and well-being of kids’ skin. No one should go outdoors without wearing protection in the early morning sun as the rays are the strongest between 11am and 4pm. Choosing a sunscreen that is suitable for a child’s skin type is also important.
For kids with acne, oily skin, or who sweat a lot, gel formulas are ideal. Waterproof sunscreens are also great for kids who love to swim. For very sensitive skin, rub-on sticks are usually less irritating. Always apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before sun exposure.
3.1. Gentle Cleaning
To maintain squeaky clean skin, children need to wash with a gentle cleanser while bathing or showering every day 3. It is important to choose mild, non-irritating cleansers that will not strip delicate young skin of natural oils.
Avoid soaps and gels with harsh chemicals, perfumes, and dyes. Instead, opt for mild surfactants with a natural pH of 5.5. Weekly exfoliating is fine for older kids and teens, but fragile skin needs only daily cleansing 4.
During babyhood, use a soft washcloth to wipe baby’s face and neck daily. Also, wash the hands and the groin, buttocks, and skin folds daily. Also at this age, wash the hair with a mild shampoo once or twice weekly.
Use a washcloth or hands to apply a small amount of liquid soap or lotion to each area of the body, rubbing and rinsing the area thoroughly before going on to the next area. Rinse and repeat this method for the head.
3.2. Moisturizing
It is important to keep the children’s skin well-hydrated. Even just some minutes in the sun or a let-up from the air conditioning may dry out a child’s skin. Also, sunbathing and swimming in chlorinated water can harm a child’s skin and lead to dryness, irritation, and sun-rash.
Keeping the child’s skin hydrated and smooth will help prevent and ease this discomfort. Moisturizing products with light fragrances are available for a more enjoyable application. Use the recommended amount of moisturizing products.
This is because low amounts may not restore the moisture barrier properly. Be on the lookout for signs of dryness, irritation, and sun-rash. Wash the child’s clothes in paraben-free detergents to prevent skin irritation 5.
Apply moisturizing products after a bath/shower. This is because moisturizing the skin with the right product after bathing seals in moisture and prevents its loss. If this is done consistently, the skin barrier will be restored, and dryness, irritation, and bumps will be less likely to occur.
Opt for products in lotion or cream forms rather than ointments (which can feel greasy). While all these formulations can help keep the child’s skin hydrated (as their main ingredients have the same moisturizing properties), lotion and cream formulations are more comfortable to use.
3.3. Sun Protection
Sun protection is a crucial aspect of children’s skin care. UV radiation is one of the most important environmental factors cause skin damage. Today there is a broad consensus that ultraviolet (UV) solar radiation is a potent human carcinogen responsible for an increasing incidence of skin cancers 6.
Therefore, protecting children’s skin from excessive UV radiation is of utmost importance to prevent skin injuries that may result in skin cancers later on.
In the last decade, there has been increasing interest in UV radiation: awareness of its harmful effects has increased. Children spend more time outdoors than adults, and there is compelling evidence that childhood is a particularly vulnerable time regarding the photocarcinogenic effects of the sun.
In early years, children’s skin is more sensitive than adult skin because natural defense mechanisms such as pigmentation and shedding are not fully developed. Child skin is thinner than adult skin, making it more vulnerable to solar UV.
Because of a greater body surface area-to-volume ratio, children absorb more UV than adults exposed to the same irradiation. Epidemiological data show a higher incidence of melanoma among individuals who suffered from sunburns in childhood and adolescence.
Sun protection is not about avoiding outdoor activities but about protecting skin from excess sun effects. The goal of sun protection is to achieve adequate sun exposure in order to “catch the sun” but without exceeding appropriate limits. Sun exposure should be avoided, particularly between 10 A.M. and 4 p.m., when more than 70% of ultraviolet solar radiation reaches the surface of the earth 7.
4. Common Skin Issues in Kids
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is one of the most common skin issues that kids tend to deal with. Eczema occurs when the skin barrier does not properly function, making the skin prone to dryness and irritation. Eczema can present in various forms, from a rash to thickened skin patches to weeping sores.
In general, while the rash can heal, kids are likely to experience cycles of itching, rash formation, and healing throughout their childhood. There is no way to cure eczema completely, but there are ways to manage it from worsening.
Eczema is common, affecting up to 20% of kids under age 5. If parents see dry patches of skin on their kids, they should try moisturizing the skin every day, avoid frequent hot baths/showers, and try more natural products free of irritants. If the dryness worsens or the rash appears red and/or itchy, it is best to seek a paediatric dermatologist 8.
Acne is another common skin issue that tends to show up during puberty in kids. Acne is a mix of medical and cosmetic problems that affect many teens, ranging from mild whiteheads and blackheads to moderate/severe cysts.
Parents are encouraged to help their teens manage the condition since adult acne can be socially and emotionally damaging. Common ways of treatment include topical treatments (like Vitamin A) and oral medications (such as antibiotic pills).
It is also best to set up a skincare routine that is consistent with products such as non-comedogenic cleansers, moisturisers, and sunscreen. If acne persists even after the treatment, one may need to see a dermatologist for help.
Never let anyone, including the sun, harm your kids’ skin. Sunburn, ingrown toenails, and splinters are skin issues caused by the environment. Sunburn occurs due to excess exposure to the sun, which can damage the skin severely and lead to dehydration and skin cancer.
To prevent sunburn, cover the skin with hats and long-sleeve clothes, use sunscreen, and seek shade. If a sunburn does happen, soak it in cold water and apply moisturiser to hydrate the burned skin. A splinter is when a small object embeds into the skin, which can be painful. Parents should use clean tweezers to remove it and an antiseptic to clean the area afterward.
If the splinter is deeply embedded, the best course of action is to seek a doctor’s help. Ingrown toenails happen when nails grow curved into the skin, which can be quite painful. To treat it, parents should soak their child’s foot in warm water and try to file down the curved sides of the nail.
4.1. Eczema
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition in kids. Its symptoms include red and itchy patches of skin that can be itchy, dry, and sore. There are different symptoms of eczema in kids, generally seen on their face, neck, scalp, and inside elbow and knee joints, without the redness.
In babies, it commonly appears on the cheeks, scalp, arms, and legs. Scratching can make it look crusty and raw, with bumps or blisters. Eczema often runs in families and can be triggered by different things.
Some common triggers are sweating from heat or exercise, rough fabrics or soaps, food allergies, dust mites or pet hair, patches of skin that get too dry, dirty skin, and some infections 9. Skin care starts by dealing with any triggers and moisturising daily. If needed, creams are used for redness, itching, or dryness.
With daily moisturising and care, many kids grow out of it, but a child may still have it when they grow up. The skin often dries out because it doesn’t keep in enough moisture. Moisturising helps to protect it and makes it feel better and look less red.
Take good care of your child’s skin to treat eczema. Bathe them once every day, or at least three times a week, but not more than that, as it can dry the skin, Use plain water or bath oil, use mild soap, wash for 5–10 minutes, and moisturise every day.
Choose the best creams and ointments that are thick and greasy, fragrance-free, and free of chemicals. Use full-fat milk, lard, or vegetable oil, apply moisturiser all over dark skin areas, and put cream on when the skin is damp. Follow a skincare routine: apply moisturiser within 5 minutes of bathing, whenever it looks dry, and before going to bed 10.
4.2. Acne
The occurrence of acne is not limited to the teenage group, but can also happen to kids, depending on their hormonal levels. This skincare enemy for kids manifests itself as pimples or bumps at different levels, including mild, moderate, and cystic acne, which is the worst.
Its causes include sebum overproduction triggered by hormonal changes during puberty, bacteria infection (Propionibacterium acnes), clogged pores due to dirt or excess oil, genetic factors as a family history of acne, and as a side effect of some medications.
Self-esteem can be negatively affected due to embarrassment or feeling less attractive than peers, which may lead to withdrawal from social activities. Acne can be controlled at home with proper skincare with gentle and effective products, including salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for specific treatment, or a preventive one with less irritating products like lactic acid or tea tree oil 11.
Good dermatologist-recommended skincare habits for kids include cleansing gently two times a day, using non-comedogenic facial moisturisers or sunscreens, and never squeezing or picking at acne. Skincare habits learned during childhood will stick and can be beneficial for a lifetime 12.
4.3. Sunburn: Best Tips for Kids Skincare
Sunburn occurs when the skin is exposed excessively and/or inadequately to the sun. Children are more vulnerable to sunburn than adults 6. Sunburnt skin is red, painful, swollen, and warm 13. It starts developing one or more days after sun exposure and may last up to 14 days.
Children should be kept indoors, have clothes covering sunburnt areas, and treated carefully with topical treatment. Immediately treat sunburnt areas as soon as possible with a cold gel, ice pack, or frozen vegetables wrapped in fabric for limited periods of time. Cold bath water, containing baking soda, corn starch, or oatmeal, soothes the skin.
Avoid oil and butter as an ointment on sunburnt areas. Never burst the blisters that develop on sunburnt skin, which may appear 5-10 days after the sunburn incident. In very severe cases, with a couple of blisters, fever, or headache, swelling that interferes with sight, etc., seek medical attention.
Up to the 1980s, it was thought that the sun was good for everyone. In the last decade or so, it is obvious that the sun can be dangerous. Recent medical research shows that children and teenagers need particular protection. Skin damage is cumulative, starting with the very first exposure to the sun.
This means that the younger one is, the greater the protection is needed. Young people probably get about 80 percent of their total lifetime sun exposure in the first 18 years of life. Because of this, protection and prevention are important in trying to avoid damage later in life.
Also Read: The Impact of Face Reality Skincare on Acne Treatment and Skin Health
5. Healthy Habits for Kids’ Skin
While the above regimens are highly recommended for kids’ skin care, adopting healthy habits helps the skin stay hydrated and youthful. Healthy habits include a balanced diet, drinking a good amount of water, and a healthy lifestyle.
**1. Diet:** A healthy diet including fruits, vegetables, and nuts is also essential to keeping the skin glowing. Foods such as avocados, sweet potatoes, bananas, and watermelon are full of vitamins and good for skin health. Water-rich fruits also help keep the skin hydrated.
Fruits such as papaya, rich in vitamin C and natural alkaloids, help rejuvenate skin cells. Oranges and lemons are also rich in vitamin C, which is good for purifying blood, and reducing acne and pimples.
Vegetables such as carrots, spinach, capsicum, cucumber, tomato, and broccoli help the skin to glow. Carrots are loaded with beta carotene; they protect the skin from sun damage and prevent skin pigmentation.
Spinach has anti-aging properties; it keeps the skin moisturized and makes it look healthy. Tomato contains lycopene, which protects the skin from sunburns and wrinkles. Cucumber is excellent as it hydrates and cools down the skin.
Most nuts are high in vitamin E. They eliminate dry skin, make the skin glow, and appear youthful. Almonds are loaded with antioxidants and help lighten sun spots and dark circles. Walnuts help balance the oil in the skin and face.
**2. Water:** Drinking a good amount of water is very important to keep the skin hydrated. It enhances the skin complexion, improves elasticity, flushes out toxins, and reduces dark circles.
3–4 litres of water should be drunk daily. To remember the water intake, one can use the following methods:
Download a water tracker app on mobile and set reminders. Keep a jug filled with water on your desk so that it is remembered to drink. – Use bottles with markers to know the amount of water drunk throughout the day.
**3. Lifestyle:** – Exercise helps increase blood circulation, absorbs more oxygen and nutrients to nourish the skin, hence it glows. – Good sleep is important to rest and rejuvenate the skin. The skin repairs itself while sleeping, hence, lack of sleep causes dark circles and makes the skin dull. – An inviting atmosphere for sleep, such as low light and minimal noise, encourages good sleep.
References:
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10. Ghio D, Muller I, Greenwell K, Roberts A, et al. ‘It’s like the bad guy in a movie who just doesn’t die’: a qualitative exploration of young people’s adaptation to eczema and implications for self-care. [PDF]
11. Fox L, Csongradi C, Aucamp M, du Plessis J, et al. Treatment Modalities for Acne. 2016. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
12. Rocha M, Barnes F, Calderón J, Fierro-Arias L, et al., Acne treatment challenges: Recommendations of Latin American expert Consensus. 2024. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
13. Marie Tondl R., NF97-340 Sun Protection Guide for Children. 1997. [PDF]