When should parents start teaching children how to have healthy skin care habits? The truth is every child develops at different paces but once they start brushing their teeth or washing their bodies by themselves, it may also be time to teach the children how to take care of their skin.
According to Stanford Children's Health, skin care is not about using acne creams and other products. As the largest organ, it's important to keep the skin healthy to protect the body from germs or regulate the body temperature.
If kids develop healthy skin care habits early, they can maintain their skin's health at any age. If they adopt a regiment while young, they will be able to carry these over as adults.
Here are some everyday ways to encourage your kids to have healthy skin care habits:
1. Take nightly baths
Stanford Children's Health expert Dr. Nora Fahden said that kids need to take their nightly baths to boost their skin's health. She said that this habit may clear the skin of allergens and germs that often prevent moisture retention. The doctor also said that nightly baths are a "trigger for sleep" but she advised against bubble baths with scented soaps because this can tend to dry out the skin more.
2. Wash the face with lukewarm water
Teach your kids to wash their faces with lukewarm water, especially when they wake up in the morning and while they take their nightly baths. Hot water is harsh on the skin and could lead to redness and irritation. Cold water, on the other hand, will not remove the gunk and other dirt so easily. Guide the children in testing for lukewarm water. If they can't stick their hand in the water that comes out of the faucet, it's likely going to be harsh on their skin.
3. Limit direct sunlight exposure
Children need to play outdoors for their physical and mental health but too much sun can be too harsh on the skin and may lead to skin damage like sunburns. It's the parents' responsibility to manage their children's time outdoors. If they have to play outside for extended hours, parents need to make sure that their children have the right sun protection like hats, rash guards, or sunscreen lotion.
According to the Nationwide Children's Organization, kids need to reapply sunscreen every two hours during sunny outdoor weather. If it can be avoided, the worst times to go out are between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. because the sun's UV rays are the strongest at these hours.
4. Avoid the urge to scratch bites and irritation
Aside from sunlight exposure, children may be exposed to insect bites and other skin irritants that may cause redness and itchiness. These can be avoided by wearing the proper clothing to cover up, especially if they have to go camping or participate in other outdoor school activities.
According to First Pediatric Care Center, a safe insect repellent formulated for children will also protect their skin. However, if they've been bitten by mosquitoes or bugs, a cold compress, a dollop of calamine lotion, or a drop of lavender or tea tree essential oils may minimize the itch. It will also help to trim their fingernails regularly so that they won't break their skin if they can't avoid scratching.
5. Avoid picking on scabs or acne.
Some kids tend to pick on the scabs of a healing wound or an acne breakout but it's vital to inform them that this will likely leave a permanent scar. If they are always tempted, it might help to cover the scab with a band-aid for a few days. If the child is at an age when they are having pimples or acne, a visit to a dermatologist should be scheduled so they can learn more about skin care from the experts.
